5 luxury hotels in South East Asia for your next weekend getaway or vacation

The much-anticipated third season of The White Lotus arrives this month. Filmed in Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui, the $35 million budget was given a boost thanks to a $4.4 million tax rebate.

Season one was filmed at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, while season two was shot on location at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, another Four Seasons Hotel. The global partnership with Four Seasons hotels continues, with much of the action of season three filmed at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

If you’ve never stayed at a Four Seasons Hotel, 2025 may be the ideal time to correct that.

The ultimate luxury chain offers phenomenal personal service and, with 133 amazing properties around the world, you can find a Four Seasons hotel in every major city and many popular vacation destinations.

Should you be seeking a luxury retreat minus the long haul travel, here are five luxury destinations offering a calm and peaceful sanctuary for rest and recuperation.

1. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Combining natural beauty with exceptional service, this Four Seasons Resort, on the stunning north-west coast of Koh Samui, offers a serene and indulgent retreat.  

Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, with a private beach, and spacious villas and private residences, set in lush tropical surroundings, you can expect luxury at every turn.

Indulge in exquisite food, a top-notch spa, and take advantage of the many and varied activities – from exhilarating water sports to rejuvenating yoga.

Travel time from Singapore

Non-stop flight to Koh Samui 1 hour, 55 minutes, followed by a 45-minute drive to the hotel.

Reviewer report:

• “Best resort we've ever stayed at – can't recommend it more highly. Kid-friendly whilst also perfecting quiet, relaxing luxury for adults.”
• “Truly 5-star experience, with the best staff, outstanding food, and magical resort built into the hillside.”
• “Friendly staff and authentic local cuisine at Thai Kitchen.”

2,002 TripAdvisor reviews. 86% five stars.

2. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Located on Malaysia’s idyllic Langkawi island, and set amidst lush rainforest and pristine beaches, the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi provides a perfect blend of luxury and nature.

Many of the spacious villas and pavilions come with private pools, allowing for peace and utmost privacy. If you’re tempted beyond your private retreat, you’ll find a wide range of amenities, including world-class dining, the Geo spa, offering the absolute best personalised care, as well as water sports, including kayaking and sailing.

If you’re looking for an adventure, take a guided nature walk or an excursion to explore nearby islands.

There’s everything you need to tailor your vacation to suit your mood. Relax on the private beach, indulge in local seafood at one or all of the resort’s three restaurants, or take a dip in the lagoon-style pool.

The Four Seasons Langkawi is an ideal retreat for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Singapore.

Travel time from Singapore

Non-stop flight to Langkawi 1 hour 30 minutes, followed by a 25-minute drive to the hotel.

Reviewers report:

• “Far away from the madding crowd, Four Seasons Langkawi is amazing. Of all the resorts we have ever stayed, this place has the best food. At every restaurant at every meal, consistently outstanding.”
• “The mile-long beach is breathtaking, and the setting is so idyllic and romantic — it’s paradise! The restaurants served some of the best food we’ve ever had, and the staff went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable.”
• “The location is stunning, with a private beach and breathtaking views of the Sea. Our villa was spacious, beautifully designed, and offered plenty of privacy, with every detail thoughtfully curated.”

2,057 TripAdvisor reviews. 78% five stars.

3. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

A tranquil and luxurious retreat on the pristine northern coast of Phuket, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is an intimate resort, perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Choose from a variety of spacious pool villas, nestled in lush tropical gardens. From the smallest of rooms to a large four-bed connected pavilion, each residence provides a private sanctuary.

The resort boasts wide and varied dining options, including Thai, Indian, and Japanese cuisine.

Fortunately, there are activities aplenty to help you work off indulgent meals, including exercise classes, tennis, golf, fishing, water sports, and cycling tours.

Once you’ve worked up a sweat or have simply tired of swimming and sunbathing, there’s a spa with no less than six couples treatment suites, a steam room, and indoor and outdoor baths.

If you want to unwind and enjoy the ultimate laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Anantara Mai Khao could present the perfect solution.

Travel time from Singapore

Non-stop flight to Phuket 1 hour 55 minutes, followed by a 15-minute drive.

Reviewers report:

• “Villas 10 put of 10 comfy luxury and very authentic. Food 10/10 yum and rich in flavours. Service 1000/10”
• “The hotel offered amazing location with a top-notch hospitable service and fantastic additional amenities, including pools, a spa, luxurious sea-view villas, excellent shopping and dining experiences, and a peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing stay.”
• “What truly sets Anantara Phuket apart is the exceptional level of service and the genuine care shown by the staff. Their dedication to ensuring a memorable and stress-free stay made all the difference. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a top-tier resort experience!”

3,522 TripAdvisor reviews. 83% five stars.

4. Telunas Private Island

An exclusive and secluded escape, Telunas Private Island is just off the coast of Indonesia’s Batam, a short boat ride from Singapore.

The perfect choice when you want to truly unplug and disconnect from the rest of the world, the exquisite resort is set on a pristine island surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush greenery.

Offering a handful of beachfront villas and overwater bungalows, a stay at Telunas is the ultimate way to switch off and relax.

The laid-back resort focuses on relaxation, delivering ultimate privacy and serenity. If you tire of relaxing you can dabble in kayaking, snorkelling, fishing from the jetty, or strengthen your core on a stand up paddleboard.

The cuisine blends delicious traditional Indonesian with western cultural influences, allowing plenty of choice for your personal meal plan.

Whether you opt to stay on the private island, or the Telunas resort, this destination is ideal for a peaceful weekend getaway for couples, families, and small groups.

Travel time from Singapore

Two hours and two boat rides from Singapore.

Reviewers report:

• “Open all the windows and doors on your overwater villa and let the breeze waft through. This was a unique holiday experience with a combination of laid back simplicity and high end luxury. The food was good. The staff were excellent and accommodating to everyone's needs. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.”
• “Five-star worth hotel disguised as a rustic paradise among the 10 thousand islands.”
• “Totally relaxing and fantastic little island. Wonderful staff, food and accommodation. Simply the best short holiday we have ever had, everything was perfect.”

731 TripAdvisor reviews. 87% five stars.

5. Trisara

A luxurious hideaway set along Phuket’s western coastline, if you’re seeking a sophisticated yet serene escape from Singapore, Trisara is the perfect spot.

Boasting multiple awards and plenty of prestigious press coverage, Trisara is known for its exceptional service and breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea.

Exclusive private villas and suites, all with their own pools, ensure ultimate privacy and comfort.

Trisara is a haven for relaxation, offering world-class dining, a tranquil spa, and a range of water activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boat trips. And, if you want an adventure, you can go island hopping, or take a trip to the Local Roots Market.

Seamlessly blending of luxury, nature, and top-tier service, Trisara offers perfect tranquillity in a stunning tropical setting.

Travel time from Singapore

Non-stop flight to Phuket 1 hour, 55 minutes, followed by a 40-minute car journey.

Reviewers report:

1,013 TripAdvisor reviews. 87% five stars.