Seaplanes, coral planting and an enticing kiss bridge: the most enchanting romantic stays in Southeast Asia
When you think of a romantic getaway, what comes to mind? Is it deep turquoise waters or evergreen verdant forests? Is it in the heart of a charming old-world city or the tranquil seclusion of an island? No matter your definition of romance, countries in Southeast Asia offer hospitality, charm, and the opportunity to sink into the small moments of joy and love.
Dive into the Maldives' turquoise blue waters and know what it means to be in the moment, live like a local to experience Saigon's unparalleled charm-meets-sophistication, or surrender to Thailand's heady adventures – romance manifests in all shapes and forms in Southeast Asia, if one only looks for it.
There may not be a way to reverse time, but there are ways you could freeze it, even if for just a little while. Hilton's island resorts allow you to do just that. Here, you can shut out the world and surround yourself with the gentle rhythm of island life, disconnecting from everyday routines and reconnecting with each other.
La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, VietnamThe Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is surrounded by stunning blue waters, soft white-sand beaches, and exotic marine life. And at its heart is La Festa Phu Quoc – a slice of the ethereal Amalfi Coast with all the adventures and charms of Vietnam. Intimate and immersive, La Festa embodies romance with its dreamy, Mediterranean-inspired architecture and stunning sunset views.
Start your day with an east-meets-west Mediterranean breakfast spread and then while away an hour or two with your special someone at the infinity pool overlooking the ocean; get to know the island by visiting nearby attractions such as the iconic Kiss bridge that symbolises love and connection in its unique architecture. Let off some steam at the hotel's eforea Spa with a couple's treatment designed to pamper and rejuvenate.
When it's time for sunset, head to the lobby lounge for high tea and one of the most breathtaking sunsets of your life. After sundown, it'll be time for the most indulgent Italian spread at Mare – one of La Festa's four dining destinations – where you will have front-row seats to the nightly four-minute fireworks display – the finale of the nearby Kiss of the Sea show – that will leave you in awe.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
There are few other properties in Southeast Asia that offer an island getaway experience as customised and unforgettable as Conrad Maldives. From the moment the seaplane takes off from Malé for the 30-minute flight to Rangali, offering breathtaking arrival views of turquoise waters and scattered atolls, you know you're in for a retreat unlike any other.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is blessed with the most fascinating underwater life, and takes the experience many notches higher (or should we say, lower?) with Ithaa and the Muraka – the world's first undersea restaurant and residence, respectively. Because when you're surrounded by manta rays and whale sharks, why miss a second?
Sprawled across two natural islands, Conrad Maldives is a sanctuary offering countless moments that will make your time with loved ones memorable. Dive among corals, enjoy Maldivian culture, savour barefoot nature walks, or join in conservation efforts, such as coral planting or swimming with whale sharks.
Let go of stress at one (or both) of the two spas at Conrad Maldives that offer customised experiences to suit your wellness needs. If you want something more private, the resort offers bespoke sandbank picnics, yacht charters and unforgettable marine encounters.
Conrad Koh Samui, ThailandMake your dreams of living in a tropical paradise come true at Conrad Koh Samui. Located on a secluded hillside resort overlooking the Gulf of Thailand on Koh Samui's southwestern tip, the property offers a personal experience that gives you the perfect excuse to slow down and reconnect with yourself and your partner.
Spend your days in your private villa, each of which comes with a sundeck and a 10-metre infinity pool that commands uninterrupted views of the Five Islands, giving a very White Lotus vibe. At the spa, experience unparalleled Thai hospitality with aromatherapy and crystal healing while gazing at the infinite ocean views, or get your hands dirty at Iris farm – where the hotel sources 70% of its fresh ingredients – by taking a tour and harvesting ingredients for your meal.
If you're seeking adventure, dare your partner to jet ski in the gulf's waters for an adrenaline pump or, for something more serene, go exploring on a longtail boat excursion. Then, wind down at one of Conrad Koh Samui's nine dining and bar locations, each with its own offering, from Thai cuisine and steak to cocktails and homemade kombucha.
Whether you're an itinerary-bound couple or people who like to take each day as it comes, you'll find yourself at home at Conrad Koh Samui.
The key to a long-lasting relationship is creating new memories through shared experiences, and Southeast Asia's bustling metropolises are the perfect setting. Famed for their marriage of traditional charm and contemporary glamour, they are playgrounds for adventurous couples who want to make new memories together.
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, ThailandAt Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, experience what a luxury urban oasis feels like in the heart of the city with Thai-inspired heritage and New York-style glamour. Subtle yet luxurious, the high-ceiling rooms with curved panoramic windows allow you to wake up to the movement, the rush and excitement of Bangkok while being ensconced in calmness and leisure. Take the elevator to the very top of the hotel to experience The Loft, and you'll have one of the best bird's eye views of Bangkok twinkling below as you sip your artisanal spirits and forgotten cocktails.
The perfect Bangkok stay would be incomplete without experiencing the hotel's wellness and culinary offerings; book yourself a private spa treatment for couples that will transport you outside of space and time to a place of calm and quiet, a bonding experience like no other. Don't miss out on taking a dip in one of the best pools in Thailand – it curves around the terrace and offers views of this beautiful city.
Beyond the hotel walls, couples can rent bikes and spend an unhurried afternoon at Bang Krachao, an island on the Chao Phraya River that is the 'green lung' of Bangkok. A lush, car-free oasis that's a short ferry ride from the city centre, you'll find shaded paths, elevated walkways, sleepy villages, and even a floating market that all promises a peaceful, nature-filled escape that feels worlds away.
Conrad Singapore Orchard
You don't have to be far from the city to experience a serene getaway. In fact, at Conrad Singapore Orchard, you will be at the heart of the city while being able to switch off from the hustle of it. From the minute you step into the hotel's soaring skylit atrium, you will be inspired by the sophistication of Conrad Singapore's architecture, a dream escape for luxury connoisseurs and hedonists looking for a romantic, sensory retreat. Try the hotel's signature sleep-to-wake ritual, a bespoke wellness experience featuring botanical-infused teas and guided relaxation.
Conrad Singapore's 10 world-class restaurants and bars will spoil you with options, from the Michelin-starred Summer Palace offering Cantonese fine dining, to East47, a cocktail studio inspired by Andy Warhol's Silver Factory, and Basilico for Italian fare.
When in Singapore, elevate your date experience – literally. Dine above the clouds glimpsing the twinkling city lights shining through as you glide between Mount Faber and Sentosa Island in a private cabin on the Singapore Cable Car Sky. The experience comes with a four-course meal and an unforgettable view.
Hilton Saigon, VietnamCharm and romance abound in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), a city that boasts style, character and endless surprises. Experience its captivating culture while staying at the Hilton Saigon, which embodies (and is located in) the heart of the city. With sweeping views of the Saigon River, Hilton Saigon's thoughtfully curated suites make sure you never miss a moment of this city's beauty. At the top of your to-do list should be an exclusive treatment at the hotel's eforea Spa to make the most of your city romantic escape. For those with a gastronomic curiosity, savour the bold flavours of Vietnamese, Cantonese and Mediterranean cuisines in the hotel's four award-winning dining venues.
If you want to experience the Saigon River from up close, take your date out for dinner on a sunset cruise to see the city in a different light as you drift past colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, with cocktails in hand.
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