Top 10 luxury beach resorts in Southeast Asia

The picturesque beaches of Southeast Asia have long attracted holidaymakers in search of solitude, sunshine, sea, and sand. However, over the years, mass tourism has led to the proliferation of generic resorts along the coastlines, damaging the once-serene hillsides and the beaches themselves. Despite this, a few luxury properties have managed to maintain the essence of paradise through careful preservation and thoughtful location choices, offering some of the finest luxury beach resorts in Southeast Asia. Presented below are the region’s top ‘private’ beaches and their accompanying beach resorts, organized by region.

PHILIPPINES

The Philippines hosts arguably the best beaches in the world. Although more popular for party destinations such as Cebu and Boracay (though both destinations also have their own slices of heaven if you look for them), idyllic destinations such as El Nido and Coron (both a part of the Palawan province) have gained traction in recent years due to their sensational surrounds, limestone karst lagoons and long stretches of coastline.

Amanpulo, Palawan

Amanpulo, Palawan “Private island” only hints at the bliss that is Amanpulo. Set on Pamalican Island, about 100 kilometres off the coast of Palawan, the softest, whitest, most powdery sand we have ever encountered forms the coastline that circumnavigates the island. With a beach to surpass the finest of beach destinations such as the Maldives, Seychelles, Caribbean and more, this little-known slice of heaven, accessible by an easy 70-minute twin-propeller ride from Manila, is only a short trip from Asian transport hubs such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore and more. Guests stay in ‘casitas’, modelled after local dwellings, with most of these situated on the beach, while also having the option to stay in privately owned (these are for sale) beach-side villas with pools ranging from one- to four-bedrooms. Honestly, if you just want THE most spectacular beach ever (but want all the comforts of a luxury resort), forget everything else, just go here.

THAILAND

Thailand and beaches are practically synonymous. From the easily accessible Hua Hin to the enchanting islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand has long been a favorite for beach lovers and is one of my favorite destinations, often making appearances in Hollywood films like James Bond. Despite rapid development making secluded beach resorts harder to find, these hidden paradises still exist…

While Thailand offers a plethora of stunning beaches and luxurious beach resorts, two standouts are The Racha, known for its soft, white sand and excellent snorkeling, and Rayavadee, famed for its golden sands and dramatic limestone karsts. However, it’s important to note that all beaches in Thailand are public. As neither The Racha nor Rayavadee has a private cove or bay, these popular spots can get crowded due to frequent boat tours. Despite their beauty, they don’t make this list of exclusive escapes. But don’t let that stop you from visiting them if you’re okay with sharing the beauty with day-trippers!

For those seeking true seclusion and luxury, let us help you discover Thailand’s best-kept beach secrets. Book with us and uncover the serene and private beach resorts that promise an unforgettable experience.

SONEVA KIRI, KOH KOOD

Koh Kood, nestled in the quiet Gulf of Thailand, is the country’s fourth-largest island yet remains blissfully underpopulated with just 2,500 locals and minimal tourists. This paradise is free from large resort chains, instead offering charming boutique hotels, inns, and homestays. Arriving via Soneva’s private charter from Bangkok, you’ll land on a secluded airstrip, and from above, the island appears as a lush jungle dotted with pristine beaches.

Soneva Kiri, located on the peaceful northwestern coast, features 29 of Asia’s largest villas, ranging from the spacious 1-bedroom Bayview Pool Suite at 464 sqm (4,994 sq ft) to a magnificent 6-bedroom residence at nearly 3,000 sqm (31,517 sq ft). Some villas even provide private beach access. Guests flock to Koh Kood for its tranquil setting, engaging island excursions, and breathtaking beaches.

The resort’s private beach club on North Beach offers soft sands and azure waters. While the resort’s former South Beach location is now public, it remains the island’s best beach, accessible via the resort’s boat.

Experience the untouched beauty and luxury of Koh Kood by booking your stay with us today.

INDONESIA: Southeast Asia's Beach Paradise

Indonesia, alongside the Philippines, boasts some of Southeast Asia’s finest beaches. As the world’s largest archipelago with around 17,000 islands, it’s no wonder Indonesia has the third-largest coastline globally, despite not ranking in the top ten for land area. Indonesia is often synonymous with Bali, a destination renowned but also impacted by mass tourism. However, regional Bali remains stunningly beautiful.

Many of Indonesia’s pristine beaches are remote and best explored by yacht or liveaboard. Nonetheless, a few luxury resorts provide a glimpse into the splendor of this equatorial country, which stretches from the Andaman Sea near Malaysia to Papua New Guinea, and from the southern Philippines to northern Australia.

Book your stay with us to experience the untouched beauty and luxury of Indonesia’s beaches.

Bawah Reserve: An Exclusive Retreat in the Riau Archipelago

Just a four-hour journey east of Singapore lies the Riau Archipelago, home to Bawah Reserve, an exclusive haven encompassing six islands and 13 beaches. Though the journey may be lengthy, the sight of these islands emerging on the horizon makes it all worthwhile. This luxurious Robinson Crusoe-style resort features 35 villas spread across the hill, beach, and overwater on a single island, leaving the remaining islands (except for one undergoing transformation into a private island with six villas) for private excursions, water sports, and secluded beach picnics.

Experience unparalleled luxury and seclusion at Bawah Reserve by booking your stay with us today.

Nihi Sumba: An Award-Winning Eco-Luxury Retreat

Getting to the island of Sumba is an adventure in itself, involving a domestic flight from Bali followed by a 90-minute drive to the resort. Helicopter options are also available from either the domestic airport or Bali. Over the past decade, Sumba has gained popularity thanks to Nihi, a remote resort renowned for its commitment to sustainability, eco-tourism, and community outreach. Frequently awarded ‘Best Hotel of the Year’, Nihi is often described as being ‘on the edge of wilderness.’

The island’s waters are a surfer’s paradise, boasting one of the world’s best surf breaks. However, Nihi offers a range of unique seaside experiences, including the unforgettable opportunity to swim with horses that often gallop along the beach. The resort also serves as an excellent stopover for a liveaboard cruise through Indonesia’s breathtaking regions, including Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat.

Book your stay with us and experience the unparalleled beauty and adventure of Nihi Sumba

Discover Amankila: Bali's Hidden Gem of Volcanic Beauty

Many resorts boast of “white sand” or “golden sand beaches,” but Amankila on Bali’s quieter northeastern shore offers something truly unique: a glistening volcanic black sand beach, formed from the remnants of the nearby active Mount Agung volcano. While Bali is often associated with the crowded party scenes of Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, and the bustling areas of Denpasar, Seminyak, and Kuta, Amankila stands apart as an oasis of tranquility.

Amankila’s beach, though modest at 400 meters, is one of Bali’s most private and beautiful. The soft, shimmering black sand sparkles like diamonds under the sun but be cautious as it can get very hot. The resort’s beach club, set in a serene valley between two hills and surrounded by coconut trees, features a 40-meter pool by the restaurant and offers private bales and sun loungers shaded by vegetation for maximum privacy. The only disturbance might be the distant ships on the horizon, with attentive service provided by Amankila’s warm and welcoming staff.

Amankila is both a beach and jungle resort, offering hiking and cultural excursions nearby. Yet, its exceptional beach club alone makes it a standout destination. Experience the unique allure and luxury of Amankila by booking your stay with us.

VIETNAM: A Coastal Haven of Diverse Influences

Vietnam, a narrow yet extensive country stretching along the South China Sea, boasts an impressive 3,600 kilometers of coastline. Known for its rich blend of Vietnamese, French colonial, and American influences, Vietnam is often celebrated for its vibrant cities, rich culture, and delectable cuisine rather than its pristine beaches. However, as the country gradually opens up to tourism, its stunning coastlines and myriad islands are beginning to gain the attention they deserve.

Experience the emerging beauty of Vietnam’s coastal havens by booking your luxury stay with us today.

SIX SENSES CON DAO, CON DAO

While Con Dao Islands have a history overshadowed by its role as a prison island during the French colonial and Saigon regime eras, today it embraces a future intertwined with nature and breathtaking landscapes. Nestled along a tranquil stretch of soft sand are the 50 villas of Six Senses Con Dao resort, each exuding the signature rustic charm of Six Senses and featuring private pools and stunning views—a perfect complement to the serene beach setting.

Six Senses Con Dao remains committed to creating an eco-friendly paradise. As part of this commitment, the resort sells ‘crystal water’ (mineral water), with proceeds contributing to building a mineral water supply for children at the Con Dao primary school.

Embark on a journey to Con Dao and experience the harmony of luxury and sustainability at Six Senses Con Dao.

AMANOI

Amanoi, the inaugural Aman hotel in Vietnam, marks a significant achievement for both the Aman group and the country’s luxury tourism industry. It exemplifies their knack for selecting prime locations: calling Nui Chua National Park, situated along Vinh Hy Bay, a paradise on earth might be an overstatement, but only slightly. Nestled just down the coast from Nha Trang, Amanoi is perched on a hillside, offering stunning views of the beaches and the bay.

CAMBODIA

Cambodia, while not widely recognized for its beaches due to its limited coastline, is seeing an emergence of luxury beach resorts in the southern islands accessible from Sihanoukville. This coastal town is conveniently reached by flights from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as international hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, and Bangkok.

THE ROYAL SANDS KOH RONG, KOH RONG

Just a brief ferry journey from Sihanoukville’s pier lies the serene Koh Rong Island. The Royal Sands Koh Rong features 67 Ocean View, Beach Front, and Pool Villas, all situated along a 550-meter-long beach that ranks among Southeast Asia’s finest. What sets The Royal Sands Koh Rong apart and warrants its inclusion is not only its stunning boutique resort ambiance, which aligns perfectly with our preferences at The Suite Life, but also its claim to one of Cambodia’s most spectacular beaches, a distinction unmatched by other nearby resorts near Sihanoukville.

Song Saa Private Island

This is Cambodia, but not the Cambodia you might anticipate. Song Saa Private Island resembles more the luxurious locales of the Maldives or Seychelles, or perhaps a high-end, villa-filled version of the Thai island paradise depicted in Alex Garland’s The Beach. Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, this pristine spot is one of the closest experiences to untouched nature you can find. With just twenty-seven villas, Song Saa fully embraces its remote setting—if you’re going to live like a castaway, this is the way to do it in style.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia stands out in Southeast Asia due to its renowned beaches and islands, with destinations like Rawa Island, Tioman Island, Redang Island, Perhentian Island, and Sipadan Island prized for their pristine waters ideal for snorkeling and diving rather than bustling nightlife. Despite their natural beauty, these locations lack a ‘world-class resort’—with the exception of Batu Batu on Tengah Island, a noteworthy private island resort worth exploring. However, there is one exception to this trend.

THE DATAI LANGKAWI, LANGKAWI

The Datai Langkawi stands out uniquely on our list for its location deep within an ancient rainforest, surrounded by a complex network of mangroves and a rich ecosystem rather than directly on the beachfront. The main resort, housing most of its suites, is nestled 300 meters inland amidst lush jungle, with villas scattered throughout the rainforest, some perched above a meandering creek that winds through the property.

Despite its jungle setting, The Datai Bay Beach is easily accessible via a short buggy ride and is acclaimed by National Geographic as one of the top 10 beaches worldwide. The resort boasts a private 1.5-kilometer beach shared with only one other property, The Andaman, a Luxury Collection resort located just west of The Datai Langkawi and its beach club.

Adding to its allure, The Datai Langkawi features the Naga Pelangi, a 30-meter traditional wooden Malaysian junk schooner, perfect for captivating daytime excursions or romantic sunset cruises. Nearby, the captivating Thai islands of Koh Lipe, Koh Ra Wi, and Koh Adang beckon, easily reached by overnight liveaboard or yacht.

Originally built in 1994 and meticulously renovated in 2018, The Datai Langkawi recently introduced one- and two-bedroom beach villas, offering an unparalleled beachfront experience amidst its pristine surroundings.

LIVEABOARDS, CRUISES AND YACHTS

Exploring archipelagos with their diverse landscapes often requires the flexibility and intimacy offered by liveaboards, boutique cruises, or private yacht charters. Unlike traditional resorts, these options allow guests to navigate multiple islands and remote destinations with ease.

Liveaboards typically offer scheduled charters with set routes, particularly popular in regions like Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park, but can also be chartered privately for customized itineraries. Similarly, boutique cruises operate on strict schedules and offer individual cabin bookings, while private yacht charters provide ultimate flexibility, allowing guests to tailor their journey with the captain and crew.

For instance, embarking on a cruise from Langkawi to Phuket or venturing further north to the Myeik Archipelago in the Andaman Sea promises an immersive experience. Choosing the right liveaboard, cruise, or yacht can be daunting, akin to selecting the perfect hotel or resort.

– Amandira and Amanikan
– Rascal Voyages
– Sequoia Yacht
– Silolona Sojourns
– Samata Liveaboard
– Prana by Aztaro
– Alila Purnama
– True North

Urvashi

With a focus on luxury hotels, resorts and villas, I deliver premium travel planning service to both leisure and business clients who appreciate value over cost.