Welcome the coming Lunar New Year with a different kind of celebration — one that offers peace, indulgence, and discovery. Head to these destinations in Southeast Asia for an unforgettable holiday escape this festive season instead.

Looking to flee the frenetic rush of the coming Lunar New Year? We feel you. So why not leave behind the frenetic festivities of the impending Year of the Snake and slither away to tranquil getaways in some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning destinations?

Whether you’re seeking wellness retreats, cultural immersion, or beachfront luxury, the region’s newest resorts and hotels promise to deliver unparalleled escapades. From serene riverside sanctuaries in Hoi An to idyllic coastal retreats in Lombok, these fresh openings are perfect for recharging and reconnecting.

[Photo credits: resorts’ own]


The Nipa Pool Villa of Namia River Retreat

Namia River Retreat :: Hoi An, Vietnam

Looking for a relaxing yet indulgent wellness-focused escapade to get away from it all? Consider the newly-opened Namia River Retreat in Vietnam’s enchanting coastal city of Hoi An.

Nestled on the Cồn Ba Xã islet in Hoi An, newly-opened Namia River Retreat is a thoughtfully-designed sanctuary offering beautifully-appointed 60 villas with private pools – with stunning views of the Thu Bon River – that’s centred around holistic wellness. From mindful cultural experiences and wellness therapies to healthful remedies and locally-inspired dining, this retreat has it all. In fact, all resort guests even get to enjoy an inclusive 90-minute well-being journey every night that include a 30-minute Turkish-style hammam and 60-minute traditional spa treatment, assuring that you’ll be more than refreshed enough to go back to exploring the lantern-lit ancient town of Hoi An the next day.

Namia River Retreat | 232 Trần Nhân Tông, Cẩm Thanh, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam (Google Maps link) | namiariverretreat.com | +84 235 3969 888 | rates


Southeast Asia holiday escape- Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection

Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection :: Hoi An, Vietnam

Also spanking new at Hoi An is Moire Hoi An, Vignette Collection. Poised slightly further up the tranquil Thu Bon River from Namia River Retreat, this cosy resort directly overlooks Hoi An’s ancient town – a UNESCO World Heritage site – with an intimate collection of 128 guest rooms and suites that provide the perfect starting point to explore the vicinity.

Moire Hoi An borrows heavily from the wavy moiré patterns commonly found on silk – from which it gets its name – to flourish its spaces, presenting a combination of contemporary luxury and spirit of Vietnam’s storied past for a unique design identity. The resort boasts three F&B establishments – Vietnamese-inspired Bistro Julienne, Vietnamese deli The Yellow Bicycle, and Asian-American barbecue at Ember & Sip – while Breathe Spa offers therapy treatments that blend the wisdom of Eastern traditions with the innovation of Western therapies for those seeking rest and rejuvenation. Otherwise the hotel’s infinity-edge pool – which overlooks the river – offers an excellent vantage point to observe the area’s serenity.

Moire Hoi An | Xuyen Trung Block, Ward, Quảng Nam, Vietnam (Google Maps link) | www.ihg.com/vignettecollection/hotels/gb/en/hoi-an/dadho/hoteldetail | +84 235 7307 999 | rates


Southeast Asia holiday escape- Beachfront One Bedroom Villa at Khao Lak Marriott

Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa :: Phang Nga, Thailand

For those who prefer some peace and quiet during the festive Lunar New Year season, Khao Lak – nestled along Thailand’s serene Andaman coastline in the province of Phang Nga – offers a tranquil escape. This idyllic destination is a haven particularly for nature lovers seeking solace amidst stunning tropical landscapes and lush national parks, or those who enjoy hitting pristine beaches.

Khao Lak is also home to a range of luxurious beachfront resorts, among which Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa is the newest. Opened in December last year, the property houses a total of 283 rooms, suites and villas of various configurations of which many of those on the ground floor offer direct access to the resorts lagoon pools. But head further ahead afield and you’ll find the unspoilt Bang-Lut Beach, or the wealth of natural wonders – including long stretches of golden sand, idyllic offshore islands, lush jungles and waterfalls – that surround it. But you don’t have to travel out too far for sustenance, the resort is home to a whopping seven restaurants and bars, including all-day Southern Thai eatery Thai Curry Sala, Mediterranean restaurant Lido Beach Restaurant & Lounge, and BBQ joint Panasia Grill – to sate any palate.

Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa | 1/111 หมู่ 2 Takua Pa District, Phang Nga 82190, Thailand (Google Maps link) | www.marriott.com/hktmk | +66 76 428 077 | rates


The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Lombok

The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Lombok :: Lombok, Indonesia

Love Bali, but hate how busy it has become? We recommend heading to Lombok instead, which likewise offers intrepid travellers a similar paradise where pristine natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage, but is far, far less crowded.

Then there’s The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Lombok. Opened in November last year, this resort features 46 fabulously appointed suites and 14 pool villas, each of which showcase a design blend of contemporary luxury yet inspired by Lombok’s history, culture, and indigenous traditions. This serene hideaway sits by the shores of a luminous beach from which you can spot Bali’s Mount Agung in the distance, while its surrounds include notable landmarks such as Tiu Kelep Waterfall, Bayan Old Mosque, and Sukarara Weaving Village all fit for exploration. And when you’re back and hungry, pick from The Island’s Table, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant; outdoor eatery Sija for Asian specialities; or Medsa if you prefer Mediterranean cuisine.

The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Lombok | J4P2+G96, Sigar Penjalin, Tanjung, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83352, Indonesia (Google Maps link) | www.thesiralombok.com | +62 370 7525555 | rates


The Premier King Bedroom in Iconic Marjorie Hotel.

Iconic Marjorie Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel :: Penang, Malaysia

You wouldn’t normally think of hitting Penang during Lunar New Year, but you should. While most Chinese-owned businesses and eateries will be closed during the main Chinese New Year holidays, much of Penang will still be open – such as its lauded food scene – and, in fact, be boisterously festive.

And if you do head up to Penang, we highly recommend you check out Iconic Marjorie Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Opened end-December, you’ll be among the first to luxuriate in its spanking new rooms and facilities. Located in the vibrant district of Bayan Lepas on Penang Island, the design-led hotel boasts 298 charming guest rooms – including 32 junior suites and six executive suites – all flourished with contemporary Peranakan elegance. Facilities at Iconic Marjorie Hotel include an infinity pool, a rejuvenating steam room, and a fitness centre – although its spa is not quite ready – along with diverse dining options such as Tiffin Hall, its all-day dining restaurant, rooftop bar Senses Bar, and hotel lounge Loom & Leafs Lounge.

Iconic Marjorie Hotel | 239A, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (Google Maps link) | iconicmarjorie.com | +60 4-688 9888 | rates


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