Ten outstanding properties with great weather from June to September, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Here’s where to find a beautiful beach holiday in Asia this summer.
Psst…these places offer outstanding value during the summer months, especially in comparison to peak season destinations in Europe.
Indonesia
May to September is the best time to visit Indonesia. There are dozens of great Indonesian islands to explore, where you combine a beach holiday with authentic culture and many adventure activities.
Indonesia has been our most popular Asian destination so far in 2023. We rarely recommend Bali, even if it has some stunning new properties, like Buahan, a Banyan Tree escape without doors or walls. Indonesia has much more than Bali, like Sumba and Lombok.
1. NIHI Sumba
Unpretentious luxury away from the crowds, on a huge island for the adventurer in you. We also love the pioneering sustainability at NIHI Sumba.
Sumba is a wild island of jungle and beach, mostly untouched by tourism. NIHI Sumba is fully in tune with the island’s atmosphere while delivering top levels of luxury. Also consider the new Cap Karoso on Sumba.
2. The Oberoi Beach Resort Lombok
Imagine an island of mist-enshrouded volcanoes, unspoiled jungle, secluded golden beaches, a laid-back local culture and only a little tourism. That was Bali two decades ago. It’s Lombok now.
An exclusive bolthole on a spectacular beach, offering Oberoi’s palatial luxury with a unspoiled island to discover.
Malaysia
Malaysia doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves as a beach destination, yet it’s equally as impressive as neighbouring Indonesia and Thailand.
There’s a strong concentration of high class properties, in two contrasting destinations. The connection from Europe is easy, with a direct Frankfurt to Singapore flight and combining a beach stay with a weekend in the city.
Excellent beach resorts spread out along the Desaru Coast, less than two hours drive from Singapore. Holidaying in Langkawi feels a little like holidaying in Hawaii, but in the Indian Ocean.
3. Four Seasons Langkawi
Backdropped by limestone cliffs and sprawling along a nearly two-kilometre beach, Four Seasons Langkawi enjoys a very privileged natural location.
We love the villas here, recently reimagined by legendary designer Bill Bensley. They’re bold, fresh, spacious and come with all the expected Four Seasons service and facilities.
4. One&Only Desaru Coast
One&Only’s first property in Asia has the most secluded and impressive location of all resorts on the Desaru Coast. It opened in September 2020 and still feels extremely new.
Unspoilt rainforest. Pristine beaches. Fascinating wildlife. But it’s the heightened level of space and exclusivity helping One&Only Desaru Coast redefine uber-luxury in Asia.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a real explorer’s destination. Intriguing history, diverse cultures, remarkable landscapes and the feeling of a country that’s really changing.
Vietnam also has stunning beaches. Now it’s added some top resorts on these beaches. Here you have a playground for the curious traveller, a destination completely different to its two-dimensional stereotypes. With a remarkable place to stay on the beach.
5. Zannier Bai San Ho
Legendary hotel designer Arnaud Zannier made it to number one of Explorer’s Hot List of New Hotels to Visit in 2022, with Zannier Bai San Ho. It’s the most stylish hotel in Asia.
On a remote peninsula, framed by white sand and rice paddies, is a hotel combining a luxury beach stay with real Vietnamese authenticity.
Thailand
Thailand is still the classic choice for a summer beach holiday in Asia.
The country’s beaches haven’t changed, they’re still the spectacular strips of sand that enchanted travellers fifty years ago. Recently, Thailand has really elevated its level of luxury and exclusivity.
6. Six Senses Yao Noi & 7. Anantara Koh Yao
Both these resorts offer secluded barefoot luxury and an experience similar to staying on a private island. The weather isn’t perfect in summer and there’s not so much to do when it rains. We recommend a short stay, combined with another beach destination in Phuket or Koh Samui.
Anantara Koh Yao Yai is Thailand’s newest luxury beach property and it looks to be a top choice for families.
Just across the islet-studded bay, Six Senses Yao Noi is established as a rustic, laid-back beach resort, with a focus on privacy and space.
8. Napasai, a Belmond Hotel, Koh Samui
Koh Samui and other islands in the Gulf of Thailand offer the best weather during summer. Consider Four Seasons Koh Samui, or Napasai.
We love the oceanfront villas at Napasai. They’re perfect for families and amazing value compared to what’s on offer in Europe during summer.
With any Belmond property you’ll enjoy exclusive Belmond Bellini Club benefits when booking with EliteVoyage.
9. Rosewood Phuket & 10. Amanpuri
These are the two top choices on Phuket, an island that could really surprise you. Rosemarie Domdom from Rosewood Phuket told us:
Discerning travellers will find that meaningful travel opportunities outweigh any negative perceptions in Phuket. Guests can discover Phuket through an authentic lens, focusing on its culture, tradition and adventure.
Rosewood Phuket is the best family holiday on the island, a very sophisticated property where all accommodations come with a private pool.
Amanpuri is a flagship Aman property and we recommend it for couples. Choose a villa or Garden Pool Pavilion and don’t miss a private cruise in the bay.
Your Summer Beach Holiday in Asia?
Of course it takes longer to travel to Asia than a destination in Europe. Most of these destinations require a two-leg flight and an onward transfer.
Flying to Asia creates great layover opportunities. You can easily add a city stay, like Bangkok, Dubai or Singapore. Or you can combine a beach holiday with a week exploring a country, on a tailormade voyage through a country like Vietnam.
Value is what’s most appealing about summer in Asia. You can stay in a top category suite or villa, in one of the continent’s very best resorts, for a similar price of an entry-level five-star resort in Europe.
Want to explore and compare your options? Our experienced travel consultants will help.
