Cempedak Island, Indonesia

The Cempedak Island in Indonesia is worthy of a visit for its paradisiacal beach setting alone. This luxurious retreat – with 20 hand-crafted, two-storeyed sustainable bamboo villas – is akin to a private island and has a maximum of 40 guests, adults only policy. Each villa is fitted with a spacious deck and plunge pool that beautifully blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, replete with direct private access to the beach. A true Robinson Crusoe experience. Nature lovers must take up the trekking offer, led by Cempedak Island’s consultant naturalist, and discover the flora and fauna of the island, especially the small-clawed otters, silvered leaf monkeys, Oriental pied hornbill, the Nicobar pigeon and the critically-endangered Sunda pangolin. Fall deeper in love with the resort here.

Rosewood Phuket, Thailand

As the first Asia resort for the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts group, Rosewood Phuket has set a pretty high benchmark. Staying true to the brand’s “A Sense of Place” philosophy, the resort is designed (by Melbourne-based BAR Studio that was also behind the design of the Rosewood Beijing property) to be environmentally sensitive while boasting a few praiseworthy sustainable practices. The beachfront property holds in its embrace beautifully designed 71 pavilions & villas, 4 restaurants, a spa and sacred 150-year-old banyan trees. For more information on this perfect hideout in the tropics, visit its website here.

Also check out: 8 natural retreats for a weekend getaway, no passport required!

Anantara Guiyang Resort, China

Guiyang, home to over 30 minority ethnic groups, sits in a locale that straddles ancient history and lush mountainscape. Enter Anantara Guiyang Resort, the gateway to this enchanting Forest City and a great starting point to explore the beautiful surroundings dotted by hot springs, lakes, waterfalls, karst caves and towering trees. The resort is exceptional in many ways, from the lavish pool villas to the personalised Dining by Design which allows guests to savour specially prepared meals at any desired spot. And trust us when we say once you check in, you don’t want to leave. Check out the resort here.

Alila Fort Bishangarh, India 

Less than 10 years ago, this 230-year-old warrior fort was in a dilapidated state with thousands of bats and monkeys calling it home until its owner decided to give it a new lease of life. The fort, perched atop a hill in the Aravalli Range in India’s desert state of Rajasthan, morphed into Alila Fort Bishangarh and having been restored to its former glory (and perhaps better), started welcoming guests from near and far into its magnificent edifice. Whether you’re luxuriating in a sumptuous feast at the lavish banquet hall or unwinding at the plush royal suites, it’s hard not to feel like a royal here. Visit their website for more details.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri Lanka 

The Wild Coast Tented Lodge borders the world-famous Yala National Park and overlooks the great Indian Ocean. The well-appointed tents exceed every luxury imaginable and are cleverly constructed to blend in with the natural environment. The uniquely shaped tents, aptly called Cocoons and Urchins, are also laid out to trace the shape of a leopard’s paw print in a beautiful homage to the area’s famous beasts. You’ll fall in love with the bar area and dining pavilion that flanks the resort’s massive free-form pool, which makes for a nice point for cocktails and watching the sunset. Come experience a taste of Sri Lankan hospitality at its best here.

Let Shireen Zainudin's girlie trip to Galle inspire you to explore the beautiful Sri Lanka.