There’s nothing like the term “private island” to pique one’s interest of a hideaway. A short speedboat ride from the sleepy town of Lumut, Pangkor Laut Resort is indeed on a privately-owned island, sharing with no other properties. It's hard not to fall for the charm of this villa-only resort and feel the stress melt away. For the latter, the Spa Village, which features a unique pre-spa ritual based on bathing traditions from around Asia, does a fantastic job. 

(Related: How This Private Island Near Singapore Is A Champion For Sustainability)

Tatler Tip

For absolute privacy, The Estates is separated from the rest of the resort in the northern part of the island. There are nine Estates, and each comes with separate dining and living pavilions, as well as a private pool. Estate One, Two and Four are beachfront properties, while the rest are located on the hills with a panoramic view of the island. There’s no need to step out as each Estate comes with its own butler and chef to cater to your every need and craving, but a private car awaits should you want to rejoin the rest of the world. Rest assured you are more likely to relax on your own private beach with a book while munching on whatever delightful snack the chef has prepared that day.

Converted from a private home belonging to an Iban family, this sanctuary sits at the foot of the majestic Mount Santubong and faces the South China Sea. An idyllic gem located a 30-minute drive from Kuching, Cove 55 reopened in 2018 after an expansion that includes an over-the-water infinity salt water pool. Designed as a proper escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the entire property doesn’t have a single television set; instead, it boasts a library stocked with well-loved classics. Another plus? The Kechala Restaurant & Bar prides itself on modern Sarawakian cuisine using ingredients sourced from the jungles around it.

(Related: 5 Asian Cities With The Cleanest Air For Your Next Urban Getaway)

Tatler Tip

Go for the property's collection of villas nestled between a lush mangrove will only open at the end of 2020, so for now, the Corner Suite is its best option, complete with a 180-degree uninterrupted view of the sea and the mountain.

Come March 23, 2020, the award-winning One&Only will open in Desaru, Johor, its first resort in Southeast Asia. With an architecture inspired by the traditional Malay kampong, the resort is designed by Kerry Hill Architects that was also responsible for The Datai Langkawi. And like The Datai Langkawi, the recuperative powers of nature figure heavily in the scheme of things, the lush greenery opens out to its own private stretch of sandy beach. The suite-only resort will boast 5 dining venues including the Ambara that champions the farm-to-fork ethos and the global debut of One&Only Spa by Chenot.

(Related: 10 Instagram-Worthy Beaches In Southeast Asia)

Tatler Tip

Stay at the aptly named Villa One, the only villa-style abode here. The two-storey villa comes with four bedrooms, a spa treatment room, a courtyard garden with a 27m pool—and a private access away from the main part of the resort.