Best beach resort in asia?

looking for a gorgeous 4 day break to suprise the other half with. We love luxury! Also must have very clear water and good snorkelling. Cheersx

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by Ed (1956 days ago)

Maldives? We just ran a campaign for this new top end resort: http://www.naladhu.com/

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by yeriquo (1953 days ago)

i'm sure you can find nice resorts in these places: boracay in the philippines; sanya in china; phi phi beach in thailand; kota kinabalu in malaysia...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kmom (1952 days ago)

will definitely do maldives if luxury is what you want and money is not an issue. hubby and I loved it there

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by starbucks242 (1944 days ago)

Amanpulo on Pamalican Island, Philippines
Check it out >>> http://www.amanresorts.com/home.aspx?id=398

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by petep (1590 days ago)

Have a read on this article - http://asiaacer.wordpress.com/2008/10/20/top-10-beach-resorts-in-southeast-asia/. They suggested some top ones. Very nice!!

(I am based in Bangkok)

Posted by Dive bum (1589 days ago)

Whilst I'm sure the resorts in that article have nice some beaches (though the one at Sanur is fairly ropey and the one at Ao Nang very busy) you need to do a separate search for the snorkling/clear water bit. Three of the resorts listed have crummy snorkling (poor vis/few fish - lots of sea snakes in Sanur, which can be a bit hairy). Always a bug bear of mine when the brochure/hotel site mentions great snorkling and then you find it's lousy and you have to sign up for the 1+ hour boat ride to get to the good snorkling area. The Khao Lak Le Meridien is a very nice hotel and has a good sized adults only pool (as well as a large general pool). It has a good beach but 1ft visability in the sandy water. If you go there, you'd need to sign up for a 3hr trip (each way) to the Similans for some good snorkling/diving.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by yonon11 (1588 days ago)

pack your things and go to puerto galera mindoro philippines. Palawan is also good.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by yonon11 (1588 days ago)

See this link for the pueto galera http://www.mb.com.ph/ENVI20090116145629.html

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by freddy (1587 days ago)

Go to Dos Palmas in Honda Bay , near Puerto Princessa in Palawan. There are several islands accessible by banca boat with great snorkeling and good diving. I have a home near Honda Bay and can definitely recommend Starfish Island, Snake Island (no sea snakes just 3km of sandy beach) and helens garden just off Dos Palmas resort.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by kingsidney (1587 days ago)

Felt obliged to chime in here....This person says they want luxury...and some people are suggesting Puerto Galera? Kota Kinabalu?? Sanya?? Pipi? Please....people.

If luxury, clear water etc. is your top desire, then see post about Amanpulo. Otherwise, Maldives, Mauritius, Lizard Island (or other luxury Whitsunday Islands) in Australia, Bali could also be a possibility, but water and vis. quality not as good...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by bing2 (1577 days ago)

Definitely Maldives for luxury.....been to all over beach resorts in Asia and nothing come close to Maldives' luxury resorts and clear water......you want luxury, clear water and private time with your significant other, Maldives is your destination.....

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Janicka (1577 days ago)

Try Bora Bora in Tahiti..Went there for my honeymoon and it was great....

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by acltpe (1576 days ago)

I suggest any of the GHM Hotels.

The Datai in Langkawi is exceptional!

(I am based in Dubai)

Posted by acltpe (1576 days ago)

sorry forgot the link; http://www.ghmhotels.com/

(I am based in Dubai)

Posted by Telemundo (1575 days ago)

Datai is very nice, but certainly no good for clear water snorkeling.

Maldives are great, but a lot of bleached coral. I've stayed at top (US$1K+/night) resorts there, but I still think Amanpulo wins. An absolute jewel of an island.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by chicoskills (1574 days ago)

Amanpulo, hands down. No questions.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by squiggles (1574 days ago)

amanpulo gets my vote without a doubt

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by pinkyRn (1560 days ago)

Hi!
amanpulo in the philippines is the best.
www.amanpulo.com

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ausman (1560 days ago)

Travel the world for work and leisure, Amanpulo wins hands down!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 88888 (1558 days ago)

Dont even think about Peurto Galera,, Just spent 8 days there and not luxury at al..sh*te diving too.

Go the Maldives.. it is fantastic and all you could wish for.. I am back there in May for my 10th time !!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by pe@chy (1550 days ago)

Conrad Maldives in a water bungalow. Just walk into the water from your bungalow for a snorkel before breakfast. It's the best experience.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ed (1378 days ago)

.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by AstaHK (1375 days ago)

El Nido resorts in Palawan, Philippines www.elnidoresorts.com
Lankayan Island resort, Borneo www.lankayan-island.com

If you're seriuos about snorkelling...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by nsd (1373 days ago)

Boracay is still the best beach in asia i been in all the beaches mention here...please see it, sanya is great too , just stay in JW marriot...thats you can call luxury...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Telemundo (1370 days ago)

> nsd

You've been to Amanpulo? I didn't think so...

Boracay was wonderful 20 years ago... now it's just overrun.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Whitemischief (1367 days ago)

Warning Note, a new hazard in these waters is the IRUKANDJI, or Box Jellyfish, one sting and they put you in a box, as a result of global warming these little pests have been moving north, previously unknown in Thailand, there have been recent fatalaties in both Phuket and Samui. Swimming in a wet suit apparently helps, however since people are not dying in droves, I guess the problem is not yet serious.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by totomom (1365 days ago)

i choose SANYA, hainan island (china) not far from HK. i always stay in The Ritz Carlton Sanya! they have pick up service which worth to get i guess, cost around 700hkd/way. it takes 40mins, i dont suggest you to take taxi, they are dirty and so tiny! book the lagoon suite or the villa! with ocean view OOOHHH.. gorgeous!!! villa can cost around 25000hkd BUT you have your own buttler, club car, fruits, snacks, private pool, ocean direct, what A LIFE!!! if you choose lagoon suite also fine, you have the biggest pool ever, right after your door! never stay in the lagoon suite, i dont know how much. stayed in Marriot before but was not as good as the ritz carlton but they have fantastic breakfast!. and the beach... OH MY GOOOOOD.... so clear, the sand so white and soft, you can swim! you can dive, you can do many things there! the hotel also provide a water sport activity!

i envy you if you go to Sanya, yalong bay area... i will not go there anymore because now we are in Japan... we probably will go next year! my family and i just love it! let me know if you go there! share your beautiful vacation, you will never regret!!!

(I am based in Tokyo)

Posted by nanhereward (1359 days ago)

I have travelled all over the world, and been to some exotic beaches, but no where beats the maldives, only issue is getting there from hk flights times are early evening with cathay pacific, which gets you into columbo late at night try and fly to male the same evening, then choose an island near by ie 20 -45 mins by boat.
if not you need to get a sea plane the next day.
We stayed at the anantara last time in a water bungalow amazing resort good restaurants to choose from, try and go for an exclusive package then you can choose which restaurant you eat in, they have 3 islands 2 are attached that you can walk too.
not many children on this island if you want piece and quiet.
We go once a year for a weeks vacation, and I love not having to wear shoes. enjoy.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Bryan666 (1359 days ago)

Butlins Barry Island is the best! Amazin beach, red coat entertainment, top class arcades and wicked Fish and Chips! What more do you want, see:http://www.butlinsmemories.com/barry/index.htm

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Huggy (1346 days ago)

>Bryan666 - As a kid I always wanted to go to Butlins.... or even Pontins..
Alas was denied either. LOL!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by green flower (1329 days ago)

nanhereward,

we just went to anantara maldives last yr and like you, thought it was a great resort.

you mention you go a week's vacation every yr, this is back to maldives? if so, where else have you stayed at that you will recommend? you been to soneva fushi?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Thames (1315 days ago)

El Nido is NOT luxury! Believe me, it really was very basic when I went there (admittedly quite some time ago) and although they were marketing themselves as 5* I would be hesitant to give either of the resorts 2*. They were also charging 5* prices.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Telemundo (1314 days ago)

> Green Flower

Soneva Fushi is very nice. Bigger than most islands in the Maldives, so you have a sense of space. Also has a very nice laid-back vibe.

My wife and I would choose Amanpulo over it, but it's still a lovely resort. We felt the vibe there was nicer than Soneva Gilli.

> Thames... agreed. The El Nido and Busuanga resorts still have a long way to go. Club Paradise for example is a dump.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by jackyine (1311 days ago)

hi,

pls check it out this website: http://caramoan-paradise.blogspot.com/

this is the beach in asia considered now as the paradise.....

You will know why coz it is still untouched and very clean...

(I am based in Hongkong)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mingdaking (1295 days ago)

Cmon, Maldives in 4 days ... it cost u 1,5 day to travel and that means you only have 2 days NET staying there.

The last thing you want if you go to such luxury resort is to come back broken right ?
You spend that much money is to slow yourself down and relax your mind etc.. with taht much travel within that short period of time is really nerve breaking.

for any place with nice beaches, you need to spend some time in the sky. Golden rule: the nicer the beach , the further it lies

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by boobert (1295 days ago)

The Four Seasons, Langkawi. Simply nothing can beat this place.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by griffy (1284 days ago)

Amanpulo, no questions, beats any of the Maldives island resorts anytime. Any Beach resorts in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia (Bali) are good for water sports, fun and nightlife, but no way can you get the luxury, tranquility and the crystal clear waters that this filipino beauty offers. Another jewel, in addition to Manny Pacquiao, from the philippines!

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by Philly Cheese (1283 days ago)

I've just read in a TripAdvisor post that Amanpulo has shared its facilities with some private villas on the island and is now less tranquil than before. For 4/3 packages that start at HK$18k and up, I don't think that is acceptable if true.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Loyd Grossman is Miss Venezuela (1283 days ago)

I hear there's a lot of fun to be had at Tsuen Wan pier.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Hopscotch (1252 days ago)

If you

Note to Griffy: don't quite agree with you. Amanresorts actually have 5 properties in Indonesia (3 of them are in Bali -- Amanwana, Amandari, Amankila) because of its tranquility, crystal clear water and definitely luxury.

I'd love to visit Amanpulo, tho

For Mills, if you happen to stop by in Bali, do not go to common beach like Kuta as it's packed with tourists. Go to Dreamland Beach, Padang-padang or Uluwatu Beach

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by manangising (441 days ago)

great beach resorts in cebu @ http://www.cebubeachresorts.com

(I am based in Manila)

Posted by selda (441 days ago)

Sanya??? you must be joking.
Pollution from the Sanya River is polluting Sanya Bay, and the water quality is deteriorating everywhere in Hainan. I'd rather go to Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung than fly to Sanya. There are too many resorts, the place is overrun with loud mainland tourists carrying LV men bags, flashing golden watches, playing dice and drinking XO with their mistresses. The presence of large Chinese families (3 generations and other assorted relatives) make eating out in Sanya just as romantic as going to an over-lit, noisy hotpot restaurant in Mongkok. Obviously Sanya caters for them (think karaoke nights, shops selling the same designer brands they are all crazy about, hotel buffets serving oily Chinese food full of MSG)
English is not widely spoken, and the few non-Chinese tourists are Russian (cheap getaway packages for those who have to endure a long winter....even Sanya is preferable to Moscow at this time of the year)

If you live in HK, a weekend in Lantau, or Sai Kung country park is more relaxing and pleasant than flying to Sanya.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by selda (441 days ago)

IMHO, the best place for snorkelling (if you haven't got a long holiday) is Central and Southern Philippines.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by predo (434 days ago)

Amanpulo hands down!!

to recap their past hollywood celebrity guest list:
Mariah Carey
Claudia Schiffer,
Tom Cruise,
Michelle Pfeiffer,
Robert de Niro,
and Diana Ross

http://www.amanresorts.com/home.aspx?id=398
http://www.colorfulphilippines.com/amanpulo-island-resort-philippines.html

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Snakey (431 days ago)

Gday, I recommend Noumea in New Caledonia; somewhat French atmosphere but crystal clear waters and great diving; food is great and costs around Sydney prices.

Good priced hotels in Noumea and nearby beaches; Club Med way up north not really worth the drive or flight if you have only 4 days.

based in SW China

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by tominago (425 days ago)

many of you recommend Amanpulo. What budget i expected to have for a 5 days trip with my wife and kid in there ?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by tankeehoot (422 days ago)

Well I travel alot in the region and recent Conde Nast voted Ayana Resort in Bali Island.. I stayed there once but honestly the price is steep. HK$ 2147 a night.
Amanpulo is great but expensive too and very hard to book. I'd recommend red coconut also in Boracay
http://www.discount.bestresortasia.com/Hotel/Red_Coconut_Beach_Hotel.htm
Stayed there a couple of months back.
Here's a pic http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3059/2808436437_82cd7c7fdb.jpg

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ykaiii (349 days ago)

i would recommend AMANPULO.

another resort you would wanna check is BELLAROCCA it's in the heart of the PHILIPPINES, and it's luxury. if you're looking for peace and tranquilty, you would wanna try this. :) really very special. around HKD 5000 per night.

www.bellaroccaresorts.com

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by peainapod (344 days ago)

Selda.

I just read your comments on Sanya and had a good laugh because you really hit the nail on the head!!

The place is a festering dump full of crass mainlanders and Russians. People spitting in the potplants in the lobby area, pushing in front of you while you are trying to check in, yelling at each other from one side of the resort to the other. AWFUL!!! I think the urine content of the swimming pool would be off the scale too.

I'm no snob, but I was sent there for a company function and couldn't wait to leave.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ed (278 days ago)

Actually ... most of the beaches in Bali are not that great... the sand is mediocre, there are lots of rips, and there are touts on most of them who won't leave you alone...

However, one beach worth visiting is White Sand Beach (Pasir Putih)... http://suite101.com/article/balis-hidden-beach-pasir-putih-a45465

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Whitemischief (256 days ago)

We recently visited Koh Samui, we stayed at the new Conrad, absolutely awesome, great service, fabulous fine dining restaurant, and what must be the most spectacular location and views of any resort in thailand, we have booked for Christmas and New year.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by carag (246 days ago)

Amanpulo is the best resort beach I ever been,but! Expensive resort in Asia I guess...Try this one..

(I am based in Hong Kong)