Adults-only resorts in Asia for romantic adventures and kid-free vacays

Layana Resort & Spa in Thailand’s Koh Lanta has everything you need for an adults-only escape, from unspoiled beaches to secluded seafront bungalows. Stretch out on a sunlounger beside the saltwater infinity pool and gaze across the turquoise ocean with an icy drink in hand.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, splash out on the Beach Villa to sleep just a few steps from the sand. You can watch the sunset from your alfresco lounge area, then luxuriate in a romantic outdoor shower under the stars.

With a staff-to-guest ratio of two-to-one, the Jamahal Private Resort & SPA‘s the place to be waited on hand and foot. The relaxation starts at your Balinese-style villa, where carefully crafted thatched roofs, four-poster beds and large stone soaking baths will get you in the romantic getaway mood.

Drop by the onsite spa for an organic therapy like the Chocolate Body Treatment, where a massage using natural chocolate butter is followed by a chocolate almond scrub body mask. Afterwards, make your way to the lagoon pool and sink into a daybed cabana to while away the day.

Anantara Veli is an island getaway ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries and intimate holidays for two. You can be as active as you like here, with activities ranging from flying across the waves on a waterski or surfboard to diving beneath the ocean blue in a scuba suit. If you’d rather keep dry, book a sunset cruise and savour champagne and canapés as the sun sinks below the horizon.

Foodies will be delighted with the dining options here, whether your tastebuds favour modern Japanese fare or coconutty Thai favourites served in a teak house over the water. Alternatively, learn the secrets of Thai and Maldivian cuisine yourself with a cooking class and lunch at Spice Spoons.

Formerly known as Sensimar Resort, The Coast Koh Samui is on the waterfront at Koh Samui’s Mae Nam Beach. The sleek design permeates throughout the resort, from the rectangular infinity pool lined with sunloungers to rooms and suites that boast beach views, private pools or outdoor spa baths.

You can soak up the sunshine from a poolside bean bag, or head down to the hotel’s own 120-metre strip of powdery sand. Both are serviced by the pool bar, so you can stay hydrated while topping up your tan. When you’re feeling peckish, the waterfront restaurant serves up aromatic Thai curries and tasty snacks all day, with the glittering Gulf of Thailand as its backdrop.

With suites and villas staggered down its hillside, the Araya Hilltop Resort comes with four acres of lush gardens and majestic views across the white-sand bay. Sink into the outdoor bath on your spacious sundeck, or upgrade to start your day with a splash in your private infinity pool.

For salty swims, Phuket’s Surin Beach is a five-minute walk from the resort. Or, you can cool off in the hotel’s main pool flanked by padded sunloungers and fragrant frangipani trees. Immerse yourself in local flavours with a cooking class held by the restaurant’s chef, then dine by the pool or on the terrace of your suite.

Beyond Resort Khaolak’s 177 villas lie between pristine beachfront and verdant jungle. After checking in, listen to the call of tropical birds from the daybed on your secluded terrace. If serene soaking is more your style, book a space with an oversized Jacuzzi or private plunge pool.

Down on the oceanfront, swaying palm trees and lines of sunloungers surround open-air pools. If you need a drink, you can swim up to the sunken bar or have an icy beverage brought straight to your side. For further pampering, head to Kanda Spa where expert therapists can work away any pesky stresses.

Villa Kep Resort is a quiet oasis located beside Kep National Park. At just a short drive to Kep Beach and the renowned Crab Market, you’ll be close to all the action but still able to retreat to your own calming sanctuary.

Thatched-roof villas stipple tropical gardens, centring around the outdoor pool and sundeck. Sit out on your sunny terrace as the breeze whispers through palm fronds, or head down to the pool to cool off with a swim and a tropical fruit-based cocktail before dinner.

Home to just six cottages, Last Frontier Beach Resort is a slice of heaven in the middle of Palawan’s Corong Corong Beach. Known as one of the best places around to catch the sunset, the resort overlooks the Bacuit Bay archipelago’s jagged limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.

Start off the morning by opening your French doors and stepping out to breathe in the sea air, then indulge in complimentary breakfast on your oceanview private deck. As for the rest of the day, chat to the staff about arranging a day trip. Popular choices include boat trips to tiny islands where you can snorkel or scuba.

Sunprime Kamala Beach Resort sits on the absolute waterfront, so you can step straight from the palm-fringed lagoon pool to the soft sands of Kamala Beach. Guestrooms come with garden, mountain, pool or sea views – grab your tipple of choice and soak yours up from your balcony.

Breeze by the thatched-roof spa sala for a traditional Thai massage, or work out your muscles with a water aerobics session in the pool. Be sure to get to Restaurant By The Sea in time for sunset – you’ll savour fresh fish and spicy Thai favourites as the sky paints itself shades of pink and violet. Alternatively, you can grab casual fare at Restaurant By The Pool, or hit up the buffet for Thai, barbecue or Italian cuisine to a soundtrack of live music.