Luxury villas in Asia for romantic retreats or with your whole squad

For tucked-away oceanfront opulence, it doesn’t come much better than Mia Resort Nha Trang. Accommodation choices range from cliff-top couples villas that have 180-degree views of the sea, to five-bedroom villas with private infinity pools and grassed roof terraces. All are designed using natural materials like wood and stone, resulting in a calming ambience that flows from the outdoors to inside.

Swing from the hammock on your personal deck and drink in the views, or head to Xanh Spa to pamper yourself with a mineral sea salt facial or coconut body scrub. Complimentary yoga classes take place on the beach, finishing with guided meditation. If you’re after something more active, the resort’s got a tennis court and fully equipped gym, too.

As the sun sets, the place to be is Mojito’s bar. Sink into an outdoor lounge chair and sample one of eight varieties of the rum-based cocktail – think flavours of watermelon, lemongrass and ginger.

A two-time recipient of the World’s Best Boutique Hotel, Awarta Nusa Dua Luxury Villas & Spa lives up to its name – meaning ‘treasure’. Inspired by a love story between a Balinese king and a Chinese princess, the resort showcases the fusion culture of Peranakan.

Weave through stone pathways lined with bamboo trees leading to 14 private villas, all furnished with teak and rosewood interiors. In your own courtyard, splash in the pool with waterfall feature, or lounge on a daybed in a shaded cabana perfumed by frangipani trees. You can book a romantic getaway for two, or bring a group of friends and take over the three-bedroom villa split over two floors.

The hardest decision you’ll make here is whether to spend the day in a Balinese cooking class or visiting the nearby Tegenungan Waterfall. And the topper on this tropical cake? 24-hour butler service for when you feel like a midnight tipple or a specially drawn bath.

Celebrated architect Soo K. Chan created a blissful hideaway at Soori Bali, nestled between the volcanic sands of the Indian Ocean, majestic Mount Batukaru and UNESCO World Heritage-protected rice terraces. You can easily venture out to nearby architectural gems like the 16th-century temple Tanah Lot, or check out the beachside hipster haven of Canggu for a lineup of waterfront bars and clubs.

If you’d rather stay close to home, swing by the hotel’s award-winning Soori Spa for rejuvenating acupuncture or Neurotherapy treatment, or just settle in for a rest-inducing massage. You can join a daily yoga practice, or work up a sweat in the 24-hour gym. On the way back to your villa, pop into The Reading Room for a freshly-squeezed juice or speciality coffee before splashing into your private pool.

Located on southern Thailand’s Koh Samui, the Samujana Villas‘ hillside perch lends staggering views of a coral cove, an exclusive beach and the island’s lush, green sweep. You’ll get clear sightlines of the vista from all around your villa, from the deep soaker bath to your outdoor shaded lounge. If you splash out on a Samujana Plus villa, you’ll also get access to your own gym and personal cinema room.

As for activities, you can visit the island’s towering Big Buddha, or hop to natural landmarks like cascading waterfalls and pristine beaches. If you really want to go big, charter the resort’s luxury 43-foot catamaran to explore jewel-like islands like Koh Pha-Ngan. Return home to a pre-arranged private chef who will whip up a delicious barbecue at your villa, or sample Thai specialities like Tom Yam Goong soup and Massaman curry as part of the resort’s in-villa dining experience.

Villa Kayu Raja is an oasis of calm, but it’s only a short drive from lively destinations like Kuta and Legian. Shuttle buses can connect you with the beach, or you can jump on a complimentary bike to see the surrounding villages and coastline at your own two-wheeled pace.

Start your day at the resort’s daily breakfast buffet in the main restaurant, or head to Nebula Café for freshly squeezed juices, smashed avocado on toast and an açai bowl. For something extra special, you can request a floating breakfast in your villa’s pool, or book an in-villa dining experience for a romantic meal lit by the soft glow of candles.

Inside your villa, modern amenities like a Jacuzzi and rain shower are complemented by traditional Balinese woodwork and textiles. Up the luxe by spoiling yourself with a treatment at the on-site spa, where you can have a traditional massage in the open-air courtyard surrounded by blossoming bougainvillaea.

The Adaaran Prestige Water Villas are a slice of heaven set on ultra-exclusive Meedhupparu Island. Stay in a wooden villa perched over crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish. You can watch the action through an in-room glass portal, or grab your complimentary snorkelling equipment and splash into the Indian Ocean blue straight from your private ladder.

Your personal butler will ensure you want for nothing during your stay and can help organise excursions like sunset fishing trips or dolphin safaris. Or, perhaps you’ll just need a top-up of sparkling wine and fresh fruit as you luxuriate in your sundeck Jacuzzi.

At the signature fine dining restaurant, choose from a menu of seafood and Mediterranean fare that changes daily as you gaze out over turquoise waters. If you prefer the view from your own villa, you can order fresh dishes right to your personal sundeck. Alternatively, pre-arrange beach dining so you can sample succulent local seafood while wiggling your toes in the sand.