Southeast Asia is known as a great holiday destination. Its diverse and rife cultural and natural attractions make it one of the leading regions for tourism. As such, its hospitality sector has seen significant growth which has made it home to some of the best luxury villas in the world. These villas have an abundance of private space, are surrounded by amazing views and have a personal service catered especially for you. Here, Top 10 of Asia looks at its list of the region’s world-class luxury villas (listed in no particular order) that are uniquely awe-inspiring in more ways than one.
- Ariara
Not many people get to experience a whole island just for themselves. Ariara Island is a private island in the Philippines. Guests staying at the Ariara Resort have full access to the entire island. The resort is serviced by the staff of the island’s owner, making holidays there much more convenient and easier. The buildings are designed by renowned Filipino architect Jorge Yulo. Guests are able to enjoy their own personal chef, dive guide and a wide range of watersports, ensuring the stay never gets dull. Ariara Island has been praised by world-renowned titles such as Harrods Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar.
- Latitude
This beachfront property in Bali, Indonesia offers a spectacular ocean view. It has a unique futuristic architecture. Facilities that guests want or come to expect are provided. Some of the facilities include a long swimming pool, gourmet dining and beach club. Nautical activities are also provided. It is located nearby several shops making shopping convenient. Latitude was voted by CNN as one of Southeast Asia’s top private villas.
- Villa Vedas
Villa Vedas is set on 3,500 m² of freehold land located at Pangkung Tibah village in Bali, which is 1 kilometre north of the world famous Tanah Lot temple, and features 45 metres of absolute beach frontage and private beach access. The property itself has a state-of-the-art modern architecture. It has a large living area, dining areas, a bar, a media or snooker room, and two bedrooms downstairs and three bedrooms upstairs. It offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean to the west, ancient rice paddies to the south, grazing pasture to the north and Gunung Batukaru (Batukaru Volcano) to the east. Villa Vedas won the best villa in the Yak Awards Winner 2014.
- The Istana
Located atop the cliffs of Uluwatu, Bali this five-suite estate overlooks white sand beaches and a lagoon full of natural wonders. The main house hosts a living space, dining room, entertainment area and four identical bedroom suites. A separate guest house comprises the master suite. Both buildings are single-storey and open-air, inspiring a natural ambiance while accentuating the breathtaking view. The villa is serviced by an extensive staff force, a full-time manager, butlers and a chauffeur.
- Villa Sapi
Villa Sapi rests on the peaceful island of Lombok in Indonesia and is bordered by the almost deserted Sira Beach. The resort has a funky architecture complete with three swimming pools and a children’s pool, a stand-alone two-bedroomed guesthouse, a tennis court, exemplary service and gourmet cuisine. It is truly a luxurious site with the Sire Beach Golf Club and the coral-fringed Gilli Islands with their superb dive sites just a short boat ride away. Villa Sapi has been positively cited in publications such as Top 10 Luxury Lombok and Honeycombers.
- Ban Suriya
Ban Suriya in Koh Samui, Thailand, is a beachfront villa next to Lipa Noi Beach. The name translates to “sunshine house”. It consists of a two-storey living pavilion and six comfortable and private ensuite bedrooms arranged around a huge deck within the comforting palm-shaded gardens. Welcoming to friends and family of all ages, it can even accommodate weddings of up to 120 people. Ban Suriya certainly isn’t lacking in facilities having its own gym, spa room, a unique sunken library with an underwater view into the large infinity-edge pool and many modern entertainment facilities.
- Villa Suami
Guests staying in Villla Suami would be located in the Canggu area of Bali and can make the most of what the lively city has to offer. It has an open design concept and keeps the outdoor entertainment spaces cool. Care has clearly been put into the design as the white lines of the villa seamlessly blend with the raw surrounding nature. Staff are on hand to arrange for guests, surf instructors, yoga teachers, personal trainers, beauticians and therapists. The villa has been featured in The Luxe Nomad.
- The Aquila
In Latin, Aquila is the word for eagle. The Aquila in Phuket, Thailand is aptly named because eagles often come to visit there to the delight of guests. This expansive property spans 165 metres of rugged coastline and is surrounded by the views of the blue Andaman Sea and bordered by dense tropical jungle which guests have easy access to. This adds to the strong experience of privacy. One of the most prominent features of the villa is the 30-metre infinity pool overlooking the ocean complemented by two large living and dining pavilions. It is highly cited in many luxury and travel magazines.
- Sira Beach House
On the unspoilt Sira peninsula on the North West coast of the island of Lombok lays the other worldly Sira Beach House. Although a luxury villa, it offers guests an immerse experience that teaches them about the island’s fascinating culture. The villa has succeeded in becoming something that it is truly a part of Lombok. It is arranged in the style of a traditional Sasak village. Many of the villa’s furnishings such as the tableware, textiles, furniture and fabrics are locally produced. The six bedrooms, dining hall and living pavilion are supported by a vast array of recreational facilities—large saltwater swimming pool, private tennis court and a boat just to name a few. Nearby are other Lombok attractions such as the Mount Rinjani volcano and the Gili Islands. Sira Beach House is truly a luxurious experience which seamlessly blends with the essence of Lombok.
- Villa Benyasiri
This luxury villa in Phuket, Thailand, rests 50 meters above sea level on the top of a secluded peninsula, complete with stunning panoramic views to the West over the Andaman Sea and South over Na Ka Ley and Patong Bay. Some major island beaches are within the vicinity of a 20-minute drive and a secluded beach is a few minutes walk away. It is conveniently located between the famous beaches of Kamala and Patong. The 5-bedroom villa can accommodate up to 10 people. Suitable for families, it is fully staffed and professionally managed.