Ansova’s Top 5 “Back to Nature” Luxury Spa & Beach Resorts in SE Asia

The philosophy that underpins each of these resorts is one of environmental sustainability that is immediately inspiring and sets the benchmark for sustainable development in the region. For those seeking to tread lightly and reconnect with nature whilst appreciating effortless luxury, we offer our boutique list of luxury spa and beach resorts in South East Asia ~

+ Soneva Kiri, Thailand

You’re invited to take off your shoes even before stepping foot on Koh Kood island. A laid-back spirit is integral to the barefoot philosophy of Soneva Kiri and a stay with them is an invitation to ‘feel everything’.

An hour away from Bangkok by private plane is the luxurious island hideaway. Twenty-nine villa’s hug the secluded horseshoe bay of Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth largest island. Choose between a spacious retreat villa set in the rainforest or the ocean villas on the beachfront. Soneva Kiri prides itself in offering experiences that enlighten, illuminate and rejuvenate whilst treading lightly on the earth. Soneva is the original “barefoot luxury brand” and pioneer of back to nature luxury holidays. Their acronym SLOW LIFE (Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences) encapsulates their philosophy.

Highlights: Tree-pod dining; night snorkeling; children’s DEN bamboo playhouse; extensive Wellness treatments.

+ Song Saa, Cambodia

The Koh Rong archipelago off the Cambodian coast remains relatively undiscovered and as the country’s first private luxury island development, looks set to remain untouched by mass tourism. Song Saa means ‘The Sweethearts’ in Khmer and is set over two pristine islands, connected by a footbridge. It’s an island wilderness and as one press report noted ‘the villa’s do their best to live up to their surroundings’. Over-Water, Jungle or Ocean-View villas sit in harmony with nature. The use of natural materials in the villas knows no limitation: recycled timber from disused fishing boats, furniture made from driftwood collected from local beaches and coves and floors made from timber salvaged from old factories, warehouses and demolition yards around Cambodia and Thailand. The resort is a 30-minute high-speed boat ride from Sihanoukville port.

Highlights: Island & marine safari with marine biologists; treasure hunt for kids; Sanctuary spa treatments; honeymoon/ romantic appeal of The Sweethearts.

+ Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam

Con Dao is a marine and national park, and this is the first five-star resort in the island archipelago. With the backdrop of a marine reserve and the annual nesting site for the Green and Hawksbill turtles, the light ecological footprint of Six Senses goes without saying. Fifty villas make up the resort, each with private infinity pool and unobstructed sea-view. The contemporary design has incorporated sustainably sourced materials and utilized precious reclaimed teakwood. Boasting some of the best scuba diving in Vietnam, the islands protected coral reefs are teaming with colorful marine life. A strong focus is on marine conservation and education, but the island also offers a wealth of historic sites to explore. Con Dao is a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

Highlights: night scuba diving; turtle discovery during nesting season; early morning market tour; endless children’s activities including Hobie Cat sailing; Signature spa treatments.

+ Amanoi, Vietnam

Aman’s success is rooted in a harmonious blend of simple luxury, a unique environment and exceptional location. The experience is intimate, overlooking the rugged Vinh Hy Bay, Amanoi sits at the coastal heart of one of Vietnam’s largest conservation areas – Nui Chua National Park. The design of the thirty-something private pavilions and Central Pavilion combines contemporary style with traditional Vietnamese architecture. Graceful tall columns and wide eaves create a spacious sense of place. Amanoi lives up to its name, translated from Sanskrit as – ‘a peaceful place’.

Highlights: Aman Spa; pilates & yoga studio, walking, running & hiking routes through pristine vegetation; guided excursions in Nui Chua National Park; snorkeling coral reefs; kayak & Hobie cat the coastline; harmony of locally inspired architecture and environment.

+ Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

Secluded, yet easily accessible, Ninh Van Bay offers a dramatic sense of remoteness. So much so that it’s easy to forget you’re not on an island but on an isthmus attached to the mainland. The villa styles are in harmony with the pristine environment; hill top villas are discretely nestled on the mountainside with spectacular views out to sea. The beachfront villas are a step off the beach with inviting teak daybeds; rock pool villas wrap themselves around the gorgeous granite boulders at either end of the bay, private plunge pools are set into the rocks, but a sea plunge is only ever a jump away. The attention to detail and creativity in the rustic aesthetic of each villa brings a renewed appreciation for the ingenuity in the use of raw materials. Bamboo and coconut shells offer an endless source of inspiration and practicality. With beach, sea, mountain and easy access to Nha Trang, the range of experiences on offer is extensive.
Highlights: Bai Nho hiking trail; snorkeling; boat cruise to nowhere; rock jumping; mealtimes; Six Senses spa.