Holiday Type / Top five Far Flung Discoveries

Cascading serenely down a forested hillside on the north west tip of Koh Samui lies a ravishing resort within a hidden cove. From here, the views across the Gulf of Siam and surrounding islands are simply breathtaking. Settle into your freestanding villa or private residence - raised on stilts in the traditional local style - to bask on your spacious deck with its private infinity-edge pool, perhaps working up the energy to slip down to the Coco Rum Bar or to the porcelain-white beach complete with a 50 metre pool. Five individual spa salas (co...

Powder white sands, unusually rich vegetation, crystal clear waters and understated luxury is what the original desert island hideaway is all about. Soneva Fushi is fifty seven vast villas and private residences, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, all hidden amongst dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine, UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve. If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday private butlers who know what you want before you want it. Every vis...

Designed to emulate a Balinese village, this recently renovated Four Seasons resort is the ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation in an authentic setting. Freestanding villas and residences with private pools cascade down fourteen hectares of tropical oceanfront gardens, each exquisitely kitted with local Balinese art, rattan and textiles. Extended interiors boast indoor and outdoor living pavilions, whilst the bathing pavilion beckons with cool marble, a deep soaking tub and secluded garden shower. Palatial Private Reside...

Steeped in age-old Malay tradition and facing the South China Sea the architecture reflects the grandeur of 17th century Malay palaces. Accommodation comprises ground floor or first floor Serambi and Bumbung Rooms, with either sea view or tropical landscaped views or single-storey Anjung rooms set along the beach, each complete with day bed, an outdoor bath in its own private alcove and doors that open out onto a canopied veranda. Distinctive dining options encompass above-the-river eating at Di Atas Sungei, serving authentic Malay cuisine; fea...

Imagine yourself on a picture-perfect peninsula which can be reached only by boat, whiling away glorious days beside a private sandy beach in idyllic Ninh Van Bay. This is the romantic setting for the recently renovated Six Senses Ninh Van Bay which nestles amidst a backdrop of mountains and impressive rock formations. Accommodation is provided in spacious private pool villas that blend harmoniously with the natural environment either on the hillside, beachfront, the water’s edge or over the rocks – all with spectacular views. Villa interiors b...