Honeymoon Boutique Retreats with Chic Locations
19-Dec-2025
Category: News Stories
South East Asia has so many outstanding hotels, offering different styles and holiday opportunities. This is particularly applicable in the range of smaller, highly personalised properties, just perfect for romantic honeymoons. Here are just a few suggestions, in no particular order.
Thailand. Up in Chiang Mai, the riverside Na Nirand or 25 minutes drive outside the city The Four Seasons. In Bangkok either The Siam or Capella. In the resort islands I could fill the page but just for starters Sarojin In Khao Lak, Layana & Pimalai in Koh Lanta, Tubkaak in Krabi, Zazen in Samui or the incredible Anantara Rasananda on Koh Phangan – 35 minutes by speedboat from Samui and its like each minute is going back a year in time.
Malaysia. The Datai on Langkawi. OK at 130 plus rooms its not exactly boutique but the style, service and location are just incredible. Total romance surrounded by nature. I have visited so many times and even on my own I just love it. Special place with so many great memories.
Singapore might not be the obvious choice for romance, but discover below the surface you can find some incredible dining experiences. Plus the newly opened Artyzen hotel (the name says it) offers a very different hotel style. Or you can replay the honeymoon scenes of Crazy Rich Asians at the sky pool of Marina Sands, great place to view & laugh.
Indonesia. Ubud, up in the hills of Bali, spectacular views at every turn especially if you have chosen a resort about 20 minutes drive outside the busy village centre. Personal favourites are Kappa Senses with its surrounding rice fields or Kayumanis perched high above a fast flowing river. To wake up naturally in Ubud with someone special and just watch natures colours changing before you is something to treasure. Or go to the extreme north of Bali to the Damai Lovina, simply incredible. On the neighbouring island of Lombok the elegance of the newly opened Sira or the gracious Oberoi, both amazing. And in the Gili Islands the luxurious “Riveria” beach club style of BASK, located on the quiet Gili Meno – very different. Or look at Sumba, becoming more popular and just a one hour flight east from Bali. Still proudly authentic and tribal influenced culture with a couple of outstanding hotels in Cap Karoso and Nihi Sumba.
In central Vietnam, the little town Hoi An is amazingly atmospheric both day and especially romantic at night when it is lantern lit. Yes its busy and touristy but is a highlight of most visits to Vietnam. Suggested hotel would be the Anantara, located next to river and easy walk to the town. Or for total chill out Zannier Resort located at Bai San Ho, 20 miles south of Quy Nhon. French farmhouse colonial style, superb villa style rooms and amazing soft sand beach – and hardly known. And then venture north to Hanoi and travel to the Halong Bay islands, with at least an overnight cruise.
Cambodia. In Siem Reap, famous for the temples of Angkor, you have the Zannier managed Phum Baitang. Instant wow, authentic luxury and even enjoyed by Hollywood Royalty. Or in the Cardamon Mountains and Nature reserve the incredible Shinta Mani Wild, with most of the villas located close to the (seasonal) fast flowing waterfall & river (See picture above). Forget the conversation and just snuggle down. Combine the temples and the nature with some beach time at Royal Sands on Koh Rong – all different styles and location but would make an incredible honeymoon
I have compiled the list based on mainly retreat style resort areas (with exception of the cities), but if clients want more activity in and around their hotel there are also plenty more ideas. SE Asia truly has something for everyone.
David Kevan – Partner at Chic Locations and Director PATA UK chapter.
