8 Zen Retreats in Southeast Asia
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could bring that peacefulness found during vacation back home with us? For stressed-out city dwellers, silent retreats could be one of the best ways to completely remove every shred of stress from the system, leaving us travellers at peace, calm and back on track. For that reason, below are our picks of selected Zen retreats in Southeast Asia that are bound to rejuvenate you!
Regis, Langkawi, Malaysia
Price: From RM2,083 per night
Location: Poised at the southern tip of Langkawi with a private beach for guests to enjoy
Features: Swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, restaurants, bar, butler service, family programmes, airport lounge service and Bentley experience
Why we like: Pure luxury experience at the most stunning location in Langkawi
Gayana Eco Resort, Sabah, Malaysia
Price: From RM1,595 per night
Location: Situated on the pristine Gaya Island, 10-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu
Features: Swimming pool, speedboat transfers, water sport activities, PADI diving courses, excursion tours, meeting/banquet facilities, restaurant and bar
Why we like: Besides being one of the most ecological resorts in Southeast Asia, its overwater bungalows with direct access to the sea proves impressive
MaliHom Private Estate, Penang, Malaysia
Price: From RM538 per night
Location: Short drive away to the Snake Temple, Penang International Sports Arena, Tropical Fruit Farm and Queensbay Mall
Features: Swimming pool, spa, restaurant, meeting room, airport transfers and tours
Why we like: Charming traditional Thai rice barns converted into accommodation units with serene backdrop
Rawa Island Resort, Johor, Malaysia
Price: From RM566.40 per night
Location: Within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park, twenty minutes’ boat ride away from Mersing
Features: Water sport activities, PADI diving courses, spa and restaurant.
Why we like: A family-friendly resort with a back-to-basics concept
Club Med Bintan, Bintan Island, Indonesia
Price: From RM1,853 per adult
Location: Apart from having a mile and a half of white powdery beach, it is also located near to the Ria Bintan Golf Club, voted as one of the best golf courses in South East Asia
Features: Children’s Clubs, swimming pools, spa, airport transfers, sports schools, excursion tours, bars and restaurants
Why we like: The privilege of not having to worry about the stressful preparation for a vacation through Club Med’s all-inclusive packages
Sawan Resort, Koh Lipe, Thailand
Price: From RM633 per night
Location: Three-minute walk from the Sunset Beach, ten-minute walk from Pattaya Beach and a ten-minute drive from Sunrise Beach
Features: Spa, bar, restaurant, hot spring bath, airport transfers and tours
Why we like: Unsurpassed beauty with a private beach perfect for snorkelling
Long Beach Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Price: From RM311 per night
Location: Has a private beach area located 20 minutes’ drive away from Phu Quoc’s famous Mount Chua
Features: Restaurant, beach bar, spa, swimming pool, barbecue facilities, ball rooms, meeting rooms, airport transfers and excursion tours
Why we like: An effortlessly luxe blend of rustic Vietnamese architecture and pristine white beach
Song Saa Private Island, Koh Ouen, Cambodia
Price: From RM1,117 per night
Location: Situated in a self-made marine reserve measuring one million square metres
Features: Private cinema, water-based activities, excursion tours, gym, bar, restaurant and sea-view plunge pool in each villa
Why we like: For being eco-chic with meticulous conservation programme
About The Author
Officially a Deputy Editor with over 10 years in travel media. Unofficially? A professional suitcase overpacker with a knack for turning chance encounters and itineraries into vivid, story-driven features. When not fine-tuning articles, she's likely front row at a concert, taste-testing something spicy, or deep in a conversation that veered wonderfully off-topic.
Leave a Reply