Where to go in March? Near SIN, beach/spa required

[kt74]

Thanks to the GBP/EUR 1111 LH C offer, I have a one-way LHR-SIN in mid/late March (I am taking the return in June, for which I already have a LHR-SIN redemption on SQ!)

Want to go somewhere for 4-5 days, somewhere a short flight from SIN, and from where I can get a one-way C redemption back to LHR. Requirements are beach, pool, spa, reasonable priced luxury, but not too far away from cheap local eats if I get fed up of the hotel - i.e. not the Maldives

My default suggestion would be Bali - e.g. Club wing of one of the Hyatts - no kids at the Nusa Dua club pool, plenty of free booze at sundowners and cheap eats just outside the gated community - heaven...

Any other inspiration please? I hear it's a nice time of year for Thailand, but Bali seems better value for money... Thanks for your suggestions!

[ek&sq]

Sentosa

[viraj735]

My default suggestion would be Bali - e.g. Club wing of one of the Hyatts - no kids at the Nusa Dua club pool, plenty of free booze at sundowners and cheap eats just outside the gated community - heaven...

Any other inspiration please? I hear it's a nice time of year for Thailand, but Bali seems better value for money... Thanks for your suggestions!

As a frequent visitor of the GH in Nusa Dua, I have some strong opinions on the property. Firstly, I find that it showing its wear and tear these days and rooms are starting to look rundown. It's just another one of those huge overly touristy families of 4 resorts with children everywhere, even the club lounge/pool (which is a disappointment IMO). Personally, I'd recommend the AYANA or the Four Seasons in Ubud (quieter than the Jimbaran property if you don't mind skipping the beach) or the Jimbaran resort, still very secluded whilst close to local eateries. The W Retreat is my next target, located in Seminyak among some of the best f&b in terms of restaurants and bars on the island.

Phuket has similar hotels.The Renaissance and JW Marriott in Phuket come to mind, both have fabulously furnished rooms however the beach is a bit of a disappointment. Also popular in the Mai Khao area is the SALA resort. Don't know of any local food places around there apart from the coffee club at "Turtle village."

Edit: The Conrad in Nusa Dua is a new hotel that seems to be very popular, unfortunately I haven't had the chance to try it out.

[Handiman]

Hi .. Conrad is very good , St Regis is Romantic , Ayana resort and spa ( ex Ritz Carlton ) and http://www.karmakandara.com , this 2 places that you will have the memories forever in your life...

Bali is island of Gods..

[kt74]

Bali is winning, but the joy of Air Asia (and the unfortunate timing of Balinese new year), means that adding a few days in Phuket would also work

On that subject, what's the view on Mai Khao vs Khao Lak?

[Kyo]

Heard good things about Khao Lak (there's a TR from taipeiflyer of the Le Meridien there) and nothing about Mai Khao.

Having said that, Mai Khao is closer to HKT airport.

[Singapore Guy]

Either Bali or Phuket would be appropriate choices

[MSPeconomist]

On Bali, I stayed at the Laguna, Starwood Luxury Collection in Nua Dusa, right next to the Westin which gets lots of families with kids. It's not as expensive as the StR or W and much smaller than the GH.

As a SPG Platinum, I got a suite upgrade easily, even for a fairly long stay. IMO the rooms are a bit dated, with simple modern furniture, huge marble bathrooms, and some Bali touches in the decor, but the grounds are lovely and you can enter the pools directly from many of the rooms and suites. There are also some new villas on the property.

[kultgg]

What about Pangkor Island Resort but then you are tied up in loyalty program. Something that is very exclusive on Malaysia's West Coast far away from maddening crowd and commercialism. Also there is an airlink via Kuala Lumpur's SZB if I'm not
mistaken ,which isnt a problem as Firefly flies to Sin from Szb. It was reported that this is a favourite Spa for the likes of Joan Collins, the late Pavarotti and maybe Martha Stewart used to stay there.

[CarbonMan]

What about Pangkor Island Resort but then you are tied up in loyalty program. Something that is very exclusive on Malaysia's West Coast far away from maddening crowd and commercialism. Also there is an airlink via Kuala Lumpur's SZB if I'm not
mistaken ,which isnt a problem as Firefly flies to Sin from Szb. It was reported that this is a favourite Spa for the likes of Joan Collins, the late Pavarotti and maybe Martha Stewart used to stay there.

I was there a few years back. It's a seriously switch-off place. The resort is on a small island to itself. Great place for a honeymoon. I lasted two nights before I needed to return to civilization. But then again, I'm not the sit on the beach type.