WHERE TO STAYMALDIVES INDONESIA GOA THAILAND SRI LANKA OMAN JAPAN

ASIA’S TOP 50 BEACH GETAWAYS

Be it a solo weekend escape, a decadent time with friends, a family reunion or a romantic holiday, you don’t have to venture far for your next

seaside vacation. By Riaan Jacob George

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TO SOW THOSE WILD OATSW GOA This one is perfect for those who love fashion, design and art and, most importantly, those who seek complete decadence. ‘Detox, Retox and Repeat’ is the motto at this hotel. Cocktails flow all day at the WOOBAR, which turns into a dance club by night, while the sea-facing ROCKPOOL is a great spot to soak up the sun or catch a gig by a celebrity DJ. Ask for a W Insider tour of Goa: visits to a DJ-owned recording studio, art galleries and indie fashion labels. And book a river cruise for a sunset party like none other. (www.w-goa.com; doubles from

16,100)

LILY BEACH RESORT & SPA MALDIVES An island party in the Maldives is as easy as pie when you check into the resort’s set of six interconnected Beach Villas. Get the gang to go wreck diving and step underwater without getting

your hair wet using the resort’s semi-submarine. Next, a session at the sea-facing spa, and end your day at the Vibes Bar for a party under the stars. (www.lilybeachmaldives.com; doubles from MVR10,000 or 42,000)

VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND MALDIVES Located on the remote Noonu atoll, Velaa makes for the perfect luxury getaway with your crew. Host a private pool party at the sprawling four-bedroom Velaa Private Residence, which not only has its own super-size pool, but also a stretch of sand all to itself. During the day, head on over to the island’s private golf course or hire the hotel’s high-tech fishing boat for a day out on the high seas. Come evening, trot down into the Maldives’ largest wine cellar for a night of merrymaking. (www.velaaprivateisland.com; doubles from MVR32,500 or 1,37,700)

W BALI – SEMINYAK INDONESIA Bali needs no introduction as a party destination. And, if you’re looking for a decadent party getaway with your bridesmaids or groomsmen, the tony quarter of Seminyak, with its local designer boutiques, jewellery stores, art galleries and lounge bars, is an excellent choice. But even before you step out, the W presents its own set of offerings—stellar DJs at the WOOBAR, a private dining space at 1BELOW and a Sound Suite where you can record your own cool tracks. What’s more, there’s a 24x7 spa just a phone call away. (www.wretreatbali.com; doubles from IDR33,34,500 or 16,140)

CANTALOUPE LEVELS SRI LANKA Located in Unawatuna and situated on the side of a steep cliff, with sweeping views of the Galle Fort and bay, Cantaloupe

LEVELS is one of southern Sri Lanka’s hippest boutique hotels. Its name, LEVELS, is an apt description of its unique, stack-like design, and its cliffside infinity pool is unmissable. Designed in the style of a Miami beach club, the hotel lends itself perfectly to a long weekend with friends—not least because the popular surf and party beaches are a stone’s throw away! (www.cantaloupehotels.com; doubles from LKR23,300 or 9,850)

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BALI INDONESIA Keep your shenanigans classy at this Ritz-Carlton hotel. Entertainment options here span the spectrum from a calming of the nerves at the spa to an adrenaline-rushing stint of water skiing on a volcanic lake; a trip to ancient temples nearby to a high-spirited evening at the hotel bar. (www.ritzcarlton.com; doubles from IDR29,75,000 or 14,400)

WHERE TO STAY

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A room at the W Goa. Left: a performance at the hotel