The best of the tropical South Asian resorts
- Written by News Feature
Tropical resorts are perhaps everyone’s idea of a paradise on Earth. That particularly applies to those in South Asia, where golden-white sands abut stretches of gorgeous blue-green oceans, and palm trees gently sway in the light warm breezes. With so many destinations from which to choose and such a variety of places it can be hard to decide where to make for. We can help with some suggestions, so here is a guide to the unmissable places.
We’ll start with some of the well-known and most popular: the ones that everyone talks about, and for good reason. When you think of party islands in South Asia, I’ll bet Bali is one of the first that comes to mind. The chance to enjoy some incredible partying and time on the beach with some real sunshine can be tiring but also extremely relaxing. The accommodation available in Bali can be as sublime as the tasty food and great weather, with luxury Bali villas costing a fraction of what you would pay back home. Gorgeous, handcrafted bamboo huts with cocktails available just around the corner, the beach and the balmy sea air; what a place for a holiday!
While talking about Indonesia, just off the coast of Lombok is the beautiful and charming Gili archipelago. Gili Trawangan is highly recommended if you would like a remote island holiday experience. Fewer tourists and no motor vehicles give this tiny getaway island a real sense of being away from the busy world. You can cycle around the whole island in less than an hour. With the boat trip from Bali costing little and the enjoyable trip being quite short, it is definitely worth visiting Gili Trawangan.
As we head further west into Malaysia, the tropical resort islands of the Langkawi archipelago, just off Penang on the mainland, are receiving rave reviews. The scenery is unique and the facilities for tourists are of a very high standard. It is said to be one of the last hidden bits of paradise as mass tourism has yet to reach the area. From Langkawi you could head up into Thailand and sample that crazy Thai island party atmosphere. There are many little islands in this area of the Andaman Sea either side of the Thai mainland, with ferries taking tourists and locals to each one for a very reasonable cost. Here, as with the places mentioned above, the accommodation is excellent and cheap when compared with some other parts of the world. This brings a luxury resort within the reach of most visitors.
A little further north and up to Sri Lanka the scenery is stunning. Visit the tea-growing region of Ella and stay in an eco-resort for a responsible taste of luxury.
Finally, no list would be complete without a mention of the famous state of Goa, in Western India. Its beautiful coastlines are on the Arabian Sea, and the beaches of Palolem and Baga are very popular with tourists. This is a wonderful place for a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of life. This is also a suitable location for those interested in history with some carefully preserved churches that date back to the 16th century. This was a Portuguese colony until 1961, a fact reflected by the architecture. Goa’s fishing villages, particularly Agonda, are also worth visiting.
With so many options available for a holiday in this wonderful part of the world you will be spoilt for choice when deciding on your perfect getaway haven in the sun. Start looking today and explore what South Asia has to offer.