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This Year’s BEST Luxury Escapes in Bali, Maldives & Beyond
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
From the dazzling shores of the Maldives to the must-visit cities of London and Bangkok, we’ve collated our most impressive escapes of the year into one epic shortlist.
Our biggest offer lineup of the year, ‘Best of 2024’ is a celebration of our best-loved escapes from the last 12 months. This is your second chance to snap up one of the year’s most coveted holidays across the world (and in Australia, too).
But be quick – these offers are available for a limited time only!
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll
Set within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Baa Atoll – just a 30-minute seaplane journey from Malé – this all-inclusive, all-villa hideaway is the perfect place to disconnect, with a beach club, yoga pavilion and indulgent day spa all at your fingertips.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
This indulgent beachfront resort is a Luxury Escapes favourite time and again. All-inclusive dining, plus an hour of free flow drinks every day, mean you’ll never go hungry – between meals, hop between the six incredible swimming pools, sip cocktails at one of the five bars or board the complimentary shuttle to nearby Phuket Old Town to explore sacred temples, bustling markets and delicious street food.
Banyan Tree Bangkok
An oasis of calm in one of the world’s most electrifying cities, this five-star Banyan Tree retreat is the ultimate Bangkok city break. Set in one of the city’s tallest buildings, guestrooms offer unforgettable views over the city skyline and lush parks, while the sky-high Moon Bar offers incredible sunset views.
Mulia Resort
A long-standing Luxury Escapes bestseller, Mulia Resort is Balinese bliss in every sense of the word. Set on the palm-fringed shores of Nusa Dua, the award-winning resort has something for everyone – little ones can burn off energy between the kids’ club, tennis academy and splash pool, while adults can enjoy the beachfront cocktail bar and ultra-luxe spa.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki
The Cook Islands is quickly becoming a favourite for lavish island escapes: Pacific Resort Aitutaki offers one of the best. Beautifully remote yet offering everything you need for a five-star stay, the boutique private island retreat features just 29 beachfront villas alongside a dazzling infinity pool, holistic spa and two restaurants championing seasonal ingredients.
Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort
Between its beachfront location, all-inclusive drinks and dining and three dazzling pools, it’s no surprise this award-winning Vietnam resort is a Luxury Escapes favourite. Just 2.5-hours south of Ho Chi Minh City, the five-star hideaway offers a blissful retreat with exceptional restaurants, a laid-back beach club, swim-up bars, yoga deck and world-class spa.
The Kensington Hotel
Dripping with heritage charm, this five-star London hotel offers an elegant British escape in the heart of the city. After exploring London’s iconic sights, cosy up with a glass of wine by the fire at The K Bar or indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at The Drawing Room. If you’re travelling with little ones, upgrade to a Family Room and enjoy a nightly milk and cookies turndown service.
Raffles The Palm Dubai
Bringing new meaning to the word ‘luxury’, this palatial retreat offers one of Dubai’s most opulent stays. In the lobby, a chandelier dripping with 40,000 Swarovski crystals waits to greet you, while outside, the private beach crafted with 500 metres of sand imported from the Maldives calls your name. City views, a sprawling palm-fringed pool, sensational dining options, a jazz club and heavenly spa complete the offerings.
Double-Six Luxury Hotel Seminyak
Situated on the sun-kissed shores of Seminyak Beach, this ultra-stylish, all-suite resort has it all – from a sparkling infinity pool to a lavish day spa. Arguably the highlight is the rooftop cocktail bar where floating pods offer one of Seminyak’s best sunset views. If you can draw yourself away, you’ll find yourself moments from Bali’s best restaurants, beach clubs and shopping strips.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali
Soak up Jimbaran’s laid-back vibe at this five-star family favourite. Between the pirate ship-themed kids’ club, indoor and outdoor playgrounds and water slide, the kids are well looked after; a sprawling interconnected pool and swim-up bar mean there’s plenty to keep adults occupied too. Don’t miss the daily Chocolate Hour – sure to be a hit with the entire crew.
The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
This family favourite ticks all the boxes for a classic beachside holiday, from palm-fringed shores and sparkling swimming pools to swim-up bars and massage pavilions overlooking the ocean. Equally suited to romantic couples retreats and jam-packed family getaways, the resort is split into three wings –each with a distinct vibe – to ensure every guest enjoys their dream holiday.
SO/ Maldives
Experience a new level of island glamour at SO/ Maldives, a luxurious escape where castaway meets catwalk among the dazzling azure of the Indian Ocean, just a quick 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. Situated on the Emboodhoo Lagoon on Kaafu Atoll, on a ring of piercingly white sand, this boutique retreat features a collection of bespoke beachfront and overwater villas, each boasting private pools, sun decks and direct access to the turquoise lagoon.
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Contemporary luxury awaits at this glamorous Singapore escape, nestled amid the vibrant shophouses and trendy laneways of ultra-cool Duxton Hill. In a city known for its culinary offerings, two onsite restaurants hold their own, while the rooftop pool oozes 1970s Hollywood glamour.
Arthouse Hotel New York City
Live like a New Yorker with a stay at this boutique Upper West Side hotel. With charming timber accents that pay homage to the building’s heritage and views over the city, you may never wish to leave; further afield iconic sights like Central Park, the Lincoln Centre and the Museum of Natural History are just a short walk away.
The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton
Ideally located in the sun-kissed Greek Islands, this family-friendly escape is a haven of contemporary luxury. Savour views over the sparkling Sea of Crete from your lavish room or villa, laze by one of the four swimming pools or dial up the excitement at the onsite waterpark.
Discover Best of 2024
Feature image: The Mulia.
