Swaying palms, turquoise waters, powder-fine sand: the best beach resorts in Asia for honeymoon deliver the tropical idyll. With thousands of romantic resorts to choose from, scattered across endless spectacular shoreline, where to start?
For a honeymoon, local culture, shopping and adventure are generally going to take a backseat to dining, spa and solitude. Since this is designated couple’s time – and who knows for how much longer it’ll just be the two of you – you should choose a resort that has most of what you’re looking for onsite.
Five-star brands obviously dominate the honeymoon industry. As they have the requisite facilities and services to make newlyweds feel pampered. Smaller, more boutique resorts do exist, and can offer a more intimate, personalized experience, but they are also harder to find (which is where planning with a local travel specialist can help).
To give you an idea of what’s out there and provide inspiration, we’ve compiled the best beach resorts in Asia for honeymoon.
Best beach resorts in Cambodia
A honeymoon in Cambodia might not have previously crossed your mind, but considering how much undiscovered beach the country offers, it deserves consideration. Cambodia’s relative lack of tourist development outside of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville makes it easy to find a deserted tropical beach, and most of the time luxury here is very affordable.
Song Saa Private Island
This boutique eco-resort is one of our favorites for its intimate feel, its rustic, made-with-love villas and its sustainable philosophies. The Song Saa Private Island has private villas nestle in jungle overlooking the waters of the Koh Rong Archipelago, where snorkeling, diving and cruising can fill days, if not weeks. The resort’s commitment to local community and environment. Means your honeymoon can help support several good causes in one of the best resorts in Cambodia.
Six Senses Krabey Island
Not to be confused with Krabi in Thailand, Krabey Island is a remote and untouched droplet of emerald land in southern Cambodia. The Six Senses brand also implements sustainable tourism practices, and any of their properties could be considered one of the best honeymoon beach resorts in Asia for couples who want an eco-friendly holiday. Private pool villas, sustainable gastronomy, pristine shores, island hopping and a comprehensive spa offering make this perfect for newlyweds.
Alila Koh Russey
The Alila brand is well known in Asia for its stylish, minimalist aesthetic and luxury amenities. The Alila Koh Russey would be no different. This new resort in Cambodia beach adds a sustainability element to the long list of pros. Built into the landscape of Russey (Bamboo) Island with as little environmental impact as possible. One of the best beach resorts in Asia for honeymoon, for lovers of seclusion. The property’s pavilions and villas are strewn throughout thick island jungle for complete privacy, with quick access to the island’s pristine deserted beach.
Best beach resorts in Thailand
Thailand has been one of the top honeymoon destinations in Asia for decades. With beaches that range from virginal to vibrant. You don’t have to look hard to find a worthy best honeymoon resorts in Thailand, so it all depends on what style of honeymoon you prefer.
Anantara Rasananda Villas Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is not the most convenient Thai island to get to, but in many ways that makes it all the more special. The luxury Thai brand Anantara has a resort on a long stretch of beach in the north of the island. Being one of the best beach resorts in Asia for honeymoon. The Anantara Rasananda Villas it’s a world away from the main pier and the full-moon parties. Quiet stays here are the rule, but you’re only a 30-minute speedboat ride from the parties of Haad Rin. Or from the slick entertainment and dining of Samui island. The beach itself is home to bars, massage shops and restaurants if you’re feeling social.
Amanpuri Phuket
This iconic property from the Aman brand is an obvious contender for best beach resorts in Asia for honeymoon. Popular with celebrities and the ultra-high-networth set, it’s ideal for those seeking a private, discreet couple’s escape with superlative services and amenities at hand (villas, butlers, private beach etc.). Less like a resort, more like an exclusive residential enclave, Amanpuri Phuket feels like a remote paradise, but it’s just a 45-minute drive from Phuket Airport, giving it high points for accessibility.
Koyao Island Resort
If you’ve never heard of Koh Yao Noi island, you’re not alone. This small island 30 minutes off the coast of Phuket, in Phang Nga Bay is not on the main tourist trail, which makes it ideal for serene escapes. The Koyao Island boutique luxury resort has unbeatable views across the karst towers of the Bay and features spacious villas with a natural vibe (thatch roofs, driftwood canopy beds, open-air pavilion design) set in a vast tropical garden. This is why it couldn’t be left off our list of best beach resorts in Asia for honeymoon. The island itself is also fun to explore, with more action and discovery on offer in Phang Nga Bay.
Banyan Tree Samui
This popular spa/hotel brand takes up a chunk of hilly, leafy coastline in Samui. Its private, sheltered bay gives it an exclusive feel, while cliffside villas ensure every couple has million-dollar views. One of the best beach resorts in Asia for honeymoon that give you a real sense of Thai-style hospitality, Banyan Tree Samui Resort is ideal for couples who want a tranquil getaway, but also want plenty of action at hand, whether that’s dining, diving or dancing.
Best beach resorts in Vietnam
So much coastline, so little time. Choose from the South China Sea or the Gulf of Thailand. Head to a big, bustling beach or retreat to an ‘undiscovered’ island. Vietnam is developed enough to offer most of the big resort brands, and still off-the-global-radar enough that you can enjoy an unpretentious local vibe in almost any destination.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc
A beach resort with a quirky design twist, this Bill Bensley creation literally invites you into a different world. An imaginative ‘campus’ backstory ties the whole resort together. So it’s one of the best beach resorts in Asia for a honeymoon if you want memorable design and playful extras. Multiple pools, cool dining venues, a luxury spa and a spectacular beach complete the package of JW Marriott Phu Quoc.
An Lam Ninh Van Bay
This no-kids-allowed resort ticks all the boxes. Such as a small amount of private pool villas, exclusive waterfront setting, butler service, stylish modern design. It’s quite remote and hidden in nature, with most activities related to discovering the locale. For example hiking, swimming, island-hopping and hot spring bathing among them. The An Lam Ninh Van Bay resort with a special southeast Asia honeymoon packages seal the deal.
Best honeymoon resorts in Indonesia
Honeymoon destinations in Indonesia can come in multiple forms, from a sophisticated Bali retreat to a castaway experience on a private eco island. Generally more difficult to access, the best honeymoon resorts in Bali, Indonesia, reward couples with a breathtaking natural setting. Absolute privacy and pampered exclusivity.
Misool Raja Ampat
This private island has accommodation for just 40 guests, with overwater Misool Raja Ampat villas perched aside a lush, otherwise uninhabited island. Above all with one of the world’s most pristine and diverse coral ecosystems at the door. This is a one-of-a-kind setting for couples who love to be immersed in nature.
Bawah Reserve
Rustic, chic, remote – this enclave in the Anambas Archipelago is far from your typical beach resort. Villas are spread across six islands with garden, beach and overwater abodes to choose from. All constructed from natural materials and blended into the natural environment. As with most of the best beach resorts in Asia for honeymoon, Bawah Reserve offers all-inclusive rates that make it easy to relax into unstructured island life.
Bulgari Hotels and Resorts, Bali
The Italian heritage brand offers one of the best beach resorts in Asia for a honeymoon that excels at European-style luxury. Sitting on a cliffedge in Uluwatu, Bulgari Bali offers dramatic views to bookend each day, and a private beach, lavish spa and Italian dining to keep couples feeling spoiled for the hours in between. Sleek Balinese-style architecture provide an authentic sense of place.
Best beach resorts in Myanmar
Myanmar is steadily rising on the international travel circuit, yet still far, far from reaching the same infrastructure as southern neighbor, Thailand. This bears both pros and cons for the honeymooning couple, with seclusion, privacy and natural serenity three of the top benefits. While services here might lag behind the rest of Asia, there are few better countries for an off-the-grid island honeymoon.
Wa Ale
This island resort in the Myeik Archipelago is one of the best beach resorts in Asia for a honeymoon if it’s a far-flung, eco-friendly bohemian experience you’re seeking. Tented and treetop villas integrate into nature rather than impose themselves. In addition of it food is sourced as locally as possible, with seafood coming exclusively from the archipelago. Best of all, the Wa Ale resort supports the Lampi Foundation, helping local communities and the environment.
Awe Pla
Another idyllic private island resort in the Mergui Archipelago, Awe Pila lets you indulge in ‘barefoot luxury.’ Just 24 stylish tented villas hide in the foliage and on the shoreline, fostering an intimate atmosphere, while slow-life activities dominate leisure time, with snorkeling and kayaking included in the rate. Great for nature-lovers, with countless diving opportunities in the surrounding Andaman waters.
Best resorts in Malaysia
Another country with seemingly endless coastline, Malaysia is home to many of the best beach resorts in Asia for honeymoon. You can find big luxury brands in every major beach destination. While smaller boutique operations offer the spectrum of experiences on the country’s myriad small islands. Honeymoons in Malaysia are perfect for couples who value privacy, convenience and the option of Halal dining.
Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
Borneo is one of your top non-traditional options for a honeymoon in Asia. Wild jungles, pristine islands, coral reefs – it’s got everything for outdoors-loving newlyweds. This plush resort on an island off of Borneo features an array of cozy accommodation options. Above all includes tree-house villas and plunge-pool villas, with activities that range from rainforest adventures to sailing and diving. Special honeymoon packages with Bunga Raya Island Resort offer thoughtfully curated romantic experiences.
Four Seasons Langkawi
Obviously, a Four Seasons resort is going to offer a high standard of luxury as the best resort in Malaysia for honeymoon. Above all this particular property blends all that with the stunning natural assets of a UNESCO World Geopark. In addition capacious villas open to lush rainforest greens. While emerald Andaman waters, rivers and jungles give newlyweds plenty of reason to stray outdoors. An adults-only pool and couples’ spa treatments promise a properly pampered retreat.
For more inspiration on honeymoons in Asia, speak to one of our Specialists at Backyard Travel.
