17 romantic hotels to spice up your Valentine's Day

SINGAPORE - Valentine's Day getaways are a perfect excuse to lounge all day in the hotel room, far away from the prying eyes of (prospective) mother-in-laws.

Overseas escapades also gives one impunity from answering office phone calls, emails or Whatsapp messages. After all, you going off the grid is probably the best gift your partner can ask for.

Since taking long leave right after the Chinese New Year long weekend is out of the question, a short-haul trip seems the most viable. Online travel sites TripAdvisor and Trivago have compiled a list of romantic getaways in Asia just for hungry lovebirds:

1. Komandoo Maldives Island Resort

Where: Komandoo, Maldives

An adult-only retreat situated amidst a magnificent lagoon, the water villas of this hotel are perched over the Indian Ocean, offering an incredible view of the sapphire blue waters. To score extra brownie points, guests can book the Jacuzzi villa, a hot favourite with couples. Start the night right with a twilight dinner on a sand bar.

2. Baros Maldives

Where: Baros Island, Maldives

Living up to the resort's natural theme, the beachside and water villas are crafted from sandstone and timber. Two dive centres located on the island also make this resort a great way for couples to explore the underwater world together. The resort also sits 50 minutes away by boat from 20 world-class diving spots.

3. The Place Luxury Boutique Villas

Where: Ko Tao, Thailand

Sitting on the hills of Ko Tai overlooking Sairee Beach, this hotel boasts of its service and has nine boutique villas with private infinity pools. Those who want to sport a glowing holiday tan can also opt to have a massage on the sundeck.

4. Layana Resort and Spa

Where: Ko Lanta, Thailand

Another adult-only resort. This island destination is flanked by a white sandy beach and picturesque forested hills. True to all Thai holiday resorts, the hotel offers opulent guestrooms and suites designed in contemporary Thai accents, sans the throng of tourists.

5. Ceylon Tea Trails

Where: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Described as "the world's first tea bungalow resort", this hotel sits against a scenic backdrop of mountains, lakes and waterfalls. The hotel features a butler service, spa treatment, luxury baths and panoramic trails through the tea gardens.

6. The Kayon Resort

Where: Ubud, Bali

If Bali is known as a party destination, then Ubud is the quiet heart of the island where yogis go to recharge. The Kayon Resort is nestled among the rolling rice terraces of the area, promising a tranquil and private getaway from the noisy club beats of downtown Seminyak or Denpasar.

7. Oriental Central Hotel

Where: Hanoi, Vietnam

The boutique hotel stands in the centre of Hanoi's Old Quarter, boasting 25 French inspired rooms. According to Tripadvisor, the hotel is known for its outstanding service staff. Hanoi is also a one-stop travel hub to get to Vietnam's highlands, Sapa and Unesco World Heritage site, Halong Bay.

8. Kandolhu Island

Where: North Ari Atoll, Maldives

Kandolhu Island is a private island resort in the Maldives that is home to 30 villas in five different styles. The island has one of the liveliest reefs in the Maldives where couples can watch turtles, dolphins and colourful reef fishes from the privacy of their own steps.

9. Viceroy Bali

Where: Ubud, Indonesia

This tropical getaway has a myriad of activities perfect for couples such as sun-rise trekking and Balinese dance lessons. The luxury hotel also has a pool overlooking the rice terraces of the central Bali - ideal for a tranquil weekend with your special half.

10. Hoi An Chic Hotel

Where: Hoi An, Vietnam

Nestled among local villages and lush green settings, this boutique hotel provides guests with close access to traditions, rural life and farming practices in Hoi An. Couples seeking a romantic spark can also opt for candlelight boat cruise, a private BBQ in the rice fields or a beach safari.

11. The Chedi Club

Where: Ubud, Bali

Exclusivity is the name of the game at The Chedi Club. Tucked among the lush rice paddy hills in Ubud, Bali, the resort houses just 20 villas spread across the vast expanse of rice fields. Couples getting ready to play house can join an open an open-air cooking class with local Executive Chef Dean, or an afternoon tea in an east meets west fusion style.

12. Sri Panwa Phuket

Where: Phuket, Thailand

We all have different ideas of what paradise is like. But we can agree that paradise is a luxurious king bed, ocean-view infinity pool and private sunbathing deck being a mere five steps from one another. Sitting at the Southeastern tip of Phuket on a cliff above Cape Panwa, Sri Panwa offers stunning aerial views of the Andaman Sea amid lush tropical surroundings.

13. Casa De La Flora

Where: Phang-nga, Thailand

The boutique designer resort is built with a contemporary Asian flair, featuring 36 modern cubic-shaped villas that marry the best of bold architectural lines with organic forms. Rooms are pretty hi-tech too, with state-of-the-art lighting, bath amenities and entertainment systems - ideal for cosying up once night falls. The resort is also 6 km from Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park and 13 km from Sai Rung Waterfall - great for couples who want to take exploration beyond the room.

14. The Danna Langkawi

Where: Langkawi, Malaysia

The Danna is no stranger to celebrities. King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan and the Sultan of Brunei have once stayed at its Royal Imperial Suite. The Danna is the only resort in Langkawi with a marina view at Perdana Quay, built to resemble the feel of the French Riviera. You'll also find the resort embracing this European flair in its classical white architecture, regal rooms and Art Deco inspired balconies.

15. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

Where: Ninh Van, Vietnam

This eco-chic resort was voted home to the World's Sexiest Room, and rightly so. Set right against the clear waters of the East Vietnam Sea, villas are spacious, luxurious and private, with access only via a hillside staircase. Impress your partner with a private plunge pool, outdoor sundeck, al fresco handcrafted bathtub and a dedicated 24-hour butler.

16. Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa

Where: Panglao, Philippines

If you're considering flying halfway across the world for sandy white beaches and clear waters, Panglao Island will change your mind. Possibly the most beautiful island in the Philippines, it's the perfect backdrop for your romantic getaway - incredible sunsets, soft sand and gentle breeze. According to Trivago, guests often rave about the Handuraw Spa and skilled massage therapists working their magic on sore muscles.

17. Riverside Boutique Resort

Where: Vang Vieng, Laos

You'd think you stepped into a scene from 'Return of the Condor Heroes' once in Vang Vieng. Like an ancient Chinese landscape painting, the stunning hill landscape sets a breath-taking tapestry, even forbidden lovers cannot resist. Private mountain-view terraces in the resort's suites present ample opportunities to share an intimate - and even spiritual - moment.

debwong@sph.com.sg