Southeast Asia: your ultimate escape

An hour’s flight from Bali is Tambolaka Airport on the island of Sumba. Here, traditional grass-thatched ‘peaked’ Menara houses populate the streets (which are sometimes blocked by water buffalo being herded between adjacent villages). Sumba has become known amongst avid travelers due to a stretch of beach with killer surf known as ‘Occy’s Left’, on the south west coast of the island. This beach was initially discovered by Claude and Petra Graves, surf enthusiasts who set up a cult surfing lodge here, and it has since been reimagined into a luxury beach retreat. Recently in the news for hosting Jennifer Lawrence’s honeymoon at the end of 2019, the resort consists of 27 private villas, each framed by frangipani trees and with a personal butler and private pool. Days consist of releasing baby turtles on the beach, a ‘spa safari’ at NihiOka ­– a remote spa complete with open-air pavilions – surfing lessons and dining on barbecued fish while horses gallop down the beach at sunset. Ampersand Travel offers seven nights at Nihi Sumba Island from around £3,310 per person, including international and domestic flights, private transfers and all meals, accommodation, non-alcoholic drinks, local excursions and many activities available at the hotel. ampersandtravel.com

Bali is the gateway to the eastern islands of the Indonesian archipelago and home to The Legian – a tranquil resort on Seminyak Beach, in the center of the Balinese bustle. Built around a three-tiered swimming pool on the beachfront, featuring luscious lawns lined with banana trees, the minimalism of Hendra Hadiprana’s architecture is offset by elegant teak antiques, parquet floors and Balinese artworks. The 67 suites are vast and include balconies so you can survey the beautiful surroundings. Rates from around £380 per night on a B&B basis, excluding taxes. lhm-hotels.com

Getting to the Anambas Islands from Singapore includes a car ride, a jaunt on a ferry to Batam and a short flight on an Amphibious Twin Otter 300, after which you will arrive at the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of Bawah Reserve. The resort consists of a group of six islands and three lagoons in the Anambas Archipelago of Indonesia, where, from the moment you set foot on the wooden jetty, you will be struck by its remoteness. Beautiful thatched domes nestle in the island’s jungle, while water bungalows stand on stilts above water teeming with tropical fish. Here you can spend your days sailing a ‘crystal kayak’ between the islands, getting a signature Pink Himalayan salt scrub inspired by the royal palaces of Central Java beneath the bamboo ceiling of the Aura spa, and hanging out in the boathouse sipping from a freshly cut coconut. Rates from around £1,400 per night for two people on a full-board basis. bawahreserve.com

Crazy Rich Asians captured the glittering scape of Singapore, with its Jewel Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands’ rooftop infinity pool and the Gardens by the Bay. The city, however, also has an old-world charm that feels completely separate from the skyscrapers. Six Senses Duxton, in the Tanjong Pagar district, encapsulates this. Comprised of a row of converted heritage trading houses, complete with original wooden shutters, the style matches the intimate interiors designed by former Bond girl turned hotelier Anouska Hempel. The exquisite Montgomerie Suite has a large black lacquer living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and an impeccable cut-glass and silver-bestrewn bar. It is the perfect sanctuary to recover from a long-haul flight before going in search of a far-flung beach. Rates from around £220, based on two sharing an entry-level Nutmeg Room on a room-only basis. sixsenses.com