Leave Singapore behind and indulge in some me-time with these easy and stylish breaks that are best enjoyed with your girlfriends by your side. Recommended by Lightfoot Travel
For: The perfect hideaway
Why House, Sri Lanka
This bijou boutique hotel has a way of making you unwind. It could be due to the tranquil surroundings of rice paddy fields, spa treatment rooms and a peaceful pool. It might be the boho-style scatter cushions, home-cooked curries, and piles of books scattered around the property. It’s possibly down to the happy greeting awaiting you from the resident dog, Jenny. Why House in Sri Lanka is a special spot to hang out at with your friends and feel thoroughly pampered, looked after, and at peace. If you want to hit the beach, complimentary tuk-tuks will get you there in a jiffy, and Galle is just a 20-minute taxi ride away.
For: Culture and cool
Belmond La Residence D’Angkor, Cambodia
Combine history and heritage with high-end luxury in Cambodia. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat early in the morning, then explore the fascinating narrow streets, markets and bars that Siem Reap has to offer. Stay at Belmond La Residence D’Angkor which boasts spacious suites with oversized bathtubs, an exceptional spa offering ancient therapies, a restaurant serving authentic Khmer fare, and a swish Martini Lounge which is the perfect place to kick off an evening.
For: City and simplicity
Villa Song, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh is a guaranteed great escape for the girls. Spend time exploring the old town with its ancient pagodas and temples, buzzing markets, and excellent restaurants and bars, but make space for a little sanctuary, too. Villa Song is located close to the hustle and bustle, but is far enough away to feel like you’re in your own bubble. Pitch up poolside in the morning, spend lunchtime enjoying local delicacies and wines at Bistro Song Vie, and then relax at the spa with a body treatment.
For: A spiritual sojourn
Avani +, Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a charming and sophisticated go-to for those who want to chill out together, be surrounded by beauty, and have a little bit of culture on the side. Take a boat trip to the Pak Ou caves, explore the Luang Si Waterfall, and feel a new sense of calm while watching the monks collecting their morning alms. Avani + boasts a seductive spa, swimming pool, tennis court, and a yoga, meditation and pilates studio. Hole up here and put gossiping, sipping cocktails, and concentrating on you at the top of our schedule.
For: A mystic makeover
Ananda Spa Himalayas, India
Pack your yoga mats and prepare for a sojourn that comes with a mystical twist. Head for the Himalayas in India where Ananda Spa overlooks the Ganges River in India and oozes peace and tranquility. Here is the place for total calm and the chance to switch off and rebalance. Guests sign up to a timetable of time-honoured Indian wellness regimes including ayurveda and yoga, alongside health lectures, wellness classes and activities such as rafting, golf, cookery, meditation and mountain hikes.
For: Beachside beauty
COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali
Loose your shoes and book into the latest luxury beachside bolthole in Bali - COMO Shambhala Estate. Gather your girlfriends and plan your days to include dance, hydrotherapy and jungle hikes alongside reflexology, ayurvedic massage and iridology. When you’re not being thoroughly indulged, relax by your private pool and marvel at the peace surrounding your tropical thatched pavilion (and the fact that you get the bed all to yourself!).
Lightfoot Travel is a luxury tour operator with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, specialising in designer holidays around the world. Tel +65 6438 4091.
