There’s nothing like these blissful resorts where the rooms open out into the sea to melt away stress.
If you’re a bit jaded by the experience of a typical 5-star with a view of the city skyline and instead looking for something that takes you closer to nature, you should be headed to one of these two resorts located by the sea.
Cocoa Island by Como, Maldives
Cocoa Island by Como, Maldives
There is no shortage of spectacular resorts in Maldives. The country’s pristine cerulean waters and platinum sandy shores on isolated atolls draw thousands of visitors each year with the promise of a few days of uninterrupted bliss. But Cocoa Island, by Singaporean chain COMO is exceptional in achieving that elusive feeling of being entirely at home while miles away from one’s point of origin. The rooms exude understated elegance – teak floors, gossamer linen curtains and white accents. The large casement windows provide uninterrupted views of the sea, and once opened, position you just at the edge of its precipice; the room becomes a delicate cradle suspending you over endless blue. The COMO spas are famous for their holistic treatments and the resort also offers daily yoga classes and superb healthy cuisine. But what cannot be underestimated is the uniquely restorative power of falling asleep to the sound of waves gently colliding into the stilts of your over-water bungalow.
Double rooms from $900; www.comohotels.com/cocoaisland
Amanpuri, Thailand
Amanpuri, Thailand
The Aman experience starts when stepping off the plane or speedboat in Phuket and a chauffeur driven BMW 7 Series arrives to whisk you away to the hilltop oceanfront resort. The luxury hotel group has such a cult following among the globally well heeled that they refer to themselves as “Aman junkies.” Amanpuri is the flagship resort and, like its sister Aman resorts, the design is strongly influenced by its natural surroundings. Pavilion rooms, which dot the former coconut plantation, are decorated with rich dark wooden panels and have spacious open-plan bathrooms scented with fresh flower bouquets. Each pavilion has its own private deck with a sunken dining table that overlooks the Andaman Ocean – perfect for a sunrise breakfast. If you prefer to step out to dine, you can still enjoy a cool breeze as all of the restaurants avail of ocean views. Whether it’s a casual lunch on the rocky beach terrace, which overlooks Amanpuri’s private beach or dinner in Naoki, the resort’s Japanese-French inspired beachside restaurant, the seafood is some of the freshest to be found.
Double rooms from $1,000 per night; www.aman.com