Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast is a secluded luxury retreat set between ancient rainforest and the shores of the South China Sea in Johor, Malaysia. Designed by the late architect Kerry Hill, the resort draws inspiration from a traditional Malaysian kampung village, blending contemporary elegance with indigenous materials and open-air living. Spread across lush tropical landscapes, the property features an intimate collection of suites and a private villa, many with plunge pools and generous terraces. Guests come for the sense of space and serenity, complemented by refined dining, beachside leisure and holistic wellness experiences in a pristine coastal setting.

Set dramatically above the UNESCO-listed Pitons on St. Lucia’s south-west coast, Jade Mountain is one of the Caribbean’s most architecturally distinctive luxury resorts. Designed by architect Nick Troubetzkoy, the property is renowned for its open-concept “sanctuaries” that remove the fourth wall entirely, creating uninterrupted panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and volcanic peaks. Guests experience a highly private, design-led retreat focused on immersion in nature, personalised service through dedicated Major Domos, and exclusive access to the wider Anse Chastanet estate.

Perched on the edge of a dramatic outcrop in Tangalle on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, the 5-star Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is exactly what its name implies. Nestled within 22 acres of coconut plantation and dotted with sustainable rice paddies, golden beachfront, and a mangrove stream, its natural beauty can be discovered offshore with a surfing excursion or with the help of the resident Nature Guru on a guided walk. Some of the spoils you can look forward to include resort movie nights, twice daily yoga sessions, complimentary in-resort tuk tuk or bicycles, and a luxury chauffeur service when you want to explore.

Dive into one of the largest pools on the island at the laidback beach-themed Lux* Belle Mare Resort & Villas located on the glamorous east coast of Mauritius. Tucked within stunning tropical gardens home to an ancient 1933 Rolls Royce, a tree of wishes and a collection of well-equipped thatch-roof suites and villas, this 5-star resort boasts plenty of unique experiences to suit even the most discerning of travellers, from an undersea walk located just offshore to a Wellbeing Safari that includes a nature walk, yoga, meditation, and laughter therapy. Spend your days learning a new skill at the weekly cooking class, unwinding with a craft beer at the lively Kbar or settling into for something more refined at Flute, the adults-only champagne bar. The options are endless.

A world of calm awaits at the ultra-luxurious Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, a resort tailor-made for the wild at heart. Set away from the crowds on a lobster-shaped island in the South Male Atoll, this beachfront resort’s accommodation is the crème de la crème – exclusive overwater Reserves come complete with infinity pools and dazzling waterslides to indulge your inner child. Other allures include semi submarine excursions around the gorgeous coral reefs and eco-friendly beachside ice skating – the first of its kind in the Maldives.

The low-rise Mediterranean-style Ritz-Carlton Dubai sets itself apart from its high-rise neighbours on the enviable Jumeirah Beach. With a more intimate feel, this colonial-style resort is characterised by a massive marble lobby with a tinkling fountain, crystal chandeliers and spiralling double staircases built to impress. Outside, landscaped gardens and no less than pools await to beckon you into hours of leisure time. But if you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger – complete with pool waiter service – you can take advantage of the retail and dining temptations of the vibrant JBR Walk less than a minute away or the free shuttle service to the Mall of the Emirates.