ASIA

A Tale of Two Waters, Where Riverside Calm Meets Ocean Indulgence Thailand and the Maldives are two of Asia’s most beloved escapes, and this twin centre journey brings together the very best of both worlds. Begin with three nights of riverside tranquillity at The Siam, an intimate boutique hotel where Thai heritage and Art Deco elegance come together beside the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s leafy Dusit district, before continuing on to six nights of pure island indulgence at JA Manafaru, a secluded retreat in the Maldives’ far northern Haa Alifu Atoll offering overwater and beach villas, exceptional house reef snorkelling and the kind of barefoot luxury the Maldives is famous for. Two destinations, one unforgettable Asian escape. Itinerary Overview Bangkok – 3 Nights at The Siam, Bangkok Arrive in Thailand’s vibrant capital and check in to The Siam, a boutique riverside hotel set on the banks of the Chao Phraya. Blending 1930s Art Deco design with traditional Thai architecture, the property features spacious pool villas and suites, an antique tram converted into a cosy library bar, and a serene setting far removed from the city’s usual hustle. It’s the perfect way to ease into your Southeast Asian adventure. Highlights at The Siam:Take a private longtail boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River, gliding past temples, local villages and the shimmering city skyline. Try a traditional Muay Thai lesson in the hotel’s dedicated boxing ring, guided by experienced trainers. Unwind with a treatment at the hotel’s spa, drawing on centuries old Thai wellness traditions. Explore nearby cultural landmarks including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the bustling stalls of Chatuchak Market. Optional: Book a private cooking class to learn the secrets of authentic Thai cuisine, or take an evening tour through Bangkok’s famous street food scene.Maldives – 6 Nights at JA Manafaru, Maldives After the cultural charm of Bangkok, fly on to the Maldives and check in to JA Manafaru, an idyllic island resort in the remote Haa Alifu Atoll. Fringed by one of the country’s healthiest house reefs and set beside a long, powder white beach, the resort offers spacious beach and overwater villas, exceptional dining and a genuine sense of seclusion that makes it one of the Maldives’ most rewarding hideaways. Highlights at JA Manafaru:Snorkel directly from your villa across a vibrant house reef, home to turtles, reef sharks and colourful marine life. Set sail on a sunset dolphin cruise, one of the most memorable ways to experience the surrounding atoll. Relax at the resort’s spa, or spend the day at the adults only Slice Beach Club for total peace and privacy. Dive deeper into the atoll’s waters with excursions to nearby reefs, known for encounters with manta rays and whale sharks in season. Optional: Arrange a private sandbank picnic on a secluded stretch of sand, complete with a bespoke dining setup just for two.

Alila Seminyak is a contemporary oceanfront resort set directly on Seminyak Beach, blending minimalist Balinese design with open-air living and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. The property is positioned in one of Bali’s most vibrant coastal neighbourhoods, offering a rare balance between tranquil beachfront seclusion and immediate access to Seminyak’s dining and lifestyle scene.

Set atop the dramatic limestone cliffs of Uluwatu overlooking the Indian Ocean, Jumeirah Bali is an all-villa luxury resort inspired by the Majapahit Empire and the rich heritage of Hindu-Javanese culture. Combining contemporary luxury with traditional Indonesian craftsmanship, the resort offers exceptional privacy, personalised e-butler service and expansive private pool villas surrounded by tropical gardens or uninterrupted ocean views. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, families and wellness travellers alike, Jumeirah Bali provides direct access to Dreamland Beach alongside world-class dining, holistic wellness and unforgettable sunsets.

Hidden within the lush rainforest, rice terraces and the sacred Wos River valley near the artists’ village of Keliki, Capella Ubud, Bali is an intimate luxury tented retreat designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley. Inspired by the spirit of 19th-century explorers while embracing contemporary comfort, the camp features just 22 individually designed one bedroom tents and one two bedroom lodge, each with a private saltwater pool. The experience combines immersive nature, highly personalised service, exceptional dining and authentic Balinese cultural experiences within one of Ubud’s most exclusive settings.

Set beside the sacred Ayung River in the cultural heart of Ubud, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers an intimate retreat inspired by the traditions and landscapes of Bali. Designed as a contemporary Balinese village surrounded by rainforest, rice paddies and rolling hills, the resort combines exceptional privacy with personalised service, spacious accommodation and immersive cultural experiences. Guests can enjoy refined dining, holistic wellness, authentic local encounters and easy access to Ubud’s renowned temples, artisan villages and galleries, making Mandapa an ideal choice for couples, families and wellness travellers seeking a peaceful luxury escape.