I don’t know about you, but I love to sleep. I love comfy beds, thick blankets and stunning views to wake up and fall asleep to. Sometimes holidays need to be all about getting some serious rest & relaxation. No offence to taking a vacation to cities, but isn’t it so much more relaxing waking up to the ocean or the jungle than to skyscrapers?
In honour of good, old-fashioned sleep, we’ve compiled a list of some of the greatest views you can wake up and fall asleep to in Bali, Koh Samui and the Maldives.
Bali, Indonesia
Villa Florimar
The basics: A 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom villa just outside the traditional Balinese villa of Seseh.
Why: The villa opens up onto the black sand beaches of Seseh, where surfable waves beckon. In the mornings you can watch local fishermen haul in their daily catch from the comfort of your bed.
Bonus: Villa Florimar boasts three separate pavillions ensuring everyone has their space (and lots of quiet). There is an 18-metre emerald-green swimming pool between the pavilions. Additionally, the villa is styled with lots of sleek black decor and a wide array of Asian antiques.
Rates start at US$785 per night
Villa Mary
The basics: A 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom villa situated on Pererenan beach not far from a small Balinese village and just outside the centre of eclectic Canggu.
Why: Pick your view! At Villa Mary, the five ensuite bedrooms give you the choice of waking up to the beaches of Bali or the surrounding rice paddies.
Bonus: Villa Mary sits within the Pantai Lima Estate, giving you access to shared facilities such as a tennis court, gym and seminar room. Better than that though, the villa comes with two private pools (one for the adults and one for the kids) and a jacuzzi. The sunset views are to die for.
Rates start at US$795 per night
Villa Melissa
The basics: A 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom villa within the Pantai Lima Estate on Bali’s Pererenan beach.
Why: How can you resist waking up to direct views of the ocean? Pererenan Beach is one of Bali’s lesser-known, but better-breaking surf beaches, so treat yourself to the sights and sounds of perfectly peeling barrels.
Bonus: If you hate the feeling that chlorine leaves in your nose and skin, the two chlorine-free pools will certainly appeal to you. If that’s not enough, then the private in-house chef who is trained in Balinese, French, Italian and Japanese cuisine will certainly keep your belly and mind full and happy.
Rates start at US$1,395 per night
Read also: Digital Detox: Why You Need One, Beyond Just Proper Sleep
Koh Samui, Thailand
Sangsuri Estate
The basics: Sangsuri is an estate of three majestic villas in Chaweng, eastern Koh Samui. They range in size, consisting of six, seven or eight bedrooms. The three villas can be rented together for events or the largest of family retreats. We’re talking 21-bedrooms and 31-bathrooms!
Why: Set on a secluded stretch on Chaweng Beach, all 21-bedrooms feature spectacular views of the ocean or the various landscaped terraces.
Bonus: It might sound like you won’t have any alone time, but the estate is designed to maximise privacy. There are plenty of landscaped terraces and sky gardens to tuck yourself away in. Plus, there’s direct beach access, and each villa has at least one pool! And, if you ever find yourself getting bored, it’s just ten minutes from the popular tourist town of Chaweng.
Rates for Sangsuri Villa 3 start at US$1,250
Villa Natha
The basics: A 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom villa set into the hills of Choeng Mon.
Why: Sleep high in the forested hills but wake to stunning panoramic views of Koh Samui’s tropical coastline. Each of Villa Natha’s bedrooms look out onto the ocean, and the sliding glass doors allow for cool sea breezes.
Bonus: There’s a pretty dramatic view from the 15-metre L-shaped infinity pool with kids’ corner! It’s also conveniently located – just a ten-minute drive to one of the island’s most popular shopping and entertainment strips. And, if for whatever reason you don’t feel like being outside, there’s a pretty great cinema room.
Rates start at US$1,350 per night
Villa Blue View
The basics: A 5-bedroom (including one dorm room), 6-bathroom villa in the hills of Koh Samui’s north coast.
Why: Sea views for days! With 270-degree views of the Thai Gulf, you can enjoy spectacular views across glassy waters towards the shores of Phangan Island and west to the limestone islets of Ang Thong Marine Park.
Bonus: The villa was designed by multi-award winning firm GFAB architects and enjoys a 15-metre L-shaped infinity pool. It is also just 800 metres from the beach, despite its hillside location. There is a sunken poolside sala, sleek bathtubs, and clean lines throughout.
Rates start at US$500 per night
Read also: The most Instagrammable bathtubs in Samui
The Maldives
St Regis Maldives
The basics: The resort hosts a series of 77 villas and suites with up to 3-bedrooms on an exclusive private island in the Maldives. 33 of the villas are on-land and 44 are overwater.
Why: Nestled between rainforest and white-sand beaches, bedrooms from the villas overlook the waves of the Indian Ocean with its rich marine life.
Bonus: Each of the villas come with private plunge pools. You can take care of yourself at the on-site spa and gym. There are also six restaurants and bars, and you can enjoy complimentary snorkelling equipment to view the island’s marine reef. Plus the St Regis Butlers are there to deliver bespoke service at any time of day.
Ayada Maldives
The basics: Featuring 122 suites and villas with one or two bedrooms, Ayada Maldives is the quintessential island paradise.
Why: The resort sits on a pristine private reef in the southern Maldives, set on 15 hectares of undisturbed vegetation providing uninterrupted views of the landscape.
Bonus: All rooms have a private plunge pool, outdoor terrace with sun loungers, daybeds, and a large terrazzo tub. There are six on-site restaurants and bars, including one that is over water. What certainly does not hurt is the dolphin-spotting you can enjoy en route to and from the resort.
Rates start at US$478 per night
What view are you waking up to this weekend?
