The best holidays are the ones that allow you to disconnect and to slow down for a while, so that you can put your worries aside and unwind. But instead of booking a couple of quick massages on your next holiday, why not make wellness and fitness the focus of the trip? These six getaways, all in the Asia-Pacific region, are a chance to truly escape and give your mind and body the TLC they need. Look out for the special deals for SAFRA members as well!
1. De-stress and recharge in Bintan, Indonesia
What to do: The two-day Renewal Island Retreat at The Residence Bintan is an indulgent journey that will help you relax. Day one includes a foot bath ritual, a Balinese massage and an herbal soak, and ends with a traditional Jamu beverage. On day two, you’ll enjoy a deep-tissue massage, a warming body wrap to detox your skin and improve circulation, and a gentle face massage, followed by a traditional Jamu beverage. The package costs Rp 2,850,000++ (S$236) per person.
Stay at: The Residence Bintan is an idyllic retreat that combines the rural charm of a traditional Asian village with a luxurious modern style. Its 127 terraces and villas (including beachfront villas with a private pool), overlook lush gardens and a tranquil bay. The on-site restaurants showcase local fruit, vegetables and herbs, some of which are grown in the resort’s own gardens.
SAFRA members get 15% off the best available rate and 10% off recreational activities at The Residence Bintan. You may also be eligible for a complimentary room upgrade. Get more details at safra.sg/promotions/the-residence-bintan
2. Learn to cook healthy vegetarian meals in Phuket, Thailand
What to do: Sign up for a cooking class at Phuket Thai Cooking Academy, where you’ll be taught how to prepare healthy vegetarian versions of traditional dishes like pad Thai, satay, pineapple fried rice, and massaman curry. The class includes a market tour and round-trip transfers to and from your hotel. You’ll even receive a Certificate of Achievement at the end. The cost is 2,200 baht (S$81) per person for a three-and-a-half-hour class. Go to phuketthaicookingacademy.com/vegetarian-thai-cooking for more details.
Stay at: The Boathouse Phuket is a luxury beachfront resort overlooking Kata Beach, and all the guest rooms have views of the Andaman Sea. There are 10 types of accommodation to choose from, including the Ocean Suite, which boasts a private sand deck and an invigorating rain shower to complete your wellness getaway.
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off the best available rate at The Boathouse Phuket, using the promo code SAFRA. Go to safra.sg/promotions/the-boathouse-phuket for more information.
3. Surf your way to fitness in Bali, Indonesia
What to do: Surfing is a great whole-body workout and is especially beneficial for core, shoulder, arm, back and leg strengthening. The sport is also a wonderful stress-reliever and may help with focus and sleep. If you’re new to surfing, sign up for a beginner’s lesson at Up2U Surf School Bali, which offers private (one-on-one), semi-private and group lessons. An individual, private beginner session is priced at Rp 325,000 (S$27). The lesson, which lasts two-and-a-half hours, also includes a surf safety component. To learn more, visit up2usurfschool.com.
Stay at: Ramayana Suites & Resort, located in the vibrant and bustling Kuta district, is a charming resort that reflects Bali’s rich cultural heritage. The rooms and suites seamlessly fuse traditional Balinese elements with modern comforts, creating an enchanting sanctuary for guests.
SAFRA members get special rates at Ramayana Suites & Resort from Rp 1,350,000 (S$113) nett per night including daily breakfast. Click on safra.sg/promotions/ramayana-suites-resort for more information.
4. Relax in a geothermal pool in Victoria, Australia
What to do: Alba is a thermal springs and day spa destination located on the Mornington Peninsula in the state of Victoria, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Here, you’re invited to immerse yourself in the hot springs, rain pool, and relaxing forest pools. These exquisite geothermal pools provide an escape from the everyday for those seeking tranquillity. You can spend time in the various pools and springs – rates start from A$90 (S$80) – or, if you’re looking for a full-day experience, there are a few packages to choose from. Visit albathermalsprings.com.au to learn more.
Stay at: There are many types of accommodation in the Mornington Peninsula to choose from to suit all budgets. Check out your options at Agoda, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing online travel booking platforms, with over two million properties in more than 200 destinations worldwide.
SAFRA members receive 8% off their stay (selected accommodations only) by booking on Agoda with the code SAFRA8. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/agoda.
5. Experience zazen meditation in Kyoto, Japan
What to do: Try zazen meditation and get an exclusive tour of Gesshin-in at Kodaiji Temple, which is typically off-limits to the public. The meditation experience is led by the temple’s priest, who will guide you on posture, leg crossing, breathing techniques, and more, ensuring that even beginners feel comfortable. Following the meditation session, the priest will take you through the tranquil garden on the temple grounds. The 70-minute experience costs JPY29,000 (S$250) per person (two-person minimum). Go to otonami.jp/wabunka/experiences to book.
Stay at: Park Hotel Kyoto is located in the heart of the city, just minutes from UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Nijō Castle and only a three-minute walk from the nearest train station. Behind the timber-slated façade inspired by traditional townhouses and an interior adorned with local handmade arts and crafts, you will find rooms and suites with neutral colour palettes, comfortable beds and plenty of natural light.
SAFRA members get 15% off the best available rate at Park Hotel Kyoto using the promo code SAFRA. For booking details, go to safra.sg/promotions/park-hotel-kyoto.
Travel tip: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you head overseas. The AIA Travel Guard plan comes with Covid-19 cover, 24/7 worldwide assistance services, cover for leisure sports, unlimited emergency medical evacuation, and more. SAFRA members enjoy 20% off their purchase of any Single Trip plan. Click on safra.sg/travelinsurance for details.
6. Immerse yourself in nature in Langkawi, Malaysia
What to do: Walking through green spaces is said to be good for your physical and emotional wellbeing. It relieves stress, boosts the production of “happy hormones” known as endorphins, lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, strengthens your immune system, and improves creativity. Langkawi’s rainforest trails allow you to take in the sights, sounds and smells of nature and discover traditional medicinal herbs and plants along the way. JungleWalla offers guided walks through the lowland rainforest. Prices start from MYR120 (S$35) per person for a two-hour walking tour (two-person minimum). To book or find out more, go to junglewalla.com/langkawi-rainforest-walking.
Stay at: Set on the pristine Pantai Cenang beach, Casa del Mar Langkawi is a Mediterranean-style resort just 10 minutes from Langkawi Airport. Each room and suite features natural timber flooring, comfortable beds, and a sliding glass door that allows you to enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Restaurants, night spots, shopping outlets and a night market are just a few minutes’ walk from the resort.
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off at Casa del Mar Langkawi by booking directly through the hotel and using the promo code SAFRA. For terms and conditions and to book, click on safra.sg/promotions/casadelmar-langkawi.
Travel tip: Stop paying expensive data roaming charges or waiting in line to buy a local SIM card when travelling. With the AIRSIM card, you can enjoy data service in more than 130 countries. This prepaid travel data SIM card works with mobile operators around the world to provide you with mobile data service at local data rates. Get 15% off your AIRSIM prepaid card using the code SAFRA15. Click on safra.sg/promotions/airsim to find out more.
Want more articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter – you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe – and never miss another story!
