Villa Thrilla
Wanting an intimate, sun-kissed destination wedding? You won’t have to go far—Asia is home to some of the world’s most romantic resorts, as Kate Springer finds out
SAMUJANA Location: Koh Samui, Thailand Number of villas: 27
Located on a hillside above a coral cove on Koh Samui, Samujana’s 27 luxury villas have spectacular views and access to a private beach. Varying in size from three to eight bedrooms, each one also comes with its own infinity pool and a team of attendants, while some boast gyms, cinemas, yoga platforms, jacuzzis, games rooms and one even has a boxing ring. The latest and largest in the portfolio is Villa 24—an eight-bedroom, 19,300sqft villa that has an in-house cinema, gym, jacuzzi, TV room and vast alfresco dining and lounge area. But it’s the impeccable Thai hospitality that sets Samujana apart—staff go out of their way to deliver a memorable experience and they say no request is too large. And while it feels wonderfully secluded, Samujana is surprisingly accessible—it’s just minutes away from the island’s airport. If you want to arrive in style, private jet and helicopter services can be arranged from Bangkok, Phuket, Hong Kong, Singapore or even further afield.
Why is it good for a wedding?
All of the villas at Samujana have flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for small weddings. But the property also has a large outdoor events space by the seafront that provides the perfect backdrop for your nuptials. The Big Lawn can accommodate up to 400 guests for a sit-down dinner while the Little Lawn is ideal for intimate gatherings of up to 50 people. With more than 120 bedrooms in total, Samujana can accommodate larger wedding parties in luxury and can recommend set itineraries or create a bespoke experience. As this is Koh Samui, anything can be arranged—from DJs, fire dancers and mixologists to yoga gurus, massage therapists and babysitters. And in such an idyllic setting, newly-weds often stay on for their honeymoon, perhaps enjoying a sunset poolside dinner cooked by the head chef from one of the island’s most prestigious restaurants or a private champagne catamaran excursion. samujana.com
PHULAY BAY, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE Location: Krabi, Thailand Number of villas: 54
The Ritz-Carlton is known for its superlative service and incredible resorts, so it’s no surprise that the Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve makes the list of dream destinations for couples. Flanked by Krabi’s stunning limestone cliffs, the resort offers a peaceful and photogenic setting—picture secluded ceremony venues, private villas and views of the Andaman Sea. Each of the 54 villas includes a personal butler throughout the stay, as well as a private pool, soothing white interiors and outdoor showers. The Royal Beach Villa is the most sought-after sanctuary for couples thanks to its infinity pool and unparalleled views. Of course, the hotel group is also known for its top-notch dining. Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is home to some of Krabi’s best restaurants including Sri Trang, which offers a modern take on Thai food, and romantic rooftop lounge Lae Lay, as well as sexy pool bars galore. It’s all about natural beauty, relaxation and luxury—an excellent combination for the big day.
Why is it good for a wedding?
Couples who book a wedding at Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve can look forward to
world-famous service, personalised touches and one of the world’s most beautiful settings. Each of its wedding packages has its own character— imagine tying the knot in a traditional Thai pavilion surrounded by 2,000 candles, or on Phulay Beach at sunset. The resort is able to host up to 120 people for a wedding, but recommends a more intimate affair of 30 to 40. Couples work with a dedicated wedding planner to craft every detail, from ceremony set-up to corsages, menus, music, decor and more. Packages include everything you could possibly need, including a toasting bottle of champagne, an elegant three-tier cake, floral decorations, a photographer and luxury airport transfer for the couple. The newly-weds will also enjoy a complimentary spa treatment, private outing to Hong Island, picnic for two and a beach barbecue to round out the celebration. phulay-bay.com
FOUR SEASONS RESORT THE NAM HAI Location: Hoi An, Vietnam Number of villas: 100
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is set to emerge from an extensive facelift this month—expect updated interiors with polished local woods, open-air pavilions and a zen vibe. When it comes to the Four Seasons, you don’t have to worry about service or quality, and this new location promises to surpass expectations with its restaurants and a world-class spa. The location helps too: about three hours from Kuala Lumpur, Hoi An is easy to reach but feels like a world away. The old town is a Unesco world heritage site and is packed with historic buildings, colourful shops and amazing food, and there are islands to visit nearby, so your guests will enjoy the getaway as much as you do.
Why is it good for a wedding?
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai is set apart from the downtown buzz, stretching across Hoi An’s gorgeous Ha My beach. A photographer’s dream, the resort’s grounds span 35ha and feature intimate nooks, tranquil reflection ponds and lush gardens. Meanwhile, the newly renovated villas make the most of the idyllic surrounds, with outdoor showers, alfresco pavilions and ocean views, and some have their own private pools. For couples who want to stay with their families—or put up their relatives in style—there’s a regal 7,100sqft villa with five bedrooms. It comes complete with a 20m private pool, living and dining pavilion, and lots of space to stretch out. When it comes to planning a unique and memorable beach wedding, you’re in good hands: the resort provides an experienced celebrant, make-up artist, videographer, photography service, custom menus and more. fourseasons.com/hoian
AMANKILA Location: Manggis, Bali, Indonesia Number of villas: 34
Inspired by the nearby Ujung water palace in the east of Bali, Amankila features a threetiered pool that cascades down the front of the resort, setting the tone for an ultra-serene experience. Tucked away between frangipani and bougainvillea trees, the 34 suites take a modern approach to the traditional Balinese beach house, featuring private open-air terraces, private pools, canopy beds, creamy marble and lots of rich teak wood. Sprawling across 7,100sqft, the namesake Amankila Suite aims to spoil couples. The two-bedroom oasis feels like a palace and comes with a private butler, lounge pavilion, aquamarine-tiled pool, massive terrace and panoramic views— picture the beautiful Lombok Strait ahead and mighty Mount Agung as a backdrop.
Why is it good for a wedding?
Amankila is home to 11 different ceremony and reception venues. There’s a picturesque coconut grove leading to the oceanfront Beach Club, a private volcanic black sand beach, a photogenic pool, a bonfire on the beach—the options are endless. For a unique cultural experience, couples can opt for a traditional Balinese blessing by a local priest or choose to tie in Indonesian music to set the mood. With 34 suites, couples can rent out the entire property for weddings of up to 90 guests, or reserve a handful for a smaller soirée. Amankila goes to great lengths to capture a couple’s personality in every wedding, and an all-star team is on hand to help design and plan the details for a one-ofa-kind ceremony. Gourmands will especially appreciate the attention to the menu: Amankila’s executive chef works personally with couples to design welcome canapés, set menus or even throw a lavish barbecue—all using locally sourced ingredients. aman.com/resorts/amankila