Asia’s gleaming hotels and resorts offer comfort and convenience as well as an exceptional level of service.
But for something a little different, whether its living like a local or getting back to nature, here’s our list of some of the region’s best Airbnbs.
Villa Melissa, Bali, Indonesia
Escape the tourist traps of Kuta and stay in this stunning, airy villa. This fully staffed property includes a chef service, daily housekeeping and driving service for up to eight hours a day. It overlooks a pool with views of the Indian Ocean and the interior is all Bali styling with plenty of modern conveniences. Sweep down the grand double staircase to the vast entrance hall on your way to while away hours on the sunlounges. Quite pricey at $1240 a night, but sleeps up to 12.
Creative Courtyard, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A modern oasis in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon. Enjoy the city like a local with all the creature comforts of a hotel. The interior makes good use of glass for a bright and light atmosphere and the black trim adds a sophisticated element. Explore Saigon with tips from the host or for a ‘day in’ order food from the Secret Garden Restaurant on the ground floor.
Read: New Zealand’s five best Airbnbs
Alamanda Markisa Villa, Langkawi, Malaysia
Like it lush? This villa is for you. Surrounded by verdant gardens, a carpet of paddy fields and with views over the mountains, it’s a tropical paradise. Enjoy those views on a spacious balcony opening from the living area.
The villa is one of several in the compound and was designed in traditional Malay style. It’s a bit more off the beaten track – there is no public transport on Langkawi and it’s a 15-minute drive to the beach – but at just under $140 a night for five people it’s a fantastic bargain.
Bamboo Cottage, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
This property is Gilligan’s Island come to life. No surprises considering the name, but the cottage is constructed almost entirely of bamboo.
The open-air basket weave bedroom and outdoor lounge area offer eco-living at its best. However, the hosts make it clear that all that open-plan living comes at a cost. There is no air conditioning but plenty of ‘nature in all its glory’, which is probably a euphemism for bugs.
Guests aren’t completely left on their own, the cottage is part of a larger complex and as such you can order meals and snacks from the main kitchen. A five-minute walk to central Ubud.
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Wooda House, Ko Lanta Yai, Krabi, Thailand
Get a taste of authentic Thailand in this house located in the heart of a fishing village.
It blends Thai styling, including plenty of rough-hewn timber, with modern touches such as comfy beds and a fully working kitchen.
Double glass doors from the living area open to an enormous over-water deck. Hammocks in all the outdoor areas encourage sleepy afternoon siestas and there is a huge, netted hammock over the ocean. The absolute waterfront location does not make it suitable for young children. Another bargain at just over $130 a night, sleeping six.
Seafront Scandinavian Home, Penang, Malaysia
This property offers sleek European elegance in the heart of multicultural Georgetown. The double height ceilings and floor to ceiling windows provide stunning, panoramic views of Georgetown and the harbour.
As the name suggests, the Scandinavian style of this apartment offers clean, white, functional interiors and is a great respite from a day in the hustle and bustle of Georgetown.
The property is part of condominium and as such includes access to the swimming pool and gym. Within walking distance to some of the best Georgetown has to offer including markets and local food courts.
Read: What happens if I get COVID overseas?
Templer Park Rainforest Retreat, Selangor, Malaysia
Templer tropical retreat is just a 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur. Its elevated position provides plenty of leafy vistas with 360-degree views of Kanching Rainforest Reserve from the extensive decking and balcony areas. Open-air dining and living areas add to the ‘treehouse’ ambience. However, you are not too far from civilisation, with restaurants and a supermarket less than a 10-minute drive away.
Other attractions include an infinity pool, jet spa, and sauna shared with the neighbouring property
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