Easter's Top Tropical Travel Destinations
Easter's coming up, and a long weekend away will clear out any remaining winter doldrums.
Flight Centre
Flight Centre has rounded up six easily accessible destinations perfect for a short weekend getaway over the holidays.
- Beginning with city breaks, packages to Bangkok start from $3,859, and include economy airfare, three nights at Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 in a Chic room (that’s what it’s called) and daily breakfast.
- Want to get your pho on? Head to Ho Chi Minh City instead, with packages starting from $4,400 for economy airfare, three nights at Sofitel Saigon Plaza and breakfast. If Singapore’s hawker eats and beautiful botanic gardens are more up your alley, deals start from $6,100 including an economy flight to Singapore and premium economy return, three nights at Studio M Hotel and breakfast included.
- If the idea of hitting the beach while the rest of us shiver in the last of the winter chill floats your boat, packages to Hua Hin in Thailand start from $5,500, including economy airfare via Bangkok, four nights at the Evason Hua Hin, breakfast and return airport transfers. Krabi deals start from $6,300, including economy flights, four nights at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort and breakfast. Alternatively, you could head to the Vietnamese island paradise of Phu Quoc, with packages from $8,400 including outward economy flights, business class return and three nights at La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc.
Deals are per person and flights exclude tax. flightcentre.com.hk, 2830-2810.
Sri Panwa Phuket
Want to live it up like a rock star this Easter? Of course you do. Thanks to Sri Panwa Phuket’s extended Easter deal, which offers four nights and five days in a luxury five-bedroom Ocean View Residence Villa, you and nine of your pals can do exactly that—even down to dancing around the private pool like you’re on a mid-90s MTV dance show. The package includes airport transfers, daily champagne breakfast, a speedboat day trip, Thai cooking class, private pool party including a BBQ feast, open bar cocktails, spa treatments, a private yoga class and Thai boxing lessons. The catch? It’s $194,000, which sounds like a lot of dough until you divide it up between 10 of you for an even $19,400 per person. Yes, it’s still a lot, but it’s worth looking at if you’re wanting to splurge. The deal is available for stays between Mar 15-Apr 15. Prices don’t include an 18.7 percent service and tax surcharge. 88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Rd., Vichit, Muang, Phuket, Thailand. (+66) 76-371-000, Thailand, sripanwa.com.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Family fun, diving, water sports and a spa? The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Noonu Atoll, Maldives, has you covered. A 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé, the resort features 221 beachfront and over-water lagoon villas inspired by traditional Maldivian architecture. There’s a PADI dive facility and a water sports center, tennis and badminton courts, a kids’ club and multiple swimming pools. The tropical spa boasts 20 treatments rooms, each dedicated to a different Eastern or Western wellness philosophy for a wide range of health, beauty and relaxation options. The Easter package between Mar 19-Mar 28 starts at $4,257 per night for four nights in a Beach Villa room, including free meals for kids under 12, Easter kids’ activities, and a half-day excursion for the family. thesunsiyam.com/irufushi/promotions/easter-package
Alila Ubud
For a serene mountain escape, head to the Alila Ubud hillside retreat in Bali’s monkey-inhabited foothills, in the traditional Balinese village of Payangan. The beautiful hideaway is outfitted with traditional Balinese architecture and modern amenities for ultimate relaxation. For Easter, the property is offering 20 percent off the best available rate, with breakfast included. A minimum stay of two nights is required. Starting from $2,058 per night. alilahotels.com/ubud/rates.
The Temple House
If lazy, adorable pandas and a hot cup of tea sound like your idea of a fun-filled Easter, The Temple House, Chengdu is for you. The Gong Fu Panda package includes a Gong Fu tea ceremony, transfer to the city’s giant panda research base and two entrance tickets. You’ll also get a panda soft toy. Who could say no to that? $2,251 per night. thetemplehousehotel.com.
The Datai Langkawi
Stunning accommodation and warm hospitality including a welcome beverage and fruit basket await you at The Datai Langkawi but it’s the pristine rainforest, believed to be at least 10 million years old with an abundance of plant and animal life, that you’re likely to go for. Expect wild encounters with the great hornbill, the dusky leaf monkey, macaques, lizards, geckos and more unruly creatures on the resort’s complimentary morning and evening nature walks. From $2,635 per night, thedatai.com/langkawi.
