appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Curation Team

Need a guide to some of the most stunning and unique beach-break travel destinations? Our list will allow you to discover hidden gems like the Philippines’ diving paradise of Puerto Galera, ride the waves at one of Asia’s top surfing beaches, and even compare the most luxurious resorts that the Maldives has to offer. Dive in, the water’s lovely.
1. Maldives luxury resort showdown: Raffles Meradhoo vs Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi … which is best?
Discover the ultimate Maldives escape as we compare two five-star resorts offering sun, sand, surf and more than a touch of luxury. The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo both have unique vibes, stunning locations and exceptional facilities, so which offers the perfect island paradise for your next getaway?
2. Discover Puerto Galera on Mindoro Island, the diving capital of the Philippines with its El Galleon resort, yacht club and hidden beaches
Renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and Unesco-protected marine biosphere Puerto Galera on the northern tip of the Philippines’ Mindoro Island offers world-class diving and so much more. You can also explore hidden beaches, lush waterfalls, charming eateries, lush rainforests and a vibrant local culture.
3. Discover Asia’s top surfing beaches, from Phuket’s beginner waves to Sri Lanka’s surf paradise
We list eight top Asian surfing destinations with stunning beaches, vibrant cultures and world-class waves to cater for everyone whether you’re a novice or a pro. Discover the beginner-friendly waves in Phuket or the challenging barrels in Indonesia. Explore hidden gems like Yomitan in Japan, experience the thrill of Cloud 9 in Siargao, or learn to surf in the tranquil waters of Cherating, Malaysia.

4. The world’s top nudist beaches uncovered, from Australia to Europe and the Americas
Discover eight of the world’s best beaches for getting that all-over tan, from the renowned Haulover Beach in Florida to the secluded Praia do Abricó in Brazil. With nude sunbathing not widely accepted in Asia, naturists need to go a little further afield and this article explores the top nudist havens across the globe.
5. SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort offers a marine conservation haven on the peaceful northeast coast of Thailand
This idyllic resort on Thailand’s Loh Ba Gao Bay is haven of luxury and sustainability nestled on serene shores and an 800m pristine white-sand beach. This eco-conscious resort is leading the charge in marine conservation, with initiatives like bamboo shark and clownfish breeding programmes, mangrove planting, and coral restoration.
Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI


How to prevent Hong Kong from becoming just another Asian city

How to deal with this ‘very Chinese time’ in Western lives

Chinese tourist banned from Thailand for life after kicking, damaging US$15,000 auto-gates

3 ways to build Hong Kong’s yacht economy beyond infrastructure

Tourism

The best beach holidays ever, from Maldives luxury to Thailand eco-friendly havens

Seasoned surfers flock to the famous Cloud 9 surf spot on Siargao Island in the Philippines, one of our eight top Asian surfing destinations to ride the waves. Photo: Getty Images


Public nudity is generally taboo in Asia, but for those who wish to bathe in their birthday suit, we have 8 of the world’s best nudist beaches, from Haulover Beach, Miami (above) to Mar Bella in Barcelona. Photo: Shutterstock

6 wellness retreats for the mind, body and soul to try in Southeast Asia in 2025

These six destinations offer unique experiences blending cultural exploration with healing therapies, delicious cuisine and stunning natural settings. Photo: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Hoi An’s rise as a wellness hub includes the recent opening of the Namia River Retreat. Photo: Namia River Retreat

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is the Himalayan nation’s first luxury wellness resort. Photo: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Wellness treatments at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary include Tibetan bowl healing sessions. Photo: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort. Photo:  @revivo_wellness_resorts/ Instagram

Shinta Mani Wild benefits from being situated in the forest and next to a river. Photo: Shinta Mani Wild

Foot massages by the river at Shinta Mani Wild. Photo: Shinta Mani Wild

Santani Wellness Kandy, in Sri Lanka. Photo: Santani Wellness Kandy

A yoga lesson at Santani Wellness Kandy, Sri Lanka. Photo: Santani Wellness Kandy

JA Manafaru is on the Haa Alifu Atoll, the northernmost in the Maldives. Photo: Ja Manafaru

JA Manafaru offers indulgent detox treatments. Photo: JA Manafaru

How Amanpulo, the private island in the Philippines, draws fans including Bill Gates and Mariah Carey with its off-track location, pristine nature, dynamic dining and wellness offerings

Amanpulo in the Philippines is an island only reachable by private flights leaving daily from Manila. Photo: Handout

Enjoy views of surrounding islands while enjoying dinner at the Beach Club, Amanpulo. Photo: Handout

A pathway to the beach from one of the villas at Amanpulo. Photo: Handout

A simply decorated yet beautifully appointed bedroom in a Beach Casita at Amanpulo. Photo: Handout

The main swimming pool at Amanpulo is surrounded by leafy tropical vegetation. Photo: Handout

Privacy is paramount at Amanpulo so you hardly run into any other guests, even during high season. Photo: Handout

Travel India, from Mysore’s yoga scene, to Mumbai’s glamour and a new wave of eco-friendly boutique hotels

A tiger drinks from a lake at Pench National Park, near Jamtara Wilderness Camp in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Photo: Jamtara Wilderness Camp


On Mumbai’s Apollo Bunder pier stands the Gateway of India, which overlooks the Arabian Sea. Photo: Tim Pile

Our 5 most-read PostMag travel stories of 2024, from a Russian ‘invasion’ to Teresa Teng’s favourite hotel

The Huangguan Escalator in Chongqing, in southwestern China, is the longest single escalator in Asia, but a new one planned at Malaysia’s Batu Caves could challenge its title. Photo: Getty Images

Thailand is automatically granting Russians stays of up to three months in the country – an increase from 30 days. Photo: Getty Images

Parts of Bali, including Kuta and Canggu, have seen an influx of Russians since Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Photo: AFP

A road in northern Laos near the Laos-China Railway built under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Photo: Kristian Odebjer

The InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping in Thailand. Photo: Kylie Knott

The planned escalator at Malaysia’s Batu Caves will give visitors an alternative to the 272 brightly coloured steps that take people up to the Sri Subramaniar cave temple. Photo: Shutterstock

‘Russian annexation of Bali’: Instagram post renaming Canggu as ‘New Moscow’ sets social media abuzz

Tourists relax on Kuta Beach near Denpasar, in Bali, Indonesia, on November 18, 2023. Photo: AFP

Tourists relax on Kuta Beach near Denpasar, in Bali, Indonesia, on November 18, 2023. Parts of Bali, including Kuta and Canggu, have seen an influx of Russians since Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Photo: AFP

People cycle along a path next to the Flower Dome in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. Photo: AFP

PostMag

Culture

Sun, sea and sand are usually the main 3 requirements for a getaway and here we highlight some of the top beach destinations on the planet


Sun, sea and sand are usually the main 3 requirements for a getaway and here we highlight some of the top beach destinations on the planet.


.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Sun, sea and sand are usually the main 3 requirements for a getaway and here we highlight some of the top beach destinations on the planet

1. .css-jfmysa{display:inline;word-break:break-word;}.css-1ankfgb{cursor:pointer;display:inline;word-break:break-word;}Maldives luxury resort showdown: Raffles Meradhoo vs Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi … which is best?

Sun, sea and sand are usually the main 3 requirements for a getaway and here we highlight some of the top beach destinations on the planet

1. Maldives luxury resort showdown: Raffles Meradhoo vs Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi … which is best?