5 National Day escapes for those who need a quick getaway

Short Break: 5 National Day escapes for those who need a quick getaway

MF editorial team

18 Jul 2016

updated the 3 May 2019 à 10:18

Not keen to stay in the country this National Day? Book a long weekend break at one of these close-to-home destinations.

1/5
Viroth’s Villa – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Minimalist in style but big on design, this Wat Bo bolthole has just seven rooms. Each follows the same contemporary blueprint, with sensual rain showers, clean lines and eye-catching polished surfaces. Every fixture here – from the bijou pool to the mobile spa – offers respite from long days spent trudging around the breathtaking Angkor temples. Settle down with a bottle of wine at the rooftop bar and let the evening slip by in the breeze.

Smith extra: A hand-woven cotton scarf for each room.

Viroth’s Villa – Siem Reap, Cambodia
2/5
Clove Hall – Penang, Malaysia
Elegant and romantic, this sophisticated renovation of an Edwardian plantation home is perfectly poised for leisurely strolls through UNESCO-listed Georgetown. Embrace Penang’s rarefied colonial-era atmosphere: linger in enormous net-draped beds, splash around in the garden pool and sip on G&Ts on the porch. Outside, a vibrant fusion of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures beckon: grab a Panama hat and go exploring.

Smith extra: A free departure transfer to the airport.

Clove Hall – Penang, Malaysia
3/5
Japamala Resort – Tioman, Malaysia
A picturesque car-and-boat journey away, this island resort is the ultimate back-to-nature escape. Sensitively built around its natural environment, Japamala has cleverly dotted luxurious chalets along jungle-covered cliffs, gracing them with outdoor salas, inviting waterfall pools and vertiginous vistas of the South China Sea. Borrow a snorkel and fins to glide over the house reef, or hole yourself up in the day spa for a pampering three-day retreat.

Smith extra: A traditional sarong. Guests in Jungle Luxe Sarang rooms (and higher categories) will also get a massage for two.
Japamala Resort – Tioman, Malaysia
4/5
Bon Ton Restaurant & Resort – Langkawi, Malaysia
Set in a former coconut plantation on a lotus-strewn lagoon, this rustic resort is as sumptuous as it is cosseting. Each of its eight antique timber houses is unique: some have open-air bathrooms with deep wooden tubs, others carved windows and peaceful pool views. Gourmets should make a beeline for renowned restaurant Nam, where Eastern and Western influences inform the inventive menu.

Smith extra: A welcome lime margarita each.

Bon Ton Restaurant & Resort – Langkawi, Malaysia
5/5
Hotel Muse – Bangkok, Thailand
City slickers rejoice: a short stroll away from a Skytrain station, this high-rise hideaway is within easy reach of royal temples, mega-malls and luxuriant Lumpini Park. Playful but sensual, Hotel Muse is refreshingly intimate, with dusky city-view bedrooms, marble-clad bathrooms and a breezy infinity lap pool. Don’t miss killer cocktails at the Speakeasy, a two-floor rooftop bar that’s become the talk of the town.

Smith extra: An exclusive Muse platter at rooftop bar the Speakeasy, ideal to enjoy at sunset on arrival day.

Hotel Muse – Bangkok, Thailand

Singapore’s National Day is soon upon us, and with it the promise of a long weekend and impromptu getaways. An exotic escape needn’t mean long-haul flights or complicated connections: travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have lined up five seductive hotels a hop and a skip from the Lion City.

Mr & Mrs Smith gets you the best rates, guaranteed, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call the Smith24 team toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com.

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