This year, Deepavali falls on a Wednesday (18 October). This means you only need to take two days off work if you want a quick, five-day getaway (14-18 or 18-22 October). While Southeast Asia has no shortage of exclusive hotels, luxury villas and city retreats, the range of stylish accommodation options offered on Airbnb is no less impressive. Often, an ultra-luxe experience can be had for much less than at a luxury hotel. Here are 10 of the chicest properties we found across the region’s most popular destinations.
Bangkok, Thailand
"BTS Ari/Siam/Quiet designer villa"
As one of Singapore’s favourite weekend getaways, Bangkok really needs no introduction. What does, however, is the Ari neighbourhood in which this three-storey villa nestles in. Thanks to its plethora of hip cafes, restaurants and bars, Ari has been termed the Tiong Bahru of Bangkok. The villa itself has a loft-style, industrial-chic vibe and can accommodate six guests in three bedrooms. A ten-minute walk takes you to the Ari BTS Station, which then whisks you to Siam Paragon or Chatuchak in about the same time.
Price: $320 per night (6 guests)
Bali, Indonesia
"Oberoi Villa 108 in Seminyak/near KUDETA beach"
Bali is another perennially popular destination for Singaporeans, PRs and expats. Of all the resort areas on the island, Seminyak continues to draw the crowds with its tantalising mix of ultra-hip restaurants and sultry beach clubs. Right in the thick of the action is Oberoi Villa 108. It’s within walking distance of Seminyak staple Ku De Ta, as well as newer destination-dining hotspots like Kilo Bali. The villa sleeps four and has a private pool. Its whitewashed interiors, accented by splashes of turquoise and lime green, puts us in an instant holiday mood!
Price: $222 per night (4 guests)
Phuket, Thailand
"Classy 4-bedroom Villa in Cape Panwa"
The Beach
Price: $1,008 per night (8 guests)
Penang, Malaysia
Launched only in August 2017, this two-bedroom shophouse is arguably the most stylish residence on our list. The design features raw brick walls, exposed timber rafters and a skylit kitchen/dining area. Besides a master bedroom, the second bedroom has twin bunk beds – perfect for a family with young ones in tow. Located in the heart of Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll never be far from Penang’s major attractions – its street food, street art and well preserved heritage buildings.
Price: $211 per night (6 guests)
Cebu, The Philippines
"Award Winning Resort 5 Bed 5 Bath Full Service"
Most visitors to Cebu head straight for the beach. But there’s just as much appeal in a lush hilltop property. Particularly one as lavish as this five-bedroom, 7,000 sq. ft. villa nestled in the hills overlooking Cebu City. Originally a plantation house from the 1920s, the property was restored and now accommodates up to 12 guests in five bedrooms. We love the double volume living room, the relaxed semi-outdoors dining area, and the huge open-plan kitchen. Not that you’d need to do your own cooking, since a Chef, Butler, Driver and Staff are on hand to attend to your every whim.
Price: $912 per night (12 guests)
Da Nang, Vietnam
The Yacht Villa is located mid-way between Da Nang and Hoi An, two of Vietnam’s most popular coastal cities. With a private, white-sand beach just steps away, as well as two golf courses within a five-minute drive radius, you and nine of your kin can live it up in this nautical-themed property. This four-bedroom villa boasts clean, modern lines; breezy, open interiors; and large picture windows that let in plenty of light and ocean views. Then of course there’s the unique yacht feature in the pool, which, if anything, will make for interesting Instagram posts.
Price: $1,150 per night (10 guests)
Jakarta, Indonesia
"New and Professionally Furnished in Great Location"
Singaporeans tend to overlook Jakarta as a viable holiday destination, citing the city’s endless traffic jams. But bad traffic aside, Jakarta has a pulsating, albeit underrated F&B and nightlife scene. As a bonus, prices – even at top establishments – are at least 30 per cent lower than Singapore or even Bali. We recommend rounding up four of your foodie/night owl friends to lodge in this chic three-bedroom apartment. Located in affluent South Jakarta, you’ll be within easy reach of hip, vibrant neighbourhoods like Panglima Polim and Senopati. These are chock full of stylish cafes, restaurants, bars and shops to explore.
Price: $279 per night (5 guests)
Kuala Lumpur
KL’s hawker and street food routinely put Singapore’s to shame. But that’s not the only reason why Singaporeans make a beeline for the Malaysian capital. The city’s lively cafe and cocktail bar culture, centred around Bangsar, is now an attraction unto itself. Of course, the favourable exchange rate makes any trip up north even more pleasurable. Base yourself in the thick of the action in this four-bedroom duplex condo, which can host up to eight guests. Stylishly appointed, the property seems designed for entertaining, with a masculine, club-like living and dining area and double volume lounge overlooking the buzzing streets of Bangsar.
Price: $381 per night (8 guests)
Lombok, Indonesia
“Dome Villa Lombok with View over Gili Islands”
For better or worse, Lombok is often described as being like Bali 20 years ago. We take it to mean that the island hasn’t lost its rustic charms to commercialism. Whatever the case may be, a stay in Dome Villa is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Not only is the architecture and interiors of this two-bedroom property incredibly unique, but the setting itself – overlooking the Gili Islands and Bali Sea – is nothing short of breathtaking. You could almost be in the Mediterranean. A property manager and staff are available to take care of your every need.
Price: $710 per night (8 guests)
Krabi, Thailand
“Beautiful 4 Bedroom Pool Villa”
If you enjoy sunsets by the beach – who doesn’t, really – or exploring tropical islands in longtail boats, then Krabi should be top of your list. An excellent base from which to start your adventure is Villa Palavee, a four-bedroom mansion with its own pool. It’s a 10 to 15 minute walk away from Noppharat Thara. This 5km-long beach known to be more relaxed and romantic than the adjacent Ao Nang. The villa’s sleek, modern lines and teak-accented interiors appeal to our design sensibilities, while the premise of nailing that perfect sunset shot speaks to our inner photography enthusiast.
Price: $618 per night (8 guests)
Images by Airbnb
*Prices subject to change