Summer 2020: Southeast Asian Gems Waiting to Be Explored

A luxurious blend of spectacular beaches and tropical rainforests, a skyline flanked by glittering pagodas and temple rooftops that gleam among the soaring metallic skyscrapers, a healthy dose of partying, and innovative culinary delights,  Thailand is for the traveler who wants to experience it all. 

There’s a reason why millions of tourists flock to Thailand every year; it’s paradise. The downside is that you will find yourself wading through crowds every time you visit a beach or a tourist attraction. You can avoid doing this by traveling in the off-peak season, July to October. Despite the unpredictable weather, you are guaranteed more time and space to comfortably explore. 

Traveling to Thailand during the summer months is a great way to better immerse yourself in the culture. There are some amazing opportunities to experience fascinating cultural events first hand, thanks to the wide range of notable festivals that are held during that time of year. Festivals such as the Ghost Festival (Phi Ta Khon), a festival that is meant to recreate the legend of a party that was so fun that everyone wanted to attend - living or dead, or the Candle Festival, which takes place during Asahna Bucha and Khao Phansa, two important Buddhist events that celebrate Buddha’s first sermon and the beginning of Buddhist Lent. The events are marked by ceremonies and processions in the form of large-scale, colourful parades of magnificent floats with huge, extravagant candlewax sculptures, Thai traditional dance and music.

Smaller groups on tour is also a big plus. You will get more one-on-one time with your local guide, making for a more personalized experience. You will also get more opportunities for authentic local encounters, as your guide will find it easier to accommodate smaller groups for dining and village visits. 

If it sounds like Thailand is for you, here are some beautiful villas that will grant you absolute luxury during your summer getaway. 

Villa Thaia, located on the eastern coast of Phuket, is a stunning seven bedroom property that is ideal for a group of up to 14 people. The home is situated within the exclusive estate of Cape Yamu and has a magnificent view of Phang Nga Bay and the blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The interior boasts incredible high-ceilings, a wooden-gabled roof, with eye-catching wooden panels that connect with the outdoors. The space is not overloaded so as to encourage that feeling of escaping from the hustles and bustles of the city. Villa Thaia features two state of the art swimming pools, jacuzzis, fully equipped gym,a private tennis court, cinema lounge and much more. 

Another gorgeous property in our catalog is Villa Myavea. This amazing four bedroom villa, located on the famous Millionaire's Mile in Kamala, Phuket, is ideal four a group of up to eight people. It boasts breathtaking views over Andaman Sea, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a fully equipped gym, and house staff which includes a chef. 

Indonesia is truly a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, although one would think the contrary due to its size which spans over 170,000 islands. Indonesia is home to the world's second largest tropical forests, as well as crystal-clear beaches, active volcanoes, amazing dive sites and beautiful wildlife. If you want to become one with nature, this is the place to be. 

Unlike Thailand, the best season to go to Indonesia at least weather-wise is the summer. The dry season in Indonesia spans from May to September. The months of May, June and September are arguably the best time to visit, when the weather conditions are idyllic and visitor numbers are not at their peak. 

Indonesia is a must for any passionate diver as it is home to some of the world’s most stunning diving spots. This is thanks to being part of the Coral triangle and containing 20% of the world’s coral reefs. There are  over 3000 species of fish and over 600 species of coral to discover, as well as different types of dive sites such as wrecks, water trenches and underwater volcanic mountains. Whether you are a novice or an expert, there is something for you. 

If being on land is more your thing, there are options for you as well. For example you can visit the Borobudur temple, the largest Buddhist monument, an ancient site that dates back to the 8th century. Borobudur consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with no less than 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues of various types. There are two museums located within Borobudur Archaeological Park, the Karmawibhanga Museum and the Samudraraksa Museum. Exploring the site takes quite a bit of effort due to the expansiveness of it, but it is well worth it. 
For the more adventurous, visiting an active volcano should be on the to do list. Over 120 active volcanoes can be found dotted around Indonesia. While often challenging, the views from the summit and the thought of knowing what is going on beneath the surface will have you on a full adrenaline rush. 

Are you convinced that Indonesia is the place to be? If so, here are some of the most luxurious villas that will allow you to vacation in style. 

Villa Bayu Gita is an ultra-luxurious home that will amaze even the most indifferent of souls. This six bedroom haven is capable of accommodating up to 12 people. The villa’s ground floor lounge opens directly onto the garden, where you will find an enormous swimming pool with a jacuzzi, a spacious terrace, an alfresco dining area and a boardwalk leading to the beach. To entertain both young and old alike, you have a gym, cinema room and a game room. 

Another equally stunning property is Villa Javana. This villa is a luxurious five bedroom home set in the residential district of Canggu, fifteen minutes from the Famous city of Seminyak. The Villa is encased by lush greenery including mango, frangipani, coco, palm, bougainvillea, Japan trees, and Champaka trees. The mansion faces the level-shaped rice fields nicely separated by a beautiful river. It features a private pool, a beautiful garden, a full house staff and much more.