Me, Myself and I
Sometimes, the best holiday is the one you take yourself on. Nothing more, nothing less. Imagine a holiday where you call the shots, from indulging in lazy breakfasts with your favourite book, to having the whole bed to sleep on, without anyone hogging it (but you). If you’re in need of some ‘me’ time, why not check out these hand-picked hotels from Mr & Mrs Smith for a luxurious solo trip – time to spoil yourself.
COQUI COQUI TULUM RESIDENCE & SPA, Tulum, Mexico
Coqui Coqui Tulum Residence & Spa is owned by two gregarious supermodels; as if by osmosis, their good looks have been absorbed by their handsome hotel, where rusticity meets relaxation (no wonder A-listers and in-the-know civilians keep coming back for more). Treat yourself to something ever-so-lovely from the on-site boutique – a signature soap, candle or perfume, perhaps – or simply relax on the beach. Get up early to discover the local Mayan ruins or set off on a guided jungle tour, then end the day horizontal, having an aromatic spa treatment featuring local plants.
Smith Extra: An in-room botanical spa bath
NAVUTU DREAMS RESORT & SPA, Siem Reap, Cambodia
It may feel like a blissful beach retreat, but at Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa, you’re actually on the rural outskirts of Cambodia’s most famous inland temple town. With two pools, a tropical garden and spacious, light, white rooms at your disposal, you’re spoilt for calming corners. There’s a choice of delicious Khmer or Italian dining to satisfy the taste buds; if you’re feeling intrepid/energetic and want to venture out, a visit to the jaw-dropping temples of Angkor is a Siem Reap must-do, with Navutu able to hook you up with tuk-tuk tours at sunrise, sunset or anytime in between.
Smith Extra: A bottle of Italian prosecco
ALILA MANGGIS, Bali, Indonesia
This oceanfront retreat lies in the shade of Mount Agung, which is sacred for the people of Bali, though you’ll be glad to hear that it does get plenty of sun – set aside some time for bronzing. Plunge into one of the seven superb diving sites that are close to the resort, try your hand at preparing fresh, local dishes at the award-winning cookery school, or let someone else do the hard work for you and visit Seasalt restaurant, which sits over a tranquil lotus pond. The dress code is deliciously informal, but you could always accessorise with a hibiscus flower in your sea salt-curled hair…
Smith Extra: Early check-in and 3pm late check-out (subject to availability), plus either a two-hour snorkelling trip or a 60-minute Balinese massage for two
CLOVE HALL, Penang, Malaysia
Play the romantic heroine in this exquisitely renovated Edwardian plantation house in Unesco-listed Georgetown. Take yourself on a tour of the mansion, admiring the owner’s private collection of objets d’art and antiques (pretend they’re your treasures!). Forget the free WiFi – you’ll want to be idling outside by the jade-green pool set in lush tropical gardens, where crickets chirrup cheerfully and water cascades melodically from clay urns. While you’re pampering yourself, you might as well request a poolside massage – it will put you in the perfect blissed-out state for the free afternoon tea, served daily between 4 – 5pm.
Smith Extra: A free departure transfer to the airport
KAHANDA KANDA, Galle, Sri Lanka
There’s no risk of feeling lonely at this serene Sri Lankan hideaway, home to monkeys, mongooses and jewel-bright birds. Ornithologists should book the Peacock room, named for the attention-seeking residents that strut down to the balcony, hoping for a feathered female audience (roosting parakeets and peacocks like Tamarind and Mango’s balconies, too). Idle away entire days at the inky-green rainwater infinity pool, which curves around an ancient tree in the gardens. If you’re feeling more adventurous, treat yourself to a cookery class with the hotel’s excellent chef – you’ll return home knowing how to rustle up one of the curries you had for breakfast.
Smith Extra: A spa treatment each. BlackSmiths also get a cookery class; SilverSmiths get a bottle of wine upon arrival; GoldSmiths get a bottle of champagne
Mr & Mrs Smith gives you the best rates, guaranteed, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free on 800 905 326, or visit mrandmrssmith.com.
Featured image sourced via Pinterest