Best Asian Beaches For Summer 2011

Some says that the most beautiful beaches in Asia are those that have not been visited by many, and are inaccessible to most. Conventional wisdom might be spot on here, but the time spent getting to these Asian beaches is well worth it.

From Borneo to Seychelles, we bring you a step closer to discovering some most breath-taking beaches and resorts for summer 2011.

Con Dao, Vietnam
Famed for its clear blue-green waters, golden beaches, lush mangrove forests and vibrant coral reefs, Con Dao is a 16 – island archipelago located within South East Vietnam that clearly earns its place on our list.

First recognised as a nature reserve and now a national park, Con Dao encompasses every aspect of oceanic and coastal ecosystems, including its claim as one of the most important sea turtles egg – laying areas in Vietnam. It's also home the rare dugong and dolphins.

Although seemingly worlds away, Six Senses Con Dao isn't difficult to get to, located in a secluded bay just 8km from Co Ong airport.

With only 50 modern villas, Six Senses offers generous personal space with lush tropical mangrove vegetation and breathtaking views. Each villa has its own private infinity pool and unobstructed views of the South China Sea. The unique design style reduces air – conditioned spaces whilst providing additional natural ventilation.

Getting there is easy. Con Dao is approximately 230 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The transfer flight to Con Dao takes approximately 45 minutes.

Mabul Island, Borneo
Just off the Northeastern coast of Malaysia, Mabul is a secluded island perfect for beach lovers and divers alike. One of our favourite resorts there is the 45 – bungalow Sipadan Water Village Resort, where the entire venue is set atop stilts over the water.

Borneo is known as one of the best diving sites in the world, including Sipadan Island, just 15km away from Mabul. With calm seas, cool breezes and vivid coral reefs, the island's beauty and exclusivity is self – explanatory.

Getting to Sipadan is a little tricky, which explains why the tourist masses have bypassed this island and moved onto other Malaysian beaches such as Redang.

The first leg, a direct flight to Kota Kinabalu, is easy. Once there, travellers need to change planes and take a domestic flight to Tawau airport on the east coast of Sabah.

Although a bit of a haul, being able to enjoy a view that you share with only 44 other people makes it all worth it.

Praslin, Seychelles
The crème de la crème of all beach resorts is the newly opened Raffles Praslin Seychelles, located on the stunning and private island of Praslin, a 15 – minute helicopter ride from the main island of Mahe, Seychelles. Seychelles is an island nation spanning an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, some 1,500km east of Kenya, Africa.

Raffles Praslin Seychelles features 86 villas including one- and two – bedroom villa suite options with views of the Indian Ocean. All villas include private plunge pools and features round-the clock butler service that draws on the Raffles tradition of delivering personalized and discreet service.

Vietnam Travel Depot offer a tour Con Dao Island Snorkeling and Trekking Package (3 Days 2 Nights) to Con Dao Island, for more information about Vietnam Travel Depot, click here or contact via sales@vietnamtraveldepot.com / hotline: +84 909 602 370.