Planning Your Indian Ocean Escape

The Fortress, Sri Lanka

The Fortress (main photo) may sound like an imposing name for a luxury hotel, but step into this Sri Lankan hideaway and it will all make perfect sense. Not just because of the architecture – based on Galle’s famed Dutch fort – but because it’s designed so that the realities and stresses of life are kept well and truly at bay.

Rising next to the seaside, the resort’s walls enclose verdant gardens sheltering hammocks, day beds and water features. All the bedrooms have super-king-sized beds, state-of-the-art entertainment, and butler service. And if you want to escape even further, then the inner sanctum of the spa – with its Ayurveda healing treatments – is the place for you. It may well be called The Fortress, but try keeping us out.

slh.com/fortress

Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia

Situated on a secluded private island, off the west coast of Malaysia, Pangkor Laut Resort is bordered by wild rainforest on one side and glorious turquoise waters on the other. Choose from Sea, Beach, Spa, Hill or Garden Villas, each in their individually unique settings and many with outdoor bathtubs. There are two swimming pools to laze in or the beautiful beach of Emerald Bay. Or practise yoga on the Sri Lagenda Deck with a cooling sea breeze.

slh.com/pangkor

Baros Maldives, Maldives

A small private island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Baros Maldives comprises of secluded villas with palm-thatched roofs, either over water or facing the beach.

A Padi-diving centre, spa with a tranquil water garden, and several restaurants overlooking the sea ensure that the ‘paradise’ part of your holiday is well catered for. The villas at Baros are sheltered by large banana leaves and palms while the water villas have a private wooden deck for sunbathing and steps for dipping into the lagoon.

slh.com/baros