It's that time of the year again. The rains are making they're grey presences felt and it won't be too long before most of us will start dreaming of sunny respites. To this, Condé Nast Traveller says, dream no more and tan instead. We tell you which fabulous Asian beaches to visit that continue to be sunny during the Indian monsoon season:
MALAYSIAWhile the west coast of the peninsula is plagued by the monsoon from May to August, the east coast of Malaysia remains a tropical paradise with plenty of sun and ideal sea conditions for snorkelling and diving. The beaches of Kuantan, Tioman Island, and Terengganu are the perfect beach getaways.
WHERE TO STAYHyatt Regency Kuantan Resort, Kuantan
This 330-room resort has three restaurants, two pools and is located near an 18-hole golf course.
Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort, Telok Chempedak, 25050 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia (+60 9 518 1234; www.hyatt.com) Doubles from Rs 5,500
JapaMala, Tioman IslandJapaMala, the only boutique resort on Tioman Island, has 14 luxury villas nestled amongst 11 acres of lush forests.
JapaMala, Kampung Lanting, Pulau Tioman, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia (+603 2161 0769; www.japamalaresorts.com) Doubles from Rs 10,000
Tanjong Jara Resort, TerengganuThis 99-room resort is renowned for its spa village, a complex of gardens, pools and structures all designed for rejuvenation.
Tanjong Jara Resort, Batu 8, Off Jalan Dungun, 23000 Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia (+60 3 2783 1000;
www.tanjongjararesort.com) Doubles from Rs 16,000
GETTING THEREFly to Tioman Island with Berjaya Air (www.berjaya-air.com) and Kuantan/Terengganu with Malaysia Airlines
(www.malaysiaairlines.com).
THAILANDSome of the beaches and island of the south eastern side of Thailand tend to stay dry while the rest of the country receives heavy rainfall. There may be quick showers in Koh Samui from May to August but for the most part it is warm and sunny.
WHERE TO STAYBanyan Tree Samui, Koh SamuiThis resort boasts villas with private pools and the island's first hydrotherapy spa.
Banyan Tree Koh Samui, 99/9 Moo 4, Maret, Samui Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Thailand (+66 77 915 3333; www.banyantree.com) Doubles from Rs 31,163
Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, Koh SamuiThis luxurious beach resort is leagues away from Koh Samui's crowds.
Anantara BophutResort & Spa, 99/9 Bophut Bay, Samui Island, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Thailand (+66 77 428 300; www.anantara.com) Doubles from Rs 19,000
W Retreat Koh Samui, Koh SamuiThis 75-villa resort brings W's signature elements of cool to Samui from the minimalist design to the party vibe.
W Retreat Koh Samui, 4/1 Moo 1 Tambol Maenam, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Thailand (+66 77 915999; www.starwoodhotels.com) Doubles from Rs 21,500
GETTING THEREFly to Koh Samui with Thai Airways (www.thaiairways.com) via Bangkok.
INDONESIAMost of Indonesia has its monsoon from October through April. In fact, the best time to visit Bali, Moyo Island and Lombok is during the months from May to August when there are high temperatures during the day and cool, refreshing evenings.
WHERE TO STAYThe Bvlgari Resort Bali, BaliSet aside a cliff top, this luxurious resort boasts stunning views.
The Bvlgari Resort, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu, Indonesia (+62 361 8471000; www.bulgarihotels.com) Doubles from Rs 36,310
Amanwana, Moyo IslandAmanwana, the only resort on the natural reserve island, is surrounded by crystal clear waters and an abundant marine life.
Amanwana, Moyo Island, West Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia (+62 371 22233; www.amanresorts.com) Doubles from Rs 45,500
The Oberoi, LombokThe resort is spread over 24 acres which includes a private beach and beautiful gardens.
The Oberoi Lombok, Medana beach, Tanjung 83352, North Lombok (+62 370 6138 444; www.oberoihotels.com) Doubles from Rs 15,000
GETTING THEREFly to Bali with Malaysia Airlines (www.malaysiaairlines.com) and Thai Airways (www.thaiairways.com). Travira Air (www.travira-air.com) flies between Bali and Amanwana while Garuda Indonesia (www.garuda-indonesia.com) flies between Bali and Lombok.
We are pleased to announce our very own Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards 2011. Many of you will be familiar with these awards in the US and UK--they have set the gold standard for the travel industry since 1987. Now Indian readers have a chance to vote for the best in the world--your favourite hotels, destinations, spas and airports. Fill in the form on page 116 (June 2011-July 2011 issue) or vote online at www.cntraveller.in, and you could win a stay at one of the five world's leading hotels in Asia.