The PureLuxe Guide to Planning a Perfect Winter Retreat
As fall and winter roll around, making South Asian climates turn temperate from torrid, it’s the perfect opportunity to take shorter breaks with groups of families, friends and coworkers. However, planning a group retreat is never easy, and kicking off with the right destination will only elevate your chances of a remarkable vacation, even before your passports get stamped. While our team will always be there to help our members plan impeccable retreats, we’ve additionally curated this comprehensive planning guide exclusively for PureLuxe Members to help them choose the ideal destinations for a winter retreat like never experienced before.
Get the Basics Right
While choosing the most exotic locales on the planet is always tempting, making sure easy flights are available, the weather is good, and the visas come through seamlessly must be the ideal first steps to making any retreat a success.
Being practical may not always mean sacrificing, but it will for sure mean a hassle-free trip. With many destinations now well connected and offering easy visas, it’s possible to experience the world’s best diving in Raja Ampat with two flights from Mumbai or witness Bhutan’s stunning hills with a direct flight from Delhi.
Make Sure You Can Stay In Style
It is not a retreat until you’ve immersed yourself in the luxuries the most coveted properties offer. Whether it’s their indulgent suits, the most exotic and inclusive in-house spa treatments or their delectable menu, ensuring a destination has exquisite infrastructure and offerings is what makes any retreat purely delightful.
Experience wildlife safari from artisanal suits and lodges at Arijiju and Angama in Kenya or retreat like the regals in Gora Kadan, an ancient Japanese hideaway.
Know What You’ll Be Doing
Having a central theme or focus for a retreat is essential. Knowing if people want to bask in wellness at the Ananda, surf the bright blue waters in Sri Lanka or revel in the most lit party scenes in Hong Kong, will not only help you plan other requisites like what to pack but also ensure the right expectations and mindset from the get-go. In the end, all that matters is everyone gets to experience what the destination has to offer in its truest sense.
Have “Wow” Group Experiences
Some experiences are only phenomenal when shared, and they are the very essence of retreats. Enjoy a hearty private BBQ experience on an enchanting Indonesian island, or spend a night under the stars at a secluded private camp in Oman whilst indulging in a scrumptious Mediterranean spread.
Nature and Adventure
Kenya
Home to the world’s most Iconic Wildlife, Unique Accommodations and Reserves and unmatched hospitality, Kenya is one of our favourite places for a group retreat.
Access - Direct Flights from Bombay, Delhi and Ahmedabad
Stay - We love private wilderness reserves such as Ol Jogi and Arijiju for Groups, paired with luxury Camps in the Mara Such as Mara Plains and Angama Mara
Go For - Some of the world’s best wildlife including all members of the big 5, and unique adventures such as Horseback Safaris and rhino tracking on foot.
Wow Group Experiences - Bush meals in Stunning Settings, Hot Air Balloon Adventures and Safari Bonding.
Oman
With wild Wadis snaking through the Desert, White Sand Beaches and Imposing Mountains, Oman flies under the radar but offers an unsurpassed experience.
Access - Direct Flights from Most Major Indian Cities
Stay - Enjoy stunning views of the Mountains at Alila Jabal Akdar, or luxuriate in the stunning Musandum Peninsula at Six Senses Zighy Bay
Go For - An unmatched range of adventures from rock climbing to scuba diving and our personal favourite, Wadi Hiking and Canyoning
Wow Group Experiences - Spend a night in the Desert at a Private Camp under the starry Sky
Bhutan
Embraced by the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan stands as a testament to mystical monasteries, untouched forests, and fluttering prayer flags.
Access - Direct Flights from Delhi and Kolkata
Stay - Savour the unobtrusive views of the Phobjikha Valley at the Six Senses, Bhutan Gangtey Lodge and witness the migration of rare black-necked cranes from Tibet.
Go For - Bhutan’s breathtaking scenic beauty while immersing yourself in a bunch of outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, rafting, and more, all while being able to witness Bhutan's vibrant and unique culture.
Wow Group Experiences - A blessing ceremony at a monastery and a private dinner at the Ruins of a Fort
Beaches and Diving
Indonesia
Explore the enchanting archipelago of Indonesia, where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches, and ancient temples stand as a testament to its rich history.
Access - Direct Flights from Mumbai to Jakarta, and Delhi to Bali*
Stay - Cruise the Stunning Islands on World Class Yachts such as Kudanil Explorer and Aqua Blue, or Stay at Unique hotels such as Capella Ubud and Amankila.
Go For - The Worlds Best Diving, Natural beauty, and Outdoor Activities
Wow Group Experiences - Private BBQ on Beach, Sunrise Pickup overlooking Mt Batur
Seychelles
Discover unrivalled luxury and the perfect escape into paradise amidst Seychelles’s turquoise waters and secluded white-sand beaches.
Access - Direct Flights From Bombay
Stay - Revitalise at the Four Seasons on the Petite Anse Bay or nestle in solitude at the North Island or Six Senses Zil Pasyon.
Go For - Private Island Seclusions, stunning reefs and corals and ethereal white-sand beaches
Wow Group Experiences - Private Movie Night at Six Senses Cinema Paradiso, Sunrise Yoga Overlooking Four Seasons
Sri Lanka
Enter a world of lavish heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unmatched hospitality, promising a truly luxurious escape on this teardrop-shaped island.
Access - Direct Flights from Most Major Indian Cities
Stay - Pause and rest in the jutted headland of Cape Weligama or enjoy blissful seclusion at the Amanwella in Tangalle.
Go For - Surfing, History and Culture and experiencing authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine
Wow Group Experiences - Take to the Indian Ocean in Search of Blue Whales on a Private Catamaran
Food and Nightlife
Japan
Home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, like the Tokyo Tower, Mount Fuji, and the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Japan is the epitome of modernity and rich heritage.
Access - Direct Flights from Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore
Stay - From towering skyscrapers in Tokyo like Aman Tokyo to traditional ryokans such as Gora Kadan and the tranquil Four Seasons Kyoto, Japan boasts some of the world's finest hotels.
Go For - Unique Cuisines and Experiences, Cultural Immersion, City Life and Natural Beauty
Wow Group Experiences - Supercar Tours Through the Japanese Alps, Behind The Scenes Sake Brewery Visits and More.
Hong Kong
Known as the global financial centre, Hong Kong entices with stunning skyscrapers, bustling markets, lit nightlight, cultural diversity and world-class culinary scenes, waiting to be explored.
Access - Direct Flights from most Major Indian Cities
Stay - Experience the highest standards of luxury in The Peninsula or indulge in endless culinary adventures at the Mandarin Oriental and the Four Seasons Hotels.
Go For - Buzzing City Life, Michelin star Dining, Shopping
Wow Group Experiences - Discover Hong Kong From Above on a Helicopter experience, or Enjoy a Sunset Champagne Cruise on a Traditional Dhow.
South Korea
South Korea, a land of contrasts, boasts a dynamic economy and rich culture. From ancient palaces in Seoul to the breathtaking beaches of Jeju Island, the country offers stunning landscapes and delectable cuisines.
Access - Direct Flights from Delhi
Stay - The towering Signiel hotel, reaching the 101st Floor, or the classic Four Seasons, with views over the Palace
Go For - A Unique History, Vibrant Pop Culture and Music, Local Shopping and Korean Cuisine
Wow Group Experiences - Tour the DMZ to get a behind-the-scenes look at Korean history and discover KPop and the craze surrounding it.
