Southeast Asia offers surprisingly blissful locations perfect for hosting client meetings but also vast playgrounds to indulge in leisure. Although not all paradise islands can be conveniently reached by time constrained business travellers, there are still plenty of options available.
Easily make business hours productive while keeping afterhours interesting and memorable. Given the vast diversity of culture and traditions across Southeast Asia, these locations offer unique, immersive experiences, all while keeping options for world-class dining and other activities available.
Cities and key island hubs are often within a short drive of international airports, supported by modern telecommunications, a variety of transport modes, and excellent English fluency among locals working in the hospitality industry. Cafés, museums, theaters, and other local jewels are also typically within considerable distance.
For bleisure travellers, managing your travel budget wisely is just as important as choosing the right property. Budgeting tools for smarter trip planning can help stretch travel funds and free up more resources available for spending on more extravagant premium stays and services.
From Cebu to Singapore, the region offers world-class hotels and resorts that balance accessibility, connectivity, and cultural depth. Here are five of the best options.
Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, Philippines
The resort, located on the Punta Engaño Peninsula, makes an excellent choice for travellers who are looking forward to blending business with an endless tropical escape.
Situated just 10 to 20 minutes from Mactan Cebu International Airport, taxis, hotel shuttles, and ride-hailing apps like Grab are readily available. Shuttle between the hotel and quaint cafés, bars, malls, and restaurants at the city center.
When the deal’s closed, dip into the resort’s pristine beaches and spa facilities. Or, visit some of the province’s most spectacular tourist attractions:
- Magellan’s Cross. Approximately 25 minutes drive away from the resort, it marks the site where Ferdinand Magellan landed and Christianity was first introduced in the Philippines in 1521.
- Island Hopping Tours. Catch tours just over an hour’s drive away from the resort to swim, snorkel, and enjoy boat rides to island beaches.
- Moalboal Dive Sites. About 3 to 4 hours drive away, enjoy island hopping and diving sites.
Cebu’s diverse blend of Spanish and local heritage makes Dusit Thani emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible and enjoyable bleisure resorts. Don’t fly out of Cebu without trying out the world-famous “lechon” (open fire-roasted pig). It’s widely sold in farmers’ markets and available in restaurants.
Capella Bangkok, Thailand
Capella Bangkok offers a sophisticated base for professionals who also want leisure at their fingertips. Located on the Chao Phraya River, the property is roughly 40 minutes from Suvarnabhumi International Airport or 30 minutes from Don Mueang Airport, with airport transfers, taxis, and even riverboat services available.
Apart from state-of-the-art business rooms and conference halls, the hotel also offers panoramic skyline views, world-class dining, and access to the city’s thriving cultural districts. From night markets and museums to temples and riverside cafés, Capella sits at the intersection of commerce and culture.
Revel in Bangkok’s cultural splendour. Within a 15 to 30 minutes drive from the hotel are The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. Stroll in the shopping districts of ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon until late. These areas are also replete with street foods and must-try Thai delicacies.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam
On Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula, the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort provides a dramatic setting for bleisure travellers. Just 20–30 minutes from Da Nang International Airport, the resort is easily accessible, with private transfers and taxis ensuring seamless travel.
Beyond seminar room walls, guests get to relax in infinity pools, private beaches, and guided cultural tours. Just 40 minutes away from the resort is the ancient town of Hoi An. See the Linh Ung Pagoda situated on the Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains, Banah Hills, Cham Museum, Dragon Bridge, and Han Market. All of which take only between 30 minutes to an hour’s drive away from the resort.
EQ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
About an hour away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the hotel is easy to reach via airport rail (KLIA Ekspres), taxis, or ride-hailing apps. Once in the city, EQ sits within walking distance of Pavilion Mall, Bukit Bintang, and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, placing guests at the heart of business and leisure.
Leisure activities inside the hotel include a rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking skyline views, a luxury spa, and multiple dining outlets showcasing Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine.
Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its diversity. Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other international cultures blend seamlessly here. Expect the cuisine to be just as diverse as its residents and guests.
Within a good 10 to 20 minutes walk are Petronas Twin Towers, Pasar Seni, and Chinatown. The Batu Caves, a Hindu shrine nested inside limestone caves, is about a 10 to 15 minute drive from the hotel. Admire a panoramic view of Bangkok’s skyline from the KL Tower.
The St. Regis Bali Resort, Nusa Dua, Indonesia
The St. Regis Bali Resort in Nusa Dua is located just 15 to 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is situated next to the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, making it the ideal home away from home for participants attending meetings and conferences in the area.
After a long day of networking, guests may immediately indulge in stunning beaches, the Museum Pasifika (an art museum), and upscale shopping, all within walking or short driving distance.
Within an hour’s drive from the resort, experience Ubud and take in the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia. Whether a full-day trip or a quick side trip, take time to be amazed by the rice terraces, temples, art, markets, and nature walks.
Business and Leisure in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia’s hotels and resorts stand at the forefront of bleisure, providing spaces where work and leisure seamlessly flow from indoors to outdoors, and back.
From the beaches of Cebu and Phuket to the city skylines of Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, these hotels and resorts are shaping the future of business travel where connectivity, accessibility, and cultural diversity all make business trips deeply rewarding.
Whether you’re presenting in a boardroom, brainstorming by the pool, or unwinding at a heritage bar, Southeast Asia ensures every business trip feels like a well-earned escape.
About the Author
Michelle Tansey is the founder of Red Queen Marketing. She has led finance and travel content marketing teams at Finder, Airtasker, Luxury Escapes and Traveloka. Michelle consults for enterprises and startups to strengthen their brand connections with customers. When she’s not working, she’s on holiday exploring new places with her toddler, patting her cat Alice, and going down pop culture rabbit holes.