With public holidays in Singapore offering the perfect excuse for a short escape, we've rounded up some of the best beach resorts just a ferry ride or short flight away. From family-friendly retreats to private villas on secluded islands, here are our top picks for your next beach holiday.

The Legian Seminyak, Bali – Ocean Views and Private Villas

Bali remains a perennial favourite for beach getaways, and The Legian Seminyak delivers front-row ocean views with signature Balinese charm. Located steps from the sand, this resort offers a laid-back luxury experience that captures the essence of island living. Guests can start their mornings with yoga on the lawn before watching surfers glide over gentle waves. Ocean-view suites and private villas at the neighbouring Club by The Legian Seminyak provide direct beach access, while quiet pools and shaded gardens offer peaceful retreats.

Designed by the legendary Jaya Ibrahim, the resort blends tropical elegance with local natural-fibre furnishings and original artwork. As the day winds down, sunset cocktails at the ocean bar offer the perfect end to a day of horse riding, beach walks, or exploring Seminyak's eclectic dining and boutique scene.

📷 IG @thelegianseminyak | @theclub.thelegianseminyak

Villa Essenza – Private Beach Villas in Thailand

Nestled on the shores of Phang Nga along Thailand's Andaman coast, Villa Essenza is a six-bedroom private villa designed for slow days by the sea. Accommodating up to 13 adults, it's ideal for extended family holidays, milestone celebrations, or wellness retreats.

The villa features spacious master suites and four ensuite bedrooms, all finished in calming neutral tones with expansive glass that frames breathtaking sea views. Outdoors, expansive decks and lawns lead directly to the sea, while a 25-metre saltwater infinity pool sits at the heart of the estate. A beachfront sala offers a perfect spot for sundowners, and outdoor dining areas come complete with a barbecue and pizza oven.

Guests can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, a pool table, and table tennis. A private chef and full villa team are on hand throughout your stay, with breakfast included. Complimentary round-trip airport transfers from Phuket International Airport make this an easy option for a quick escape.

📧 stay@villaessenza.com | 📷 IG @villa_essenza_natai

Baan Railei – Self-Catering Beach Villas in Krabi, Thailand

Set between limestone cliffs and the turquoise waters of Railay Beach, Baan Railei offers two luxury self-catering villas – Baan Kintamani and Baan Samarinda. Accessible only by boat, this stretch of Krabi coastline adds a sense of adventure to your arrival.

Baan Samarinda is the larger of the two, a five-bedroom traditional Thai teak house sleeping up to eight, with shaded decks and sea views. Next door, Baan Kintamani features four bedrooms and draws on Indonesian design influences, including ornate Balinese doors and a Javanese pavilion in the garden.

Both villas are ideal for multigenerational stays, with days spent swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying long outdoor dinners. Railay offers boat trips, snorkelling, rock climbing, and beachside dining. For larger groups, both villas can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

📷 IG @baanrailei | baanrailei.com

Nikoi Island – Private Island Getaways from Singapore

Just 2.5 hours from Singapore, Nikoi Island is an eco-friendly private island off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia. Ringed with white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs, and granite boulders, this 15-hectare island is stunningly unspoilt.

Activities include snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and marine life exploration. The kids' club offers coconut tree climbing, woodcraft, daily treasure hunts, and beach bonfires with marshmallow roasting. Adults can enjoy a spa, a bar that stays open late, and dining experiences celebrating fresh local ingredients.

🌐 nikoi.com

The Residence Bintan – A Ferry Ride Away

For those looking to maximise their public holiday by minimising travel time, The Residence Bintan is a top choice. Just a short ferry ride from Singapore, this resort occupies its own quiet pocket of the island, surrounded by beach, ocean, and forest.

Accommodation options range from beachfront villas to upper sea-view suites and garden terraces, all featuring stylish interiors that reflect traditional Indonesian aesthetics. Each villa category includes a private pool, or guests can unwind beside the beachfront infinity pool.

Activities include morning yoga, snorkelling, and jet-skiing. The Kakatu Kids Club (ages three to 12) keeps little ones entertained, while parents can indulge in the resort spa. The on-site Earth Basket farm offers tours where guests can harvest fresh produce, collect eggs, and learn about composting.

Dining options include Western and Asian specialties at The Dining Room, authentic Indonesian flavours at Rica Rica, and fresh seafood grilled at Rimbun. Private dining on the beach or in your villa is also available.

📞 +62 778 6000 888 | cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan

The Residence Maldives – Two Resorts with a 3km House Reef

Located in one of the deepest atolls in the world, The Residence Maldives spans two islands – Dhigurah and Falhumaafushi – connected by a bridge. Guests arrive via a 55-minute scenic flight from Malé, followed by a five-minute speedboat transfer.

Falhumaafushi offers 94 overwater and beachfront villas with private pools, perfect for romantic escapes. Dhigurah features 173 villas, making it ideal for families. Both share access to a three-kilometre house reef, home to coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, and reef sharks. A resident marine biologist leads guided snorkelling tours, adding insight into this remarkable ecosystem.

The Kids Club on Dhigurah offers outdoor exploration and activities, while adults can enjoy the world-class Spa by Clarins. Dining includes classic Cantonese, lagoon-side feasts, and private castaway dinners with a personal chef.

📞 +960 682 0088 / +960 682 0089 | cenizaro.com

M Social Phuket – A Modern Beach Resort in Thailand

Located in the heart of Patong, M Social Phuket offers a creatively designed stay with modern amenities. Patong Beach is just a short stroll away, surrounded by trendy bars, shops, and dining options.

The 418 rooms and suites are colourful and luxurious, featuring AI voice-controlled assistants. Facilities include a day spa, two outdoor pools, and a fitness centre. Dining options include Beast & Butterflies for seafood and casual meals, and Bincho Izakaya for Japanese sushi and sake. Pool bars offer sunset views and nightly entertainment.

🌐 msocial.com/phuket

InterContinental Koh Samui – A Five-Star Beach Resort

Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand on Koh Samui's quiet southwest coast, InterContinental Koh Samui offers spacious ocean-view rooms, pool villas, and family villas. Guests can indulge in treatments at Thai Spa by Harnn, or enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, and diving.

The Planet Trekkers kids' club (ages four to 12) provides beach soccer, nail painting, and other fun activities, making this a great choice for families planning a holiday around a public holiday in Singapore.

Whether you're seeking a private villa, a family-friendly resort, or a quick ferry ride away, these beach resorts near Singapore offer the perfect escape. Start planning your next getaway today!