Asia is all aglow for Diwali

With Diwali coming up, those seeking either a relaxing escape or an exhilarating experience can choose from numerous offers from some of Asia’s leading hotels and resorts.

From Singapore and Indonesia, to Thailand and the Maldives, there is a world of festive offers and wondrous sights to make anyone glow with joy and pleasure.

Check out our list of go-to places and the attractions they offer below.

A carnival in the Maldives

At The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, water, light, and tropical architecture conspire to create an idyllic setting for a Diwali mini-break. 

The resort’s Diwali Carnival, running from 28 October to 6 November, has been curated to appeal to both Indian guests and international visitors eager to experience the vibrant festivities. 

Adorned with diyas (oil lamps), rangoli (sand-painted designs), fairy lights, and fresh flowers, the resort will also be dotted with photo booths complete with traditional costumes and Diwali props, plus a themed cocktail and mocktail galore.

Not to be missed is Kula’s Indian feast on 1st November with dreamy ceremonial lights, Diwali delicacies, and colourful entertainment. 

For those seeking to delve deeper into cultural traditions, Gudu Guda will be hosting a cooking demonstration that highlights Diwali food-making, plus henna painting and rangoli-making workshops. 

All age groups will enjoy traditional Indian games like pithoo (spinning top) and tambola (bingo), along with folk dances and a kite-flying competition.

A suite retreat at W Singapore Sentosa Cove

For a plane-free escape, Singaporeans can sink into the creature comforts at W Singapore Sentosa Cove. 

In keeping with the lush greens and blues of the tropical Sentosa, the resort’s contemporary suites feature bold accents and sensual curves. 

With the Suite Getaway package, guests can live the life of luxury while enjoying a SGD100 hotel credit and daily breakfast. Options range from the look-at-me Marvellous Suite and over-the-top Extreme WOW Suite to AWAY Suite nestled in a quiet corner, away from the madding crowd. 

Meanwhile, the Family Retreat package is a chance to taste the good life without breaking the bank and includes all-inclusive meals for the young ones and breakfast for adults.

Be an urban botanist at the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach

One of Marina Bay’s most family-friendly options, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach has recently unveiled the photogenic JW Garden by celebrated landscape architect and designer Lily Kwong. 

In addition to supplying herbs for the hotel’s kitchens, the vibrant space celebrates the ecological and cultural diversity of Singapore. 

World-class shopping at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is only five minutes by car. 

The family package includes daily breakfast for two adults and one child (up to 12 years old), beloved Signature Family by JW kids amenities and kids-friendly welcome and turndown amenities to keep boredom and tantrums at bay.

Where Diwali has an Indonesian accent

This year, the Hilton Bali Resort is hosting its first-ever Diwali celebrations spread over three days, from 31 October to 2 November. 

Both resort guests and walk-ins are invited to take a culinary plunge into the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine, with a daily-changing rotation of tasty food and entertainment. 

To ensure authenticity, the culinary team from Hilton Hotel Manyata Bangalore will take over the kitchen, offering an array of South and North Indian dishes, tandoor delights and desserts. 

Guests can look forward to all-time favourites such as chicken dum biryani, paneer ghee roast, khubani ka meetha, dal bukhara, alappuzha meen curry, and more. 

The nightly buffet will also feature a selection of Indonesian dishes.

Prices range from IDR 700,000++ per person for one-day access to IDR 1,200,000 per person for all three days. The festival will take place from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

A serene getaway at the InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping

With pandemic-era digital nomads having moved on, Thailand’s bucolic Chiang Mai has reclaimed its sleepy atmosphere, offering the perfect mix of history, culture and nature. 

Situated close to the heritage sites of the Old Town, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping ensures the town’s captivating landmarks and nature adventures, like hillside tea plantation visits, are easily reached from one chic location. 

The ‘Exclusive Escape’ package includes breakfast, a three-course set lunch or dinner for adults and children at The Gad Lanna, kids’ activities, and roundtrip airport transfers.

Living it up in Bangkok with The Standard 

If keeping a low profile during Diwali is not on the agenda, the recently revealed events calendar from The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon is just the ticket. 

Hosted by the hotel’s social hub, The Parlor, the daily-changing line-up of happenings includes game nights, fashion shows, thought-provoking talks, live music, and even a monthly social for dogs. 

An oldie but a goodie, the hotel’s legendary “Bar Crawl Into Bed” package includes a ticket to the stamina-testing Daily Bar Crawl (four different spaces, six different drinks and snacks in just one night), plus a room to sleep it off in and a hearty breakfast for two.

An elegant urban escape at the Dusit Thani Bangkok

For something quieter, the newly revamped icon in the heart of the city, Dusit Thani Bangkok, is offering an opening package that comes with a USD 75 hotel credit per night to be spent on dining experiences and wellness, daily breakfast, plus 15 percent savings on rooms and additional benefits for Dusit Gold members.

Feel like a millionaire at the Anantara Layan Phuket

For the fastest way to switch off from the outside world, book a trip to Layan Beach, one of Phuket’s most picturesque bays located within the Millionaire’s Mile. 

Tucked away from the busy island life, you are still conveniently connected to a host of attractions, while at the resort, days of blissful poolside lounging are punctuated by rebalancing spa moments, gourmet dining and active pursuits. 

The “Essential Phuket” stay package from Anantara Layan Phuket Resort includes breakfast, daily meals for kids under twelve years old, one 30-minute massage per person and one complimentary activity per stay, with options ranging from Thai boxing classes to archery.

Explore the spiritual side of Laos at Avani+ Luang Prabang

One of Luang Prabang’s most storied hotels, Avani+ Luang Prabang is surrounded by Buddhist temples, promising daily sightings of saffron-robed monks filing past on their morning alms rounds. 

To make the most of your time in Laos, book the hotel’s activities-focused “Luang Prabang Serenade” package, which includes a three-night accommodation, breakfast, round trip airport/train station transfers, a scenic river cruise, morning alms giving, a temple visit to meet the monks, and one 60-minute massage per person.