Easter getaways: dreamy destinations for the long weekend

Oh how we love a long weekend, and with Ching Ming and Easter falling so close together this year, I’m sure we’re not the only ones planning an extended escape! For stylish stays within easy reach of Hong Kong, boutique hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith suggest four dreamy destinations, from city stays in Shanghai and Singapore to coastal getaways in tropical Langkawi and the Philippines.

The Puli Hotel and Spa, Shanghai, China

Style Flash in the Han
Setting Perched by Jing’An Park

For a seductive city break, just a two-hour hop from Hong Kong, hightail it to Shanghai boutique hotel The Puli Hotel and Spa. Within this serene retreat, pared-back luxury abounds – from the sleek styling of the 229 rooms to the tempting tea-themed spa and lounger-flanked jade-green pool. Handsome drinking and dining dens, with killer cocktails, a worldly wine list and stellar mod-Asian fare mean you could happily hole yourselves up here for days. Once you’ve had your fill of soaking and sipping, buzzing Shanghai beckons beyond the hotel’s reclaimed brick walls.

Capella Singapore, Singapore

Style Clash of the centuries
Setting Southern Sentosa Island

After a quick three-hour flight to Changi International Airport, set course for Singapore luxury stay Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island. Set within 30 acres of manicured grounds, complete with roaming peacocks and age-old trees, this colonial-chic escape is home to 112 contemporary rooms, suites and villas. If you’re travelling with kids in tow, take a day to explore Sentosa’s action-packed line-up of theme parks and theatres before seeking out the services of the award-winning Auriga spa. Time for tea? Treat yourself to a traditional English spread at the Knolls, or hit up Bob’s Bar for a Cumquat Sidecar.

Temple Tree, Langkawi, Malaysia

Style Multi-culti Malay villas
Setting Minutes from the beach

If you fancy a few blissful days wining, dining and lolling by the pool, set course for laid-back Langkawi in Malaysia. Unique boutique stay Temple Tree hotelis made up of eight traditional Malaysian houses, each filled with a quirky mix of Indian, Malay and Chinese antiques, net-swathed four-posters and bolts of rainbow-hued fabric. Bag yourself a sun lounger by either of the palm-fringed pools, sip on a signature lime margarita, then tuck into tempting Western and fusion cuisine at the Straits Club Restaurant & Bar, where stand-out dishes include five-spice roast chicken, and guava crumble for dessert. Bliss indeed.

Abacá Boutique Resort, Mactan Island, Philippines

Style Tasteful tropical base
Setting On the waterfront

For a seaside sojourn, fly direct into Cebu in the Philippines, then take a quick car trip to idyllic Mactan Island. Here you’ll find oceanfront hotel Abacá Boutique Resort, a nine-room hideaway decked out with pieces from renowned local designers (including Brad Pitt’s bed-maker – we like!). There’s no beach scene here, but the infinity pool with thatched-roof cabanas, pretty day spa (try the traditional Filipino Hilot massage) and Med-influenced fine dining offer indulgent distractions.

To book any of Mr & Mrs Smith’s stylish boutique hotels, visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team on 800 905 326. What’s more, BlackSmith membership is now free for life, so sign up today to receive life-enhancing extras and exclusive offers at more than 850 hotels and holiday houses around the world.