It’s no secret that at BAÍAH, we believe that exotic escapes are beneficial for a healthy mind, body and soul. Immersing yourself in a new location is an opportunity to reconnect to nature, learn local customs and ground yourself in a place that is serene or exciting, depending on what you’re craving. These days, many secret luxury escapes once frequented only by those in the know have now become oversaturated tourist attractions with holiday revellers clambering over one another for the perfect Instagram shot. BAÍAH values escapism and embracism above all else, which is why we have selected 3 of our favourite luxury holiday destinations that you’ve probably never included on your vacation list of so you can experience true adventure. All we ask is that you keep this little secret between us…

Panglao Island, The Philippines

Consisting of over 7,000 islands, each with its own unique culture, landscape and history, the Philippines is a must-stop for any luxury escape seeker. Whilst we could easily name dozens of islands in this list, our absolute top pick is Panglao Island, a very small island off the west coast of Bohol. Panglao is exclusive for its world-class diving spots, crystal clear waters and secret sand bars exposed by retreating tides. Virgin Island is the largest of all sandbars in the area and is home to a small number of birds and palm trees. The immaculate island hosts pop-up bars and food stalls during the day for tourists arriving by boat to truly feel like they are landing on their own little private piece of paradise. Panglao itself flaunts rich coral reefs teeming with life in the waters of Alona beach to the south, and Dumaluan beach with its powdery soft white sand in the south-east. Like most tropical coasts, this island offers secret hidden caves for those wishing to explore the earth’s buried treasure coves. With crystalline waters and natural sunlight seeping through cracks in the rock, the Hinagdanan Cave is the only one on the island open to public swimming with a deep blue lagoon believed to contain health benefits for swimmers.

Whether dipping in cave lagoons or gentle ocean waters, we highly recommend wearing our Saní bikini top and Elba bikini bottom, which offer an elegant and elevated swim solution with adjustable straps to ensure total comfort for any desired fit. Panglao’s larger neighbouring island, Bohol, which is a short drive away is also home to awe-inspiring natural wonders such as the beautiful Chocolate Hills, alien-looking grassy domes which are ancient coral reefs formed many millennia ago. Both islands contain an abundance of waterfalls and mahogany forests to inspire any lover of hikes and nature. The island’s numerous eco-friendly attractions make it a great model for more sustainable tourism, a rising concern for The Philippines, emphasising a focus on preservation of its natural environment. Once you’ve had your fill of sunlit adventuring, we recommend resting and rejuvenating at the glamorous South Palm Resort on Panglao’s south coast. The resort grants access to its private beach, the longest natural stretch of white sand and blue waters found on the entire island, with plenty of cabanas and hammocks to ensure the beach never feels overcrowded. The world-class accommodation also offers first-class amenities such as their Oceanica Restaurant whose menu offers fresh seafood caught mere steps from the resort’s doors.

MARGARET RIVER REGION, WA, AUSTRALIA

Australia is known for its diverse nature and unique scenery dominated by the expansive red outback however it is the crystal clear coasts which attract holidaymakers from around the globe. Whilst the Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Sydney’s Bondi beach along the east coast attract sun worshippers all year round, the west coast contains some of Australia's most breathtaking landscapes incomparable to anywhere else in the world. The Margaret River region is situated on the southwestern tip of the country in Western Australia and is renowned for producing the most geographically isolated wines in the world. There are over 200 vineyards in the small area with tours and tastings available for tourists to sample award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Semillon vintages. For a flawless look that can take you from the vineyard to the beach, why not wear the Taillat Dress, with its elegant open back keeping you cool throughout the day. Another great reason to visit the area is that it has been certified as an Eco-destination, the very first in the whole of WA and only one of four regions in Australia, due to its preservation of natural landscapes as well as offering of organic and sustainable wines and dining. If adventure is more to your taste you can explore astonishing naturally formed caves that seem totally out of this world. We recommend booking a tour of the limestone Lake Cave, situated deep underground at the base of a sinkhole, which when entered reveals a cave roof dazzling with crystals. Other jaw-dropping caves in the area include the Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest known cave system (420 miles!) surrounded by a stunning natural park with trails and hikes, or the Giant’s Cave, the deepest of all the caves in Margaret River region.

If relaxation is your prerogative then this area is also rich in white sand beaches, with Gnarabup Beach, the closest beach to Margaret River town centre, a short 10-minute drive away. Our top picks are Hamelin Bay, where friendly stingrays swim curiously beside you, Eagle Bay which boasts countless rockpools for the whole family to enjoy, or Meelup Beach, arguably the most picturesque of all in the region with shaded grassy knolls to escape the heat. For a luxurious sleep and retreat from the raw beauty of Australia’s bountiful countryside, we suggest staying at the Pullman Bunker Bay resort, winner of the Gold Medal winner of the 2019 WA Tourism Awards 'Luxury Accommodation' and 'Business Event Venues' categories as well as the Silver winner at the 2020 Australian Tourism Awards in 'Luxury Accommodation' and Bronze in 'Business Event Venue'. Besides its numerous awards, the resort offers an award-winning spa, its own ocean-view restaurant and 24-hour staff on hand to fulfil any requests you may have.

SAO MIGUEL, THE AZORES, PORTUGAL

One of Europe’s true best-kept secrets for luxury holiday seekers and the only archipelago recognized as a sustainable tourist destination, the Azores are Portugal’s crowning glory. Whilst all islands in the Azores offer a completely unique experience, the largest island, Sao Miguel offers a landscape straight out of the Jurassic period. Whether you consider yourself a curious cat hunting for thrilling views, or a pampered pooch looking for total indulgence, take a day to uncover the majestic twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades. Located on the shores of one of the island’s crater lakes, Azul Lake, the city of Sete Cidades exhibits awe-inspiring scenery with forests of wild blue hydrangeas contrasted against the winding cobbled roads within the city itself, filled with friendly locals and fresh regional delicacies. The twin crater lakes, one blue and one green, sit at the base of a dormant volcano and whilst they may appear perfect for relaxing baths, the waters are protected besides one swimming zone manned by lifeguards. However, on the east side of the island, you can discover naturally occurring fumaroles and hot springs to invoke deep muscle relaxation after embarking on one of the many hikes the island has to offer. The smaller town of Furnas lies inside one of these volcanic craters surrounded by a lush valley with even more hot and boiling springs where one can choose to either take a dip or cook your own food if you fancy rustic dining. Other activities include whale watching where you can spy blue, fin, sei and humpback whales as well as various types of dolphins. The island also provides waterfall tours, speciality food tours and canyoning for those true adrenaline junkies.

If you prefer holidays of a slower pace, we highly recommend heading to the west side of the island where you can discover Ponta de Ferraria; a natural thermal water pool overlooking breathtaking ocean views only exposed during low tides. As you will most likely be jumping in and out of the water often when exploring this island, we recommend wearing the Martinique One Piece which can double as swimwear and a chic asymmetrical top when paired with a loose bottoms. Whilst we expect your days will be filled with adventure, we highly suggest retreating to the White Exclusive Villas & Spa for star-filled nights of total bliss and luxury. As well as top-quality staff service, the resort also includes an onsite gym, yoga and diving classes and one of the finest restaurants in the whole of the Azores. The hotel sits upon a cliff-top which provides calming ocean noise to gently rock you to sleep, however for very light sleepers soundproof rooms are also available.

For further information regarding our exclusive holiday destinations, feel free to get in touch with a member of the BAÍAH family. We would love to hear from anyone who has experienced one or all of these stunning locations. Use the hashtag #BAIAHDESTINATIONS when posting your glamorous holiday photos online.