[ THAILAND ] Akatsuki Resort
Set along Lipa Noi Beach, this private villa is suited for a cozy group of up to 15 people. It has four pools, a spa and a dedicated team of service staff from chefs to guides, drivers and butlers. The villa goes for US$3,100 (S$3,808).

[ THAILAND ] Amari Hua Hin
From the 223-room beach resort, you can easily visit nearby attractions like Hua Hin Vineyard and the Cicada Market. Rates start at B2,400 (S$95).

[ THE PHILLIPPINES ] Ariara Island
Enjoy 125-acres of green space with up to 16 other people. This island resort features accommodation styled like a private home complete with a private chef, massage and manicure services. Activities available include kayaking, diving, boating and trekking through the island’s forests. Bookings are available for groups of 15-17 for US$295 (S$383) per person, per night, for a minimum of seven nights. All activities and food are included in the price while return transfers cost US$600 (S$779).

[ MALAYSIA ] Gaya Island Resort
Located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and a 30-minute car and speedboat ride from the airport, this 121-villa resort offers breathtaking views of the ocean and Mount Kinabalu. The place is home to many rare species including the orangutan and the proboscis monkey. Plenty of outdoor activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, nature walks and private yacht charters are available. A 40-meter infinity swimming pool rounds out the fitness facilities. There are also more sedate handicraft classes and storytelling sessions, plus, a spa village with six rooms—surrounded by a mangrove forest—offering treatments informed by Borneo culture. Rooms are available from RM600 (S$243).

[MALAYSIA] The Oberoi, Lombok
Conveniently situated for both trips up Mount Rinjani and across to the nearby Gili Islands, this resort occupies a truly stunning plot of oceanfront land. Its 20 villas and 30 pavilions are spread across 24 acres of grounds and the resort also boasts a tennis court, a beach club (with PADI dive center) and its own boat launch. Rates start from US$380 (S$483).

[ INDONESIA ] Montigo Resorts Nongsa
This Mediterranean-styled hotel is set on a private beach along Batam’s northeastern coast. Its 88 villas each have a private plunge pool, alfresco dining area and sky terrace. Rates start at S$371.

[ CAMBODIA ] Song Saa
Just a 30-minute speedboat ride from the coastal city of Sihanoukville (S$90 per person per trip), this resort rests on two footbridge-connected-islands called Song Saa (or The Sweethearts in Khmer). The setup comprises 27 intimate villas built from sustainable materials and modelled after Cambodian fishing villages (expect thatch roofs, rough-hewn natural timbers and drift wood furnishings). An on-premise spa offers Khmer treatments using local herbs, sand and iron-rich stones. There’s also a marine reserve home to dugongs and seahorses. Rates start from S$668 per person per night (includes meals and drinks, laundry, minibar, transfers and leisure activities).

[ CHINA ] St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay
Everything about the place is inspired by the sea—from the lobby outfitted with yacht-like wood finishes to its restaurant, Driftwood, which dishes out fresh local seafood. It also has 800 meters of beach frontage and exclusive berths for luxury yachts at on-premise Sanya Yalong Yacht Club. Rates start at RM1,575 (S$307).

[CHINA] Hyatt Regency Qingdao
The place has 439 rooms and all have clear views of the sea as well as floor-to-ceiling windows. Crowning the building is an ocean view rooftop terrace. In addition, the on-site spa Qing features eight spa suites and four reflexology rooms. Alongside the spa is a gym which overlooks the beach and a 25-meter temperature-controlled indoor pool. Rates start at CNY788 (S$156).

[ INDONESIA ] Queen Villa and Spa
Accessible by public boat from Bangsal Harbor, Gili Trawangan Island is a haven for those interested in aquatic life. The resort offers diving sessions (reef sharks, sea turtles, Manta rays and Moray eels are known to roam these waters) and fishing lessons. After a day out at sea, come back to one of their 125 modern rooms and enjoy spa, fine-dining are bar facilities. Rates start at US$200 (S$257).

Need more beachfront options? Check out our round up of the best hotels in Koh Samui.

What are some special considerations when throwing an end-of-year party?
Everyone’s going to be busy, so send invites early to make sure guests don’t have prior commitments. Also, be mindful of your budget. Prices tend to go up at the end of the year.

What’s the secret to putting together a good guest list?
Inviting people who already know each other. It’s a party after all, not a networking session. The idea’s that wherever your guests are in the room, they can chit-chat, mingle and really let their hair down.

How do you build the right atmosphere?
You should have a theme and there has to be continuity throughout the event. The invitations, decorations, music and even door gifts should all match.

How do you avoid having too many no-shows?
Have two guest lists: list A (for those you really want there) and list B (for the rest). If you don’t hear back, you’ll have time to invite list B.