8 places like Goa where you can unwind

1. Bentota, Sri Lanka

This popular beach destination on the coastal belt of Sri Lanka boasts wide sandy beaches and calm waters – perfect for diving and watersports.

• Top three spas: Sahana Spa (Ayurveda Resort), Jiva Spa (Vivanta by Taj), Avani Bentota Resort Spa
• Must do/see: Induruwa Beach, Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Paradise Island, Bentota Lagoon
• Venture out to visit: Aluthgama for the fish markets and beaches along the Induruwa coast

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2. Koh Phangan, Thailand

Famed to be the home of the world’s biggest beach party, tourists flock to this sanctuary for its tranquil beaches that don’t get too overcrowded.

• Top three spas: Tanaporn Massage House, Pure Relax, Revive Massage
• Must do/see: Beaches, Muay Thai kickboxing competitions, elephant trekking, diving and kayaking

• Venture out to visit: Ang Thong National Park, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan

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3. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket Island, located south of Bangkok, is blessed with some of Thailand’s best beaches and diving sites.

• Top three spas: Mandara Spa (JW Marriott Phuket), Banyan Tree Spa, Le Spa (Le Meridien Phuket)
• Must do/see: Beaches, islands, nightlife, diving

• Venture out to visit: Patong for its nightlife scene, Old Phuket for heritage buildings and Khao Rang Hill for stunning views of the town

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4. Bali, Indonesia

Bali captivates with its iconic rice fields, beaches and achingly beautiful sceneries everywhere you turn. The island is also famed for its religious sites and swanky resort hotels.

• Top three spas: Mandara Spa, Karma Spa (Karma Kandara), Spa Alila (Alila Soori).
• Must do/see: Rice paddies, diving, Balinese cuisine and seafood, Ubud Monkey Forest.
• Venture out to visit: Ubud for art galleries and museums, Denpasar for city vibes and shopping, Kuta for its beaches, bars and funky nightlife.

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5. Tangalle, Sri Lanka

If isolated beaches and hidden bays are on your travel itinerary, Tangalle offers some of southern Sri Lanka’s most stunning coastlines without the crowds.

• Top three spas: Eden Reverie Spa and Cabanas, Anantara Spa (Peace Haven Tangalle Resort), Sole Luna Resort and Spa
• Must do/see : Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, beaches, wildlife reserves.
• Venture out to visit : Yala National Park, Mulkirigala Rock Temple, Turtle sanctuary.

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6. Kerala, India

When it comes to paradise, Kerala has it all: enviable geographical features, temperate climate, wildlife, spas and health holidays, tranquil backwaters and cultural monuments.

• Top three spas: Surya Samudra, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort, Neeleshwar Hermitage
• Must do/see: Cruise the backwaters in a houseboat, Ayurvedic spas, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks, spice markets.
• Venture out to visit: Kochi to photograph the iconic fishing nets, Thiruvananthapuram for British colonial architecture and art galleries, and Kozhikode for temples and mosques.

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7. Varkala, India

The coastal town of Varkala is perched on a cliff and is a popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Its ancient temples and tucked-away beaches are the main tourist attractions.

• Top three spas: Kadaltheeram Beach Resort and Ayurvedic Spa, Absolute Ayurveda, Sanjeevani Ayurveda and Yoga Center
• Must do/see: Surfing, shopping, Varkala Beach, Janardhana Swamy Temple.
• Venture out to visit: Ponnumthuruthu Island for a peaceful getaway, Kappil Lake for views of the Kerala backwaters, and Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse.

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8. Tarkarli, India

The gorgeous village of Tarkarli is a haven for beach lovers with its long coastline and clear waters teeming with coral reefs. Dolphin sighting is a regular event here.

• Top two spas: MTDC Tarkarli Resort, Blue Ocean Resort and Spa
• Must do/see: Sindhudurg Fort, adventure sports, scuba diving, beaches, dolphin-spotting and temples
• Venture out to visit: Melvan for cashew nuts and seafood, Dajipur for its National Park, and the backwaters of Karli River

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