MANILA, Philippines - While nine out of the ten top private villas in Southeast Asia are found in Thailand and Indonesia, the top spot belongs to the Philippines' Ariara in the Calamian Islands in Palawan.
This is according to a ranking by booking site, The Villa Guide, and feautured on Cable News Network's CNNGo on Tuesday.
Each of the villas featured in the ranking "has been independently reviewed and rated."
"Ariara is a private island paradise, 50 hectares in all, including 600m of pristine white-sand beach, jungle paths and protected reefs extending more than 200m around its perimeter. The sea is crystal clear and teeming with marine life and colourful coral outcrops, offering ideal diving and snorkelling conditions. Two nearby islands, also under Ariara ownership and reached within minutes by speedboat, each feature sparkling white sands, clear waters and reefs," The Villa said in its website.
Ariara received a rating of 9.4 for its "incredibly pristine hideaway location, superb craftsmanship, inventive design, fabulous cuisine and a team that is absolutely thrilled to serve and guide you every step of the way."
The other private villas in Southeast Asia cited in the feature include: Latitude in Bukit, Bali, Indonesia; The Istana, also in Bukit, Bali, Indonesia; Villa Sapi in Tanjung, Lombok, Indonesia; The Shanti Residence in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia; The Edge in The Bukit, Bali, Indonesia; Baan Suriya in Koh Samui, Thailand; Villa Ananda in Phang Nga, Thailand; The Tamarind in Bang Saray, Thailand; and Villa Puri Bawana in Bali, Indonesia.
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