The 50 Best Hotels in Asia

The world’s largest and most diverse continent, Asia is bursting with beautiful accommodation. Five-star hotels overlooking sprawling cities meet jungle havens here, so wherever you go in Asia, one thing’s for sure: it’s never monotonous. 

The list of gorgeous stays with pinch-me views, warm hospitality, and world-class spas in Asia is endless, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 50. These hotels showcase the wonderful contrasts of Asia, from nomadic camps in Mongolia to skyscraper grand dames in Seoul. 

Michelins & messages: Asia's most beautiful hotels

50. The Lodhi – New Delhi, India

The Lodhi is a cool, modern mix between a spa resort and a city hotel. Spanning across multiple levels, the expansive courtyards, tennis courts, and the long heated outdoor pool create a cocooning sanctuary in the city. Some rooms come with a plunge pool for a true resort-y feel. There’s every kind of workout class or equipment you could want – squash courts, spin classes, a Pilates studio, and more, as well as a mix of Eastern and Western treatments to soothe aching muscles – but The Lodhi’s excellent hospitality and restaurants ensure it doesn’t veer from luxury hotel to wellness complex.

49. Sametnangshe Boutique – Phang Nga, Thailand

We wouldn’t typically recommend a hotel solely on its baths, but before we’d even seen how incredible the staff and facilities were, we knew Sametnangshe was special. Located in Phang Nga Bay, guests get – whether from a deep tub, private pool, balcony, or really, anywhere around the hotel – a front-row seat to the showstopper limestone cliffs. The thoughtful touches are a standout too: a complimentary minibar with pre-cut coconuts, staff hand out post-swim fresh fruit, and guests are whisked on a complimentary boat tour to James Bond Island. 

48. The St. Regis Hotel – Astana, Kazakhstan

Astana is a business traveller hotspot, but The St. Regis is a world away from stuffy, sterile corporate hotels. The team here take personalised service to the next level, from remembering favourite dishes and drinks to all the staff recognising and helping to celebrate special occasions. Super-sleek, reflective interiors are swish and contemporary, and the spa is the perfect place to retreat to on cold winter days – Astana is the second-coldest capital city in the world. There’s a marbled hammam, treatment rooms for facials and massages, sauna, steam room, and a 20-metre indoor pool with views over the Ishim River.

47. Pangkor Laut – Pangkor, Malaysia

Pangkor Laut Resort is a true away-from-it-all island paradise. The resort is bordered by dense, ancient jungle to one side and the gentle Andaman Sea to the other. With overwater bungalows and a world-class spa, it’s one of Asia’s most coveted tropical escapes. The island is owned by the hotel; there are no other accommodations here. Despite the exclusivity, the vibe is unpretentious, and the prices are considerably lower than similar island resorts. 

46. Memories Aicha Luxury Camp – Wadi Rum, Jordan

The sprawling futuristic domes against the ancient, Mars-red desert landscape is a spectacle. Marvel at the views from a glass-domed pod, watching camels trot by. Luxury spas or fine dining isn’t the point here, it’s for a truly memorable experience. The gorgeous rooms are kitted out with gilded gold and colourful tapestries, the team are mostly from local Bedouin communities and are keen to show visitors their culture, and the food is fantastic. Essentially, Memories Aicha does everything to be a 5-star hotel in the middle of the desert. 

45. Hoshinoya Fuji – Yamanashi, Japan

Part of the revered Hoshino hotel collection, Hoshinoya Fuji promises an unforgettable stay. Sporting unparalleled views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, the location alone makes it one of Asia’s best hotels. While the hotel describes itself as a glamping experience, the light-filled, minimalist cabins are a far cry from the muddy-boots camping of youth. The rooms are anything but woodsy, with a stripped-back style that lets the views do the talking. From breakfast in bed (a Morning Box can be delivered to cabins) to cosying up by the fire on the balcony, the mountain vista is the star of the show here. 

44. Kayakapi Premium Caves – Cappadocia, Turkey

Staying inside a cave is special enough, but the team at Kayakapi go one step further to ensure guests are well catered to. It’s a truly unique experience, and the service, facilities, style, and views ensure it’s a luxurious one, too. Take in the hazy vistas from the terrace, pool, or anywhere really, the hotel cascades down a hill, meaning the Cappadocia views are at their best. The spa is spectacular too, and the purifying Hamam is included in the room rate.

43. Wild Coast Tented Lodge – Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Get the best of both worlds at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, where the wildlife-rich Yala National Park meets the Indian Ocean. The remote safari camp sports cocooning tented suites, kitted out with all the creature comforts you’d expect from a luxury hotel but with a touch of safari chic. Wildlife is never far away – take a jeep drive through the jungle in search of wild elephants, boar, leopards, and more, and return for a sundowner on the beach.

42. The Sanubari – Sumba, Indonesia

On Sumba island, the Sanubari’s beachy, thatch-roofed villas face the Indian Ocean. Some villas have a private pool, but all come with an unobstructed view of the passing horses, herds of water buffalo, and surfers. This far-flung resort is a quiet paradise – despite being just a 1-hour flight from Bali, Sumba is still raw and remote (for now). Really, there’s not much to do, and that’s the beauty of it. The beach is the main source of entertainment, where guests can play volleyball, tennis, ride horses, or go snorkelling. Head inland for waterfall chasing and to meet local communities where a centuries-old way of life persists. 

41. Anantara Quy Nhon – Binh Dinh, Vietnam

Anantara Quy Nhon is all about gorgeous tropical views and tranquillity. The infinity pool sits above the golden beach, where the cerulean sea laps onto the shore. The hotel is secluded, quiet, and oh-so-peaceful. It’s a pretty special location, and the view is just as beautiful from the deep tub, the foot of the bed, or the private plunge pool. And with tailor-made tours of local ruins, markets, or snorkelling, a gorgeous spa, and a discreet yet attentive and memorably friendly service, staying at the Anantara Quy Nhon is a true five-star experience.

40. Jumeirah Muscat Bay Hotel – Muscat, Oman

Sitting on the Hajar Mountains and the velvety Arabian Sea cusp, Jumeriah Muscat Bay Hotel isn’t short of eye-popping views. Despite being just a 30-minute drive to the heart of Muscat, it all feels blissfully remote. The beachfront hotel has a private, sheltered cove, flanked by stone boulders, bordered by palm trees and dotted with sun loungers. And the pool is just as paradisiacal. Rooms are kitted out with convenient mod-cons, like smart lighting controls, and a member of the fantastic team is never far away, with a warm smile or a cold mango smoothie. 

39. Malabar Hill – Weligama, Sri Lanka

An arresting fortress sitting high in the dense Sri Lankan jungle, Malabar Hill is a quiet slice of slow-paced paradise. Private villas come with plunge pools for a secluded, jungle-immersing experience. Guests can wake up to the sun rising over the surrounding hills and take intimate breakfasts on the private terrace. There’s really nothing around – that’s the beauty of it – and Malabar Hill ensures guests never go wanting with outstanding food and a nothing-is-too-much service that feels pleasantly old-fashioned.

38. Broq Resort – Skardu, Pakistan

Skardu is a unique corner of the world, with a hotpotch landscape of windswept, cold deserts, deep valleys, craggy mountains, and rivers – and Broq Resort gets a front-row seat. The cocooning hotel is a luxurious springboard for adventures, with the Karakoram Range to one side and the Himalayas to the other. It’s all hungry work, and while you might not expect world-class gastronomy in such a remote location, the food – made from locally-sourced ingredients – is a feat.

37. The Bodrum EDITION – Bodrum, Turkey

Sitting pretty on the Turkish Riviera, The Bodrum EDITION is a fun, swish addition to Yalikavak Bay. Encircled by olive trees and colourful pops of bougainvillaea, with cobblestone steps leading down to the cabana-dotted wooden jetty, the EDITION is a summer holiday dream come true. But it’s also effortlessly cool, with chilled beach club music and excellent cocktails, curating a lively atmosphere without teetering into loud party territory. Hazy, boozy afternoons are bookended by superb meals at the hotel’s trio of restaurants – Kitchen is our top pick for its elevated local dishes and vantage point of the sparkling Aegean.

36. Supara – Chunkurchak, Kyrgyzstan  

Asia’s best hotels aren’t always the most luxurious. Supara offers a unique nomadic yurt experience with modern comforts among Kyrgyzstan’s sweeping valleys and mountains. The yurts cascade down the sloping hill, so everyone gets a sensational view, and are decked out with soft, cosy lighting and local tapestries. There aren’t many amenities here, but the friendly team makes up for that with activities, like archery and horse riding, and traditional Kyrgyz game nights and nomadic music. 

35. Paragraph Freedom Square – Tbilisi, Georgia

In the historical heart of Tbilisi, the Paragraph is an ideal base for exploration. The rooftop infinity pool with undulating city views makes it tempting to stay put, but the Destination Discovery programme invites guests to explore culturally-rich Tbilisi. Back at the hotel, chefs put on cooking classes to learn about Georgia’s varied cuisine, and there are five excellent restaurants and bars, from impressive breakfast buffet spreads to Michelin-starred chefs. The three-floor spa is another highlight, with a Himalayan salt room and soul-soothing treatments.

34. Halekulani – Okinawa, Japan

All 308 rooms at Halekulani Okinawa feature vast windows allowing sweeping views of the East China Sea, whether from the plush beds, deep tub, or balcony. Beams of sunlight illuminate the marbled bathrooms and creamy decor. It’s all deliciously cohesive and sunlit. The easy breezy vibe is a running theme at Halekulani. Between the infinity pools, natural hot springs, and holistic spa, there’s little room to be anything but in a floaty state of bliss.

33. LUX* Chongzuo – Guangxi, China

Like a beachside resort dropped in an Avatar-esque landscape, LUX* Chongzuo is strikingly gorgeous. The modernist sanctuary is actually inspired by the traditional Ganlan houses, but would look right at home on the cool shores of Malibu. Each room has a good-sized terrace, an ideal viewing platform for the misty limestone cliffs and reflective Mingshi River. Guests can meander down to the infinity pool, which hangs over the river, to maximise closeness to nature. LUX* sits on the China-Vietnam border, and the two cultures weave through the hotel. Take the spa, for example, which harnesses the best of the straddling nations; guests can indulge in Vietnamese treatments with Chinese herbs and oils.

32. Amanoi – Ninh Tuan, Vietnam

Amanoi is both luxurious and immersed in nature, offering a rejuvenating experience that plugs guests into the tropical surroundings. Pathways wind through the lush greenery to the facilities from the sleek lodgings, which are decked out in signature Aman style. Similarly, the gorgeous spa, beside a lake dotted with floating lotus flowers, is as good as you’d expect from an Aman hotel. The infinity pool overlooks a glorious private beach, which is a short swim to a rainbow coral forest – snorkelling is encouraged.

31. Four Seasons Hotel – Baku, Azerbaijan

With views out to the Caspian Sea and the famous Flame Towers, the Four Seasons is a prime Baku postcode. From the marbled spa and Romanesque swimming pool to the regal Parisian facade, everything here is wonderfully gilded and opulent. Rooms are sumptuous and grand, with high-tech touches, embodying Baku’s charm – full of classic grandiose yet thoroughly modern. The waterfront location puts the best of the city at guests’ feet – the Old City is steps away – and the service is as you’d expect from a Four Seasons: world-class.

30. Shebara Resort – Sheybarah Island, Saudi Arabia

Shebara is the definition of a destination hotel. Floating in the Red Sea, the sandbank-like island would be deserted if not for these lacquered orbs. As lucky guests approach Shebara Resort on the boat ride (or seaplane) from Red Sea International Airport, the futuristic vista is a sunglasses-off moment. Such architectural prowess and drama can replace hospitality – but not here. There’s plenty to keep guests entertained, though – enjoying the views will probably account for 70% of time spent here, and the other 30% is split between snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, enjoying ultra-luxurious spa treatments (caviar hammam, anyone?) and much more. Backed by impressive sustainability credentials, and with a mix of overwater and beachfront pods, the Shebara is one of Asia’s most exciting hotels.

29. Gangtey Lodge – Bhutan

Steeped in idyllic rural surroundings, Gangtey Lodge faces the sweeping Phobjikha Valley. The lodge is all exposed local brick, earthy tones, and dark mahogany, bringing a touch of Scandi mountain lodge chic to the Bhutanese countryside. While the interior has an international luxurious flair, the exterior harmoniously blends with traditional houses. Rooms are refined yet cosy with roll-top tubs for optimal toasty valley viewing, and Scandinavian wood burners for misty mountain mornings. There are also log fires on the terrace that invite guests to get snug and chat over the day’s adventures under a starry sky. That’ll quiet even the busiest of minds.

28. The Pavilions Himalayas, The Farm – Pokhara, Nepal

Perched high in a rural Nepalese valley, the Pavilions Himalayas is a unique sanctuary, coming face-to-face with one of the world’s most famous mountain ranges. It feels like one of the last places you’d find a luxury boutique hotel, and there’s a glorious infinity pool overlooking the Annapurna range to boot. There are 14 villas, each with its own terrace for optimal mountain-gazing. The hotel offers the perfect mix of adventure, luxury, and relaxation, whether that’s recuperating after a long trek, unwinding in the state-of-the-art spa, taking yoga and meditation sessions, or enjoying delicious meals, made from ingredients from the nearby farm. 

27. Genghis Khan Retreat – Mongolia

An insight into one of the world’s last nomadic communities, the Genghis Khan Retreat invites guests to vanquish modern world worries at the ger tent door. The family-owned retreat is in the heart of the idyllic Orkhon Valley, where hand-crafted gers (traditional Mongolian yurts) provide a blissful base for outdoor adventures. Don’t be fooled by the humble exterior – the gers are filled with colourful woodwork and the beds are adorned with cashmere produced in the family’s factory – the factory also makes the cashmere for Hermès. Despite the remote location, there’s a myriad of guest experiences and activities – guests can enjoy a massage, relax in a Orkon River-facing sauna, visit the resident shaman, take yoga classes, tuck into dinners prepared by an excellent Nepalese chef, try their hand at archery, and of course, join skilled horsemen in a riding expedition.

26. The Shilla – Seoul, South Korea

This sleek hotel is one of Seoul’s grand dames, loved for its blend of contemporary sophistication and traditional Korean elegance. The Shilla is the oldest luxury hotel in Seoul, but it’s far from stuck in the past. La Yeon is the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and like the hotel, honing a refined menu of elevated traditional Korean dishes. There’s a lot of luxury here, like the on-site shopping mall, carrying a range of designer brands, and the health club with an indoor and outdoor pool.

25. Constance Halaveli – Maldives

The Maldives is known for its island resorts, overwater bungalows, and horizon-reaching Indian Ocean views, but Constance Halaveli is an unparalleled paradise. The exclusive, luxurious resort is a true bucket list hotel experience, with elevated beach shack bungalows and world-class, attentive service that ensures every guest feels special. Every whim is catered to, and it goes without saying that the wonderful team remember everyone’s names. Flitting between a private infinity pool, beach hammocks, snorkelling above the rainbow coral, and the massage bed is barefoot luxury at its best.

24. Taj Lake Palace – Udaipur, India

Once the home of royalty, and now one of India’s most recognisable hotels, the 18th-century Taj Lake Palace channels movie magic. After a windswept boat ride to the hotel, which is floating in the middle of Lake Pichola, guests are whisked to gloriously opulent rooms, adorned with marbled bathrooms, four-poster beds, chandeliers, and hand-painted motifs. All rooms have a private terrace for sipping chai with gorgeous lake views. This sparkling marble hotel is a real jewel, and staying here is high on many hotel connoisseurs’ wishlists. 

23. One & Only Royal Mirage – Dubai 

This jaw-dropping resort is true to its name, the mirage-like hotel is a bit died-and-gone-heaven-esque. Sprawling across 65 immaculate acres, with 16 restaurants, four pools, and beautifully kept lawns, the vast oasis offers something different to Dubai’s hotel scene. It’s certainly decadent, but there’s a nod to Bedouin heritage with sandstone rooms that feel a world away from the modern high-rises of Dubai’s skyline. And there’s just about every sporty activity you can think of – volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, and there’s access to a private beach.

22. Amanpulo – Pamalican Island, Philippines

Occupying an otherwise uninhabited island in the Philippines, Amanpulo is the picture of serene exclusivity. The island is only accessible by plane – arriving via the tropical airstrip has a real James Bond meets Crusoe vibe. It’s a true get-away-from-it-all paradise, where the only decision guests need to make is which watersport to take on that day; there’s a PADI dive school, snorkelling, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and much more. Aside from the obvious picture-perfect, stock-photo-esque scenery, the beauty of a private island is how scattered the accommodation can be. There are 42 casitas on the island, but even at full occupancy, it can feel like a world away from anyone else – even with a personal assistant on hand, who can arrange everything from romantic dinners to private boat trips. 

21. Topas Ecolodge – Sa Pa, Vietnam

Need a dose of total relaxation? Perched on a mountain in the undulating Sa Pa valley, Topas Ecolodge is as good for the lungs as it is for the soul. The surreal topography of rippling rice terraces is the backdrop of Topas, where every room has a pinch-me panorama. Cosy bungalows pay homage to traditional Tay stilt houses, blended with Scandinavian minimalism, while the private villas with infinity pools are the mountain luxury dream. There are two larger infinity pools, steps from the Rice Spa, where guests can swim to the edge and come face-to-face with the cloud-shrouded mountains. This is a luxury resort with a conscience, protecting the environment, supporting local cultures, and championing Vietnamese ethnic minorities. 

20. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara – Abu Dhabi

Set against the backdrop of endless dunes, this ornate resort is an elevated desert experience. Beautifully stylised, appearing through the sandy haze like a mirage of an Arabian fortress, the Qasr Al Sarab is the definition of a desert oasis. The ethereal hotel doesn’t just let the views do the heavy lifting, although guests could easily wile away the hours in the dune-facing infinity pool. The service, as expected from an Anantara hotel, is exceptional, and the team does everything to make the experience even more special. The activities, like night-walking in the desert, buggy tours, horse riding, camel trekking, archery, and more, encourage guests to make the most of this blissful location.

19. Song Saa Private Island – Koh Rong Islands, Cambodia

The untouched Koh Rong archipelago offers the kind of off-the-radar getaway you might be craving. The setting is castaway perfection, with the added luxury of gorgeous, beachy thatch-roofed dwellings, spread across the jungle or floating on the emerald sea. All villas have a secluded plunge pool for cheeky dips, too. But the best bit is the unique, personalised service – guests receive a letter every afternoon with details of what the night will entail. The outdoor spa is another favourite, where guests can enjoy a replenishing post-massage drink with a surreal sea view.

18. The Peninsula – Hong Kong

With expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the high-rise skyline, nine dining options, and second-to-none service, The Peninsula has long been the grand dame of Hong Kong hotels. Since it opened in 1928, The Peninsula hasn’t faltered, and the old-school luxury is evident in the colonial style, the chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces, lobby doors opened by pageboys, and the plush, palatial rooms. There’s a weighty gravitas to this hotel, with a touch of contemporary appeal.

17. Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar – Niza, Oman

Perched high in the rocky, rugged Hajar Mountains, Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar has one of the most stunning views in Oman – and there are plenty. The unique clifftop location and the canyon-facing rooms provide a luxury base for exploring the mountains. The hotel is designed to help visitors enjoy every bit of its location, from guided via ferrata climbs to spa treatments that harness the healing powers of local rosewater and pomegranate. Swim to the edge of the infinity pool for prime mountain admiring.

16. Raffles – Singapore

Declared a national monument in 1987, the flagship Raffles in Singapore is a symbol of timeless elegance. A testament to old-world charm, exceptional service, and understated glamour, this landmark hotel is the blueprint for hospitality. From the moment guests arrive, they are treated with unparalleled care – from crafting special experiences to anticipating needs, highly trained butlers are on hand to make it happen. It’s this level of attentiveness combined with the long, star-studded history and colonial style that maintains the hotel’s iconic status, while modern touches elevate the experience. 

15. Shinta Mani – Mustang, Nepal

Despite the 3,000 metres of altitude at Shinta Mani, coming face-to-face with the looming Nilgiri Mountain, its peak over 7,000 metres high, is a dwarfing sensation. Guests can dine with a peak panorama at the excellent Nilgri restaurant, and follow personal guides through lofty villages on Mustang horses. Oh, and there’s an 11th-generation practitioner of Tibetan medicine who provides personal holistic consultations. 

Shinta Mani goes against the grain of basic mountain hotels in remote regions, elevating the usual digs. Visitors can expect rural influences like traditional fabrics and yak fur, and despite being a design hotel, the eco-conscious exterior doesn’t look out of place in the mystical, mist-shrouded kingdom of Mustang.

14. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat – Ipoh, Malaysia

The Banjaran is literally tucked away in the jungle, burrowed between towering limestone hills. Wooden walkways bridge over serene ponds, and spacious villas overlook lily pads floating in the water. The setting is truly remarkable – inside the cliffs are 100+ million-year-old caves where guests can explore and meditate, and one of the hotel restaurants is inside a 260 million-year-old cave – but the resort doesn’t rely on that. All lodgings come with private pools and geothermal hot tubs for good measure. Hotsprings is in the name, and the Banjaran delivers. Along with private geothermal tubs, there are several hot pools and rustic wooden hot tubs overlooking the lake. There’s also a reflexology pool and an ice-cold plunge pool. 

13. Rosewood – Luang Prabang, Laos

A sumptuous hilltop hideaway, the Rosewood is Laos’ most coveted address. The hotel is immersed in its rainforest location, and the sound of the nearby tumbling waterfall is ever present. Guests can unplug from daily life and instead plug into their surroundings – a former monk leads meditation sessions and treks to temples where the ancient Sak Yant Buddhist tattoos are still in practice, and the chef guides a foraging trek to gather mint, mushrooms, and more. It’s the chance to experience a glimpse of the uncharted life of a Buddhist monastery with the added luxury of a waterfall-facing pool and herbal spa.

12. The Datai – Langkawi, Malaysia

A luxury resort in the thick depths of the Langkawi jungle, The Datai transports guests to a remote Eden. Pootle down to Datai Bay for a toes-in-the-sand lunch at the Beach Club – one of four eateries at the resort – or relax by the adults-only pool. Rooms are all soft woods and natural creams, speaking to the surroundings, where the only pop of colour is the swaying rainforest outside the windows. As settings go, the tropics are already pretty relaxing, but go one step further with The Datai’s indigenous-ingredient-harnessing spa, which offers Malay herbal treatments. 

11. Signiel Seoul – Seoul, South Korea

When hotels are this cool, there’s a risk of going style over substance. That’s not the case here. The Signiel towers high above the city in the swish Gangnam area, occupying the 76th to the 101st floors in one of the world’s tallest buildings. Needless to say, no matter where you are in the hotel, breathtaking views are a given. The services and facilities are thoroughly lavish, with two Michelin-starred restaurants, exceptional butlers, a spoiling, cutting-edge spa, and the highest Champagne bar in the world, Bar 81. Guests can travel in style too – swap the Seoul metro for a Rolls-Royce or helicopter. 

10. Sujan Sher Bagh – Rajasthan, India

Early rises come with the territory here, where days start with jeep rides bouncing through Ranthambore National Park. The soft light of dawn is all part of the charm – the breakfast pit stop is all part of the luxury – but sleepy eyes widen and all tiredness shakes off at the first wild tiger spotting. In the evenings, guests swap their safari gear for their gladrags and sip cocktails by the golden glow of campfires and lanterns, recounting the day’s wildlife sightings. Meals are healthy and delicious, made with ingredients from the nearby Sher Bagh farm, and the tented suites are a recall to the glamorous 1920s. Neck a bit stiff from the bumpy tracks? A personal butler can arrange an unwinding massage in the tent. 

9. Kudadoo – Maldives

Kudadoo is the ultimate all-inclusive Maldivian resort for luxury, exclusivity, and privacy. The accommodations are 15 overwater villas, all with infinity pools hanging over the hypnotic Indian Ocean. Their ethos is ‘Anything, anytime, anywhere’ – whether it’s an in-room massage, a romantic tasting menu for two on the beach, or a daring diving excursion, Kudadoo will make it happen. Between the personal butlers, soul-soothing seafront spa, eco-conscious design, world-class diving, the excellent seafood restaurant, and much more, Kudadoo is a dream come true. 

8. Rosewood – Beijing, China

The gold standard of luxury hotels in Beijing, the Rosewood delivers on world-class hospitality, design, and atmosphere. The sleek, contemporary space is filled with artwork and gold-hued lighting, and skyline views dominate the rooms. After a day in buzzy Beijing, guests can indulge in ancient wellness practices in the serene Sense Spa, like tui na, acupuncture, and cupping techniques. There are 7 eateries, but the Michelin-starred House of Dynasties and its interactive cooking stations is a must. Guests get the royal treatment here, from the dynasty-inspired dishes to the imperial-family-approved therapies – but the vibe is still delightfully unpretentious. 

7. Six Senses Thimphu – Bhutan

Perched high in the Himalayas, Six Senses Thimphu blends contemporary luxury with Bhutanese heritage. Overlooking the mind-bending Thimphu Valley and snow-capped peaks, the reflective pond sprawls around a central sunken courtyard and prayer pavilion – it’s a view-gazing dream. The serene, minimalist escape invites deep restoration. When lucky guests aren’t contemplating the beauty of the vista, they can amble through the woods to ancient monasteries, stretch out in a stress-busting yoga class, or try Bhutanese healing therapies. 

6. We Ale Island Resort – Myanmar

For a far-flung, unpretentious tropical escape, We Ale Island Resort is a unique gem. Remote, wild, and unspoiled, this resort in the untouched and rarely-visited Mergui Archipelago feels like a time warp to the 1970s, but with a few added luxuries. Get swept up in the island rhythm and the camaraderie of being miles away from reality. Wholesome meals are served communally, where adventurers can swap stories over spicy grilled fish of jungle treks, deep dives, and kayaking through mangroves. Guests explore places where few (if any, the team are still finding new treks) humans have gone before. 

5. NIHI – Sumba, Indonesia

NIHI hugs the southwest coast of the island, all airy pavilions and expansive, uniquely designed villas with private pools, close to the cult-status surf break. Guests spend dreamy days taking guided hikes through the acres of lush tropical forest, sun-soaking on the private beach, riding horseback through the savannahs, and visiting local villages. A butler can arrange treehouse barbecues and romantic dinners on the beach, too. The resort expertly and seamlessly combines wild escapism, eco-conscious Sumbanese architecture, world-class surfing, and remote luxury. 

4. Mandarin Oriental – Singapore

Singapore postcodes don’t get much better than this, overlooking the polished Marina Bay and just a short walk to Gardens by the Bay. Most rooms are positioned to take full advantage of the iconic cityscape, and Singapore’s sun illuminates the beautifully creamy lodgings. The style, food (there are seven restaurants and bars to choose from), and location are all fabulous, but the pièce de résistance is the service. Despite the hotel’s huge size, the staff remember all guests by name, and the WhatsApp concierge service ensures guests never go wanting. 

3. Aman Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan

Stay high above the swirling chaos of the city at Aman Tokyo, a hotel revered for its next-level service, design, and facilities. It wouldn’t be an Aman hotel without a seductive spa, and Aman Tokyo dial it up with Japanese onsen-style baths, wellness assessments, and more. The treatment rooms, yoga studio, pool, steam rooms, and fitness centre are spread over two floors, making this the largest hotel spa in Tokyo. Between the elevated ryokan-style rooms, panoramic views, the spa, and an on-site omakase restaurant, Aman Tokyo strikes a remarkable balance between tradition and luxury.

2. Capella – Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is all sparkly skyscrapers and rooftop terraces, but this low-slung, waterfront hotel feels like the next level of luxury. And that’s not just because of its two Michelin-starred restaurant, Côte. Capella Bangkok is a masterclass in minimalist luxury, with earthy, marble-y tones that are understatedly swish. All rooms put the Chao Phraya river centre stage, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony or veranda. The swankier suites come with a hot tub or pool, too. But the riverside infinity pool is just as compelling – it’d be tempting to stay put, but the Capella boat awaits to whisk guests off to the city’s best-kept secrets. 

1. Nay Palad Hideaway Hotel – Siargao, Philippines

Redefining barefoot luxury, Nay Palad is a standout for guest experience. The beachfront eco-resort delivers a second-to-none personalised service – starting from when guests are picked up in a swish jeepney and handed cold towels and coconuts. The waving, friendly team await guests’ arrivals with drinks, and the Head Chef makes an introduction to understand likes, dislikes, and cravings. There are no menus – the dishes are catered to the guests’ desires and what’s available. And, as the guest experience is at the crux of Nay Palad, meals can be set up pretty much anywhere around the resort. The team really want guests of this smattering of just nine thatch-roofed villas to feel like they’ve stepped into utopia. The phrase ‘all-inclusive’ doesn’t just pertain to drinks and food here, every massage, island excursion, picnic lunch, and more, is included.