The Best Luxury Travel Experiences Across Asia

Sometimes the greatest luxury of all is the chance to relax and prioritise your well-being. If this is the sort of vacation you’re after, Bali is hard to beat. On this gorgeous Indonesian island you’ll be surrounded by tranquil beaches, lush jungles and verdant rice terraces. The best wellness retreats in Bali take full advantage of this environment to create a sense of true serenity and the chance to reconnect with nature.

Need to know: You can go on a wellness retreat during any season, but if you also want to enjoy the outdoors without too much rain, May to September is the best time to visit Bali.

The emerald waters of Hạ Long Bay are famous for a reason, and well worth seeing. But a bit farther south you’ll find the equally picturesque Lan Ha Bay, which is smaller, more remote and peaceful. Go for a cruise on the Ylang, an opulent ship that offers two-night itineraries. Or if you have your heart set on Hạ Long, step aboard the private Bhaya Legend I for a completely bespoke journey.

Need to know: Vietnam’s bays offer more than just sightseeing; you can also swim, snorkel, go kayaking and visit traditional floating fishing villages.

Safaris might bring to mind African savannahs, but in Borneo you’ll find a different take on this concept. This island nation is brimming with ancient rainforests and one-of-a-kind wildlife, including orangutans, sun bears and clouded leopards. Head out on a guided trek through the jungle, a river cruise or a stroll through the treetops on the incredible Canopy Walkway in the Danum Valley.

Need to know: Borneo Rainforest Lodge is the quintessential place to stay in the Danum Valley. We also love Bungaraya Island Resort off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.

Train travel is one of the most romantic and inspiring ways to see Asia, and fortunately there are several luxury railways spanning the continent. Our favourites include the Vietage, which connects Da Nang and Quy Nhon in Vietnam; the Eastern & Oriental Express, which traverses Malaysia; and the Seven Stars on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. All three are among the best luxury train journeys in the world.

Need to know: It’s easy to add a few days aboard one of these trains into a longer trip; our expert travel designers can help you choose the route that makes the most sense for your itinerary.

Some experiences are worth waking up early for, and this is one of them. On the outskirts of Chiang Mai, you can climb into the basket of a hot air balloon and slowly rise into the sky, where you’ll get to watch the sunrise over the rice paddies, valleys and villages of rural Thailand. The flight lasts just over an hour and is followed by a champagne toast once you’re back on the ground – the perfect way to start your day.

Need to know: The best time to visit Thailand’s northern cities, including Chiang Mai, is November–February when temperatures are lowest and rain is less likely.

Tasting authentic cuisine is one of our favourite ways to experience different cultures, and Southeast Asia offers some particularly delectable options. Certain restaurants promise a luxury dining experience that combines local ingredients and culinary heritage with innovative modern twists. If this sounds like your style, our travel designers recommend JAMPA in Phuket, Nén Danang in Da Nang and Room4Dessert in Ubud.

Need to know: In addition to some of the best luxury romantic restaurants in the world, this region also has amazing street food; we can organise food tours to show you the best spots.

The city of Udaipur is known for its abundance of lakes and intricate architecture. The City Palace is especially iconic, and you can visit it after hours on a private tour. You’ll explore the palace’s towers, domes and chambers alongside a knowledgeable guide, with a glass of champagne in hand. Pay special attention to the golden sun in the facade, the miniature Rajput paintings and the lavish Crystal Gallery.

Need to know: You can sleep in the middle of Lake Pichola at the stunning Taj Lake Palace, a floating sanctuary of luxury that was once the summer house of the Mewar royal family.

Asia is home to several of the top private island resorts in the world, and a trip to any one of them is an experience you’ll never forget. Our travel designers are particularly enamoured with
Bawah Reserve in Indonesia and Song Saa Private Island Resort in Cambodia, both of which are part of our Positive Impact Collection. We also love Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives: the only hotel in the idyllic Laamu Atoll.

Need to know: The best time to visit the Maldives and Song Saa is during the dry season from around November to April. In Indonesia it’s the opposite; May–September are the driest months.