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The Best Luxury Hotels in Asia

Written by
Kate Herz & Keith Jarman

Asia is teeming with beauty and fascination, from the untouched rainforests of Sumba to the mystical temples of Bagan. With so much beauty to see, it's only right that you explore this continent from its most exclusive hotels.

From Udaipur's romantic palaces to Sri Lanka's sweeping valleys and rice terraces, few places do luxury better than Asia.

We've traversed bustling cities, untouched rainforests and mystical temples to round up our favourite luxury hotels in Asia.

Island Paradise
Nihi Sumba
Luxury Tree Houses
Four Seasons Tented Camp
Authentic safari
Leopard Trails
The Garden Suite, Amanjiwo, Java

The best hotels in Indonesia

Nihi Sumba Island

This hotel is a little piece of paradise on remote, wild Sumba. It’s a laid back, socially conscious property with an emphasis on exploring the remote surrounding countryside, surfing and paddleboarding. And we wouldn’t dare forget to mention that it has the most incredible open-air spa. Our favourite part? The hotel’s huge commitment to bringing running water and medicine to the island.

Guest Room Nihi Sumba Island Eco Resort Indonesia

The Samaya, Seminyak, Bali

A beachfront sanctuary in buzzy Seminyak, this hotel is a beautiful spot for a chilled cocktail at sunset. The hotel is well-located, just short walk to all the upmarket bars, restaurants and beautiful people; however, with its stunning ocean views and beautiful decor, you won’t want to venture too far from the grounds. We especially love Ray, the ever-welcoming British GM.

Spa at the Samaya, Seminyak, Bali

Amanjiwo, Java

Built to mirror the nearby Buddhist Temple of Borobudur, architecturally it is one of the most magnificent properties in Asia. The volcanoes and the Menorah hills flanking the hotel make for an incredible backdrop for this serene, exclusive getaway.

Pool club dinner, Amanjiwo, Java
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The best hotels in Cambodia & Myanmar

Song Saa

Offering spectacular views, pristine beaches, and dozens of ways to relax and truly unwind, this is another of our favourite properties with a conscience in Asia.  Sustainably built and managed, it also has an ongoing commitment to supporting the local community. It’s one of the only properties in Cambodia with stilted overwater bungalows, making it a firm favourite for honeymooners.

Girl by the pool at Song Saa Private Island Resort, Cambodia

Phum Baitang

This is the perfect retreat to get away from the busy temples and town of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. Set in expansive gardens, Phum Baitang’s free-standing villas are based upon traditional Khmer village houses, with all the added luxury you could desire. Thing chic, understated decor, private pools and fantastic fresh food.

The pool at Phum Baitaing, Cambodia, Siem Reap

The Strand, Yangon

The Strand is a beautiful, Victorian-style grand hotel in the heart of Yangon. Recently renovated, it offers deluxe modern comforts set in old world splendour. Though we love it for its chic style, the 24-hour personalised butler service doesn’t hurt either.

Lobby at the Strand Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar
Beach at The Sarojin, Phuket, Thailand

The best hotels in Thailand

Mandarin Oriental

The ‘Grand Dame’ of Bangkok, this is the city’s most iconic hotel with a real sense of place. Despite being a historic property, it still feels fresh and ultra luxurious. Its superb location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River means you can enjoy dinner at the Terrace Rim Naam restaurant overlooking the water – a must-do when staying here.

Le Norma Restaurant, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand

Four Seasons Tented Camp

The setting of this property is unreal, situated in the golden triangle bordering Laos and Burma. The tents are actually tree houses perched high up in their beautiful natural surroundings, with furniture and interiors to die for. We love that they have their own rescued elephants who can roam free in their natural habitat and are part of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.

Outdoor bath, Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle, Thailand

137 Pillars

Our go to property in Chiang Mai, his stylish boutique gem never fails to deliver with a warm welcome and impeccable service. Originally built in the 1880s (and of course renovated since then), the hotel offers stunning gardens, two restaurants, a beautiful spa and wellness centre, and one of the coolest pools we’ve ever seen.

137 Pillars, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Sarojin

On a secluded stretch of beach in Khao Lak, this hotel has all the convenience of a Phuket property but with none of the crowds. Laze in a poolside cabana by day and explore their extensive wine cellar by night – it’s an idyllic getaway.

Swimming Pool at the Sarojin, Thailand, Phuket
View from the summerhouse, Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka

The best hotels in Sri Lanka & Vietnam

Ceylon Tea Trails

Sri Lanka’s Tea Country experiences much cooler – and wetter – weather compared with the rest of the country and driving through some areas you could almost be in the UK. The colonial-style Tea Trails bungalows are dotted through the hills, with perfectly manicured gardens, pretty verandahs and slate roofs. Inside, the elegant and traditional furnishings give the feel of an English country house. The service here is impeccable and the food and cocktails are excellent.

The lawn at Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka

Leopard Trails

This traditional tented camp provides an authentic safari experience in Yala National Park, home to the highest density of leopard in the world. The rangers who host your stay here are really first class – incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, they absolutely make this place. With communal dining and free-flowing sundowners, expect a sociable, fun-filled stay here.

Tented camp at Leopard Trails, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi

This property is a real landmark in Hanoi. Set in the charming French Quarter, it has maintained its position as the capital’s leading hotel since its inception over a century ago. Timeless decor, delicious French and Asian cuisine and warm Vietnamese hospitality make this elegant hotel a memorable place to stay.

Terrace of the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
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The best hotels in India

Jawai

An oasis in the heart of the Rajasthan desert, this stylish tented camp surprises with candlelit dinners in the bush and offers safari drives that bring glimpses of the elusive leopards that live in the area. The most stylish safari experience outside of Africa, it may even give some African safari camps a run for their money.

Ice bucket and glasses on the table, Jawai, Rajasthan, India

Taj Lake Palace

The classically beautiful, tastefully ornate architecture, pool, and restaurant are only some of the things to love about this iconic palace hotel in Udaipur. The buzzing atmosphere of the hotel, without seeming overly busy, is amazing. But the highlight is the free and exclusive heritage walk offered to hotel guests, taking you through the fascinating history of the hotel itself.

Leela Udaipur Restaurant, India

Rajmahal

An interior designer’s delight, the Rajmahal is a bright and beautiful take on a traditional Rajasthan palace. As you explore the Palace you’ll be walking in some famous footsteps with suites named after previous guests, such as Elizabeth II and Jackie Kennedy.

Raj Mahal, Rajasthan, India

Shakti 360

Good things come to those who work hard, and the journey to the mesmerising Shakti 360 is no easy feat. The journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination as you travel through tiny mountain villages peppered throughout the Himalayas. When you arrive you’re rewarded with panoramic Himalayan views and impeccable hospitality. It’s 100% worth the trek.

Dining at Shakti 360, Ladakh, Indian Himalayas

Our top example trips

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