The 16 Best Luxury Hotels in Asia
Published on: September 18th, 2017
Last updated: May 3rd, 2024
Asia is an incredibly vast and diverse continent, home to endless destinations and alluring attractions. It’s also where you’ll find some of the world’s most spectacular hotels – from tropical escapes and secluded villas to urban oases and ornate palaces.
To help you get inspired for your next adventure, we’ve asked our team of travel designers to pick their favourite places to stay across Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. Here are the best luxury hotels in Asia, according to the experts.
1. Capella Hanoi – Hanoi, Vietnam
Best for historic glamour
Walking into Capella Hanoi is like stepping straight into the Roaring Twenties. This exceptionally opulent hotel in Hanoi is inspired by opera and Art Nouveau. Its impeccable design, exceptional dining and fantastic spa make it one of the best places to stay in Vietnam.
2. Aman Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan
Best for exquisite cuisine and culture
Tokyo has a reputation for world-class cuisine, with more Michelin stars than any other city. And Aman Tokyo is the perfect place to enjoy it, featuring chic design and privileged views. You might want to time your visit with the cherry blossom season between March and April or see the autumn leaves lasting between November and December.
3. 137 Pillars – Chiang Mai, Thailand
Best for boutique luxury and charm
For personalised service and privacy in the cultural capital of Thailand, 137 Pillars is hard to beat. Located in the fascinating city of Chiang Mai, this boutique hotel offers lavish suites, lovely gardens and several excellent dining options.
4. Rosewood Phuket – Phuket, Thailand
Best for seaside relaxation
Picture yourself reclining on a white sand beach, gazing out at the turquoise waters of Phuket with a refreshing cocktail in hand. That’s exactly what awaits you at Rosewood Phuket – one of the top hotels in Thailand for a luxurious beachside retreat.
5. Four Seasons Tented Camp – Chiang Rai, Thailand
Best for thrilling adventures
Immerse yourself in the lush forests of Thailand at Four Seasons Tented Camp, situated near the charming mountain town of Chiang Rai. Here you can enjoy all kinds of adventures, including Mekong River cruises, before retiring to your spacious and elegant tent.
6. Song Saa Private Island Resort – Song Saa, Cambodia
Best for privacy and sustainability
If you want to completely disconnect and explore the coastal wonders of Cambodia, Song Saa Private Island Resort is the clear choice. This sustainable resort prioritises sustainability, while also providing an incredibly exclusive experience in the pristine Song Saa islands.
7. Shinta Mani Wild – Cambodia
Best for nature and wildlife
At Shinta Mani Wild you can get up close and personal with Cambodia’s natural beauty. Located in the largely untouched Wild Cambodia, it’s both a peaceful haven and a hub of exciting activities. Stay in an isolated and comfortable tent to fully enjoy the wilderness.
8. Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho – Quy Nhon, Vietnam
Best for cultural immersion and epic views
The enormous resort of Bai San Ho is set on a remote peninsula near Quy Nhon. Here you can choose from lovely villas set among green hills, beside tranquil rice paddies or right on the beach, and get to know the local culture, history and cuisine of this region of Vietnam.
9. NIHI Sumba Island – Sumba, Indonesia
Best for a secluded island getaway
On the striking island of Sumba, time seems to stand still. Here you’ll find NIHI Sumba Island, one of the finest hotels in Indonesia – and in fact the world. Flanked by immaculate forests and beaches, it promises superb luxury while respecting the local environment and culture.
10. Capella Ubud – Bali, Indonesia
Best for a peaceful wellness retreat
Relax and unwind at Capella Ubud, a one-of-a-kind tented lodge tucked deep into the wilderness of Ubud, Bali. Take a dip in your own private saltwater pool, practice yoga and pilates, indulge in spa treatments or simply soak in the scenery of this Indonesian paradise.
11. Alila Uluwatu – Bali, Indonesia
Best for stunning ocean vistas
Minimalist design and sustainable principles are at the core of Alila Uluwatu, a clifftop oasis in the mystical region of Uluwatu, Bali. Whether you’re sipping a drink at the bar, swimming in the infinity pool or relaxing in your villa, you’ll be treated to some of Indonesia’s best views.
12. Ceylon Tea Trails – Tea Country, Sri Lanka
Best for enjoying the outdoors in style
There’s no better place to experience Sri Lanka’s famous Tea Country than Ceylon Tea Trails: a timelessly elegant resort with magnificent mountain views. Here you can stroll through the tea plantations, enjoy a peaceful picnic or head inside for a cosy cup of tea by the fire.
13. Wild Coast Tented Lodge – Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Best for chic design and safaris
There’s no spot quite like Wild Coast, a distinctive luxury lodge set within Yala National Park. Its tented Cocoon Suites blend seamlessly into the foliage, with a wonderfully secluded beach just steps away. Yala is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see leopards in the wild.
14. Six Senses Fort Barwara – Rural Rajasthan, India
Best for royal splendour and spa treatments
Six Senses Fort Barwara is housed in a 14th-century fort that’s been transformed into a temple of luxury, including an extensive spa. It’s the ideal home base for exploring Rural Rajasthan and the culture of this part of India – or going in search of the region’s wild tigers.
15. Taj Lake Palace – Udaipur, India
Best for refined lakeside luxury
Dating back to the 18th century, Taj Lake Palace looks like it came straight out of a postcard. This ornate palace sits on the shores of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, India. It offers an array of unforgettable experiences, from its panoramic rooftop to private dining on the water.
16. Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for authentic local experiences
Just beyond the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap, you’ll find the rural paradise of Phum Baitang. This incomparable hotel features stilted villas, an intriguing cocktail lounge, seasonal Cambodian cuisine and the opportunity for all kinds of cultural excursions.
Looking for more inspiration? Here are our top example trips
Speak to one of our expert travel designers today to begin planning your perfect vacation in Asia.
