Asia’s hotel scene is home to some of the world’s most unique and forward-thinking spaces. From idyllic private islands and sparkling new city pads, to cool and contemporary digs on the shores of Sri Lanka, you’re sure to find something to add to your holiday wishlist! Here’s our pick of the region’s top new movers and shakers.
Bringing a sense of cool to Sri Lanka’s coast, this six-suite bolthole (which sits amongst palm trees and has cracking ocean views), looks like a real goodie. Masterminded by entrepreneur Paul Harding, the architecture draws on Sri Lanka’s modernist movement, for a stylish castaway look. Think wooden flooring, white billowing drapes, and floor-to-ceiling windows to emphasise the view. This really is a place to disconnect. You can gaze at the sea whilst taking baths, have a dip in the pool, and drink coffee on the rooftop. Did we mention butler service is also part of the deal? Sign us up!
www.hardingboutiquehotels.com
Read more: 8 Things Travel Guides Won’t Tell You About Sri Lanka
It’s no wonder this a highly anticipated opening. The resort has six ultra-luxe lodges spread across the western and central valleys of this breathtaking country. From Thimpu lodge (surrounded by mist-swirled mountains and ancient monasteries) to Punhaka’s farmhouse feel overlooking rice fields, or Bumthang (which is crafted entirely from recycled wood) – it’s a unique place that’s set to really shake up Bhutan’s hotel scene.
www.sixsenses.com/resorts/bhutan
This grand dame may have been around since 1887, but it’s just undergone a complete overhaul. So when its palatial doors reopen in 2019, expect a glamorous showstopper. Its new restaurants are set to be a hit with the foodie crowd: Alain Ducasse is bringing his flawless sense of style to a menu of Mediterranean sharing plates and grills in BBR, whilst three-Michelin star chef Anne-Sophie Pic will be at the helm of La Dame de Pic, dishing up inventive French fare. But proving good taste never goes out of style, the Singapore Sling experience in the Long Bar and the classic Afternoon Tea in the Lobby will still be a feature.
www.raffles.com/singapore
Read more: Cheap Travel: Free Things to do in Singapore
This Anantara brand newbie spills down a hillside overlooking a sedate bay in South Central Vietnam. Amid its landscaped tropical gardens are 26 contemporary villas, where timber sundecks lead to private plunge pools and butlers gratify your every desire (you can even decide which fragrance you want to be spritzed around your room!). Guests can mooch from pool to spa and back again, after four-hand massages and coconut milk baths. And with adventures also waiting beyond its doors, from snorkelling trips to cycling through rice fields, you couldn’t fail to be impressed.
www.anantara.com/en/quy-nhon
Read more: What To Do In Hoi An: Experience Old Town Charm
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You know you’re onto a good thing with any Waldorf Astoria resort. And this brand spanking new Maldivian resort in the South Male Atoll is no exception. Its surroundings are spectacular, think white sand, pale sapphire waters, and sunsets that will take your breath away. The slick and modern villas all come with plunge pools and jacuzzis (some even have glass floors over the ocean). Treetop restaurant, Terra, is the standout centrepiece.
www.waldorfastoria3.hilton.com/en/hotels/maldives
Read more: Planning a Week in Paradise: The Maldives Travel Guide
Setting a new pulse in Myanmar’s serene Mergui Archipelago, Awei Pila is a private island resort in a region where few tourists have trodden. Beach-level tented villas are light and fresh with a nod to Scandinavian design. There are boho communal areas with shady terraces opening onto the heavenly beach, which is perfect for those who just want to chill. And with plenty to explore in the surrounding area, adventure seekers will also be satisfied. Watch this space, as this off-grid sanctuary looks set to cause a stir.
www.memoriesgroup.com/hotels/awei-pila
Read more: What to do in Myanmar: Yangon, Mandalay and Baga
Expectations are sky-high for this new kid on the block that’s been billed as one of Bangkok’s most exclusive addresses. It’s not even opened its doors yet, but the building is already making its presence felt. Its dramatic shape is said to represent the ‘wai’ (the Thai hand gesture). Naturally, rooms will be elegantly designed with thoughtful touches, and service will be first class. For out of this world views book one of the ‘sky villas’, which come complete with large terraces and private plunge pools.
www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/Bangkok
Read more: 48 Hours in Bangkok: The Ultimate Foodie Guide
A good-looking addition to the city’s Wan Chai district, the St. Regis is due to open in June. With a heavy dose of swank (courtesy of interior designer Andre Fu), this place is far from understated.There are velvet dining chairs, statement light fittings and gold-flecked walls. The moodily lit bar will undoubtedly be a fashionable retreat, with mixologists whipping up interesting cocktails against a soundtrack of live jazz. While the restaurants (headed up by Michelin-star chefs) will take the dining to the next level.
www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/hkgxr-the-st-regis-hong-kong
Read more: Your Neighbourhood Guide to Wan Chai
This is the new hotel that everyone’s talking about in China. Not only is its location fantastic (within walking distance to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the National Museum and the National Art Museum of China), but it’s also been dubbed the city’s most luxurious hotel. With rooftop views of the Forbidden City, decadent dining areas and staggering attention to detail, this is definitely one to watch.
www.mandarinoriental.com/beijing/wangfujing
Read more: Cheap Travel: Free Things to do in Beijing
Set to add some serious style to Victoria Harbour, the new Rosewood Hong Kong is preparing to fling open its swish doors in March. And it’s got all the hallmarks of a legend in the making. Knockout design? Check. Incredible spa offerings? Check. Hot new restaurants (eight of them no less)? Check. We expect this plush pad to make a lot of new friends!
www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hong-kong
Read more: Your Neighbourhood Guide to Tsim Sha Tsui
Featured Image courtesy of Anantara, Image #1 courtesy of Harding Boutique Hotel, Image #2 courtesy of Six Senses, Image #3 courtesy of Raffles, Image #4 courtesy of Anantara, Image #5 courtesy of Waldorf Astoria, Image #6 courtesy of Memories Group, Image #7 courtesy of Rosewood, Image #8 courtesy of Marriott, Image #9 courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Image #10 courtesy of Rosewood