Luxury Hotels You Must Visit in Southeast Asia
Monica Tindall
We’re blessed to have the opportunity to stay at many exceptional properties around the world. Unlike aggregator sites, for-profit publications, or A.I. chats scraping the content of others, I have personally stayed, slept, ate and experienced every single hotel on this site. With hundreds of stays in properties around the world and a good number of those in Southeast Asia, here’s a round-up of some of the most memorable experiences, in my list of Luxury Hotels You Must Visit in Southeast Asia.
Luxury Hotels You Must Visit in Southeast Asia
Shinta Mani Wild – A Bensley Collection, Cambodia
Guests arrive at Shinta Mani Wild by zip-line! Deep in the Cambodian jungle, every moment is exhilarating. The all-inclusive package includes gourmet meals and premium wines, unlimited spa treatments, all excursions and your own personal butler. Stunning tented accommodations and commitment to conservation make for an immersive experience with nature, and top-notch food and beverage offerings compete with any gourmet capital. Tops my list for 2024!
Rayavadee Luxury Hotel, Krabi, Thailand
Located on the edge of Krabi’s stunning coastline, Rayavadee is surrounded by limestone cliffs and pristine beaches. Only accessible by boat on the edge of Krabi’s National Marine Park, the grounds are nothing short of spectacular.
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Stay in an Ocean View Suite and get dreamy views of Waecicu Beach and the entrance to the mystical Komodo National Park.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Beach Resort, Vietnam
Only reached by boat, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam lives, breathes and dreams sustainability. With its focus on wellness for guests and that of the environment, personalised service (our rooms had our names carved on the signboard!) and a kick-ass food menu, it’s an inspiring stay.
Raffles Bali, Indonesia
Renowned for its exceptional service, Raffles Bali comes with a butler service that curates experiences just for you. Private dinners in unique locations, customised menus, gourmet snacks, and daily activities – all tailored to personal preferences. Additionally, the private pool villas overlooking the sea make for accommodation we never wanted to leave.
Munduk Moding Plantation, Bali, Indonesia
Another Bali gem, Munduk Moding Plantation, is set in the lush hills of a coffee plantation in the north of the island. With cooler temperatures, the private pools are heated, including an inbuilt jacuzzi on one end and an infinity pool dropping off to the clouds on the other. And they grow and roast their own beans – a treat for coffee lovers.
Bensley Collection Pool Villas, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Mere minutes from the ancient Khmer kingdom and Angkor Wat, the Bensley Collection Pool Villas is another property that takes butler service to a whole new level. Slide open the bedroom door, and you can take a dip in the pool with coffee or bubbly just a WhatsApp message away. Each villa features a private pool, garden courtyard, rooftop terrace, and outdoor bathtub.
Pimalai Resort and Spa, Koh Lanta, Thailand
Jumping back over to Thailand’s south, Pimalai Resort and Spa has the feeling of a tropical dreamscape. Private pool villas on the hilltop look over the magical sight of the sea dotted with rocky outcrops and the most magnificent sunsets. The beachfront property has the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
The Siam Bangkok, Thailand
The Siam Bangkok, another Bill Bensley-designed boutique hotel, captures the essence of Thai heritage and is a curious collection of marvellous things. The movie star owner’s personal collection of cinema paraphernalia, antiques, and curios make for a living museum experience. Furthermore, the hotel’s private shuttle boat takes guests up and down the Chao Phraya River, avoiding that notorious Bangkok traffic.
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Thailand
Set amidst the rolling hills of Khao Yai National Park, this hotel’s unique design sees upcycled train carriages turned into guest suites. The nostalgia of rail journeys combined with incredibly beautiful and expansive landscaped grounds with several private lakes is a memorable escape.
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Malaysia
Built around natural thermal springs, every villa in The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat has a private outdoor jacuzzi fed by thermal waters. The limestone caves make natural saunas, meditation spaces and even a gourmet restaurant. It’s unlike anything you’ll find around the world.
137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai, Thailand
This boutique hotel is a beautifully restored teak house with a story to tell! Once office to the son of Anna Leonowens (think Anna & the King with Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-fat) and the Borneo Company, it passed through the hands of the Japanese during World World II and later to William Bain, a Scotsman with a family legacy in Chiang Mai. It’s mere minutes from the old city sites, and the grounds are absolutely stunning – just check out the plant-wall-lined pool. The sky-high green panel holds 20,000 (!) plants – literally a breath of fresh air in the old city.
Raya Heritage, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Also in Chiang Mai, Raya Heritage offers a serene riverside sanctuary with private pool villas inspired by traditional Lanna architecture. With a foundation of wellness, sustainability and community care, soft and hard furnishings are all natural and made by local artisans. The food is also exceptional because of the fertile soil of Chiang Mai and their own farm.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam
Perched on a hillside overlooking the South China Sea, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Vietnam blends unique Bill Bensley architecture with natural beauty. Guests can enjoy a private beach, Michelin-starred dining, and a world-class spa, all while soaking in the breathtaking views.
Mauã Boutique Resort, Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Mauã Boutique Resort provides private pool villas on the exciting and rustic island of Nusa Penida. The island is known for its breathtaking and social media-friendly scenery but is home to very few luxurious stays. Mauã Boutique Resort steps in to provide a private retreat for guests seeking both adventure and elegance.
Azerai Can Tho, Vietnam
Azerai Can Tho is a unique experience in the Mekong Delta with some of the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever photographed. Marketed as “affordable luxury,” the location in the south of Vietnam is remarkable, giving guests a chance to explore the local culture and then withdraw to the tranquillity of the hotel on the river.
The Silveri Hong Kong, MGallery, China
Only five minutes from the airport, The Silveri Hong Kong features jaw-dropping views, sophisticated rooms and excellent service. Get a corner suite and wake up to the magic of sea and hill views.
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, China
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau boasts a choice of three sophisticated hotels in one integrated resort: Grand Lisboa Palace, THE KARL LAGERFELD, and Palazzo Versace Macau. Needless to say, everything about the resort is GRAND. Shiny surfaces, flashy chandeliers and marble everywhere. The Jardim Secreto (secret garden), beautiful indoor and outdoor pools, and world-class dining give plenty to keep you entertained.
Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, Vietnam
Quy Nhon is a relatively undiscovered part of the world for foreign tourists and that’s what makes it even more of a treasure. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere in the Mediterranean with the deep blue sea and small island outcrops on the horizon. However, there’s no crowd! Anantara Quy Nhon Villas are all sea-facing and with their own private pool. It also provides butler service, an outstanding spa, and excellent food, so it’s a perfect spot for unwinding.
Innside by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand
Innside by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s rooftop pool is set to be one of the most photographed in the city. The giant golden swing is reminiscent of the enormous red Brahman structure in front of the city’s iconic Wat Suthat, and the infinity pool seems to drop down to the skyline. It’s especially beautiful early morning when the sun’s golden rays catch the arched swing. Additionally, it’s glass-bottomed! Have some tapas and a cocktail in LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar below, and watch the action from the shade. PS. Suites are contemporary and fabulous, too.
Which of these luxury hotels have you visited in Southeast Asia? Do you have others for my list? Please drop me your most memorable experiences in the comment box below.
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