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It’s auspicious to sleep in the shadow of a dragon. The Banyan Tree Krabi boutique hotel is nestled under Ngon Nak Mountain, and the hotel derives its mascot from its dragon-shaped peak, nicknamed the Dragon Crest. Tricked out in a subtle dragon scale motif on walls and staff uniforms, and featuring giant green crystal pendants that catch the light of sunsets, the hotel never forgets its roots. The languid river winding from Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park through the grounds only adds to the beauty.

Sustainability goes hand in hand with comfort and luxury. Complimentary meditation, yoga, and Muay Thai classes are offered alongside gym access and a spa facility featuring another homage to the environment, the unique Rainforest Spa Treatment, which includes plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms, waterfall jets, bubbling massagers, heated loungers, and ice fountains. Unique amenities abound, but the coolest one is a ride on a traditional Thai longtail boat to secluded beaches and lagoons.

Thailand is famous for its hospitality, and the team here is exceptional. Dedication to the community is also a feature. Local cold-press coffee showcases an up-and-coming Thai industry. The gallery sells only locally created artisan goods, and the gorgeous restaurants—Saffron, The Naga Kitchen, and Bird’s Nest—highlight regional delicacies alongside Southeast Asian fusion and international favorites in a stunning landscape.

Perched above endless rice terraces in East Bali, Camaya’s bamboo houses redefine eco-luxury. The architectural masterpieces are crafted almost entirely from bamboo and have views that stretch across lush emerald fields. Each of the eight unique villas showcases striking bamboo architecture, paired with immersive outdoor living spaces. Hanging nets suspended over the valley, private plunge pools, outdoor hot tubs, and fire pits create photogenic spaces that feel as indulgent as they are serene. Signature experiences such as floating breakfasts, flower-filled baths, and al fresco dining elevate every stay, blending comfort with Balinese artistry. The most affordable villa features a spacious, open-air design, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and sweeping views across the paddies. At the top end, the grand Butterfly House expands the experience with multiple levels, a cinema room, and dramatic design touches.

Remote yet accessible, Camaya offers welcome seclusion—close to Ubud yet worlds away from crowds. Service is thoughtfully discreet, ensuring privacy while still catering to every need. The on-site restaurant highlights local produce with a menu of Balinese and Western favorites, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Sustainability anchors Camaya’s ethos: bamboo construction, local sourcing, and minimal-impact integration with the landscape. A stay here is a restorative retreat—luxurious, immersive, and irresistibly Instagrammable.

Surrounded by lush, undulating hillsides, COMO Uma Ubud provides a peaceful and luxurious respite just outside Bali’s bustling cultural hub. The contemporary, streamlined design is bright and breezy, allowing the beauty of nature to truly shine. Local woods and traditional details, such as thatched roofs, imbue a sense of place. Light-flooded rooms feature four-poster beds, COMO Shambhala bath products, and terraces with stunning views of the tropical gardens.

The resort facilities are also exceptional. Sun loungers and shade-giving umbrellas frame the gorgeous jade-green pool. The indoor-outdoor spa offers holistic wellness therapies like Taksu massages and Javanese Royal Lulur Baths. Kemiri serves Indonesian cuisine made from fresh ingredients, offering a variety of healthy options for breakfast and dinner. For a taste of Italy, head to Uma Cucina for handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza. There’s also an open-air poolside bar for cocktails and light bites.

Guests can participate in a range of cultural activities, from water purification ceremonies to Pencak Silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art, and explore the great outdoors with adventures such as river rafting, cycling, and sunrise treks. Complimentary perks include yoga classes, rice paddy walks, and shuttles to town.

In Kathmandu’s Battisputali neighborhood, just minutes from the sacred Pashupatinath Temple yet worlds away from the city’s honking traffic, The Dwarika’s feels like stepping into another era. Conceived in the 1970s by the late Dwarika Das Shrestha, this 73-key property is a love letter to Nepal’s disappearing Newari craftsmanship.

Shrestha spent decades salvaging centuries-old carved windows, doors, and pillars from demolition sites, painstakingly restoring and giving them new life within the hotel. The result is a living museum—a stone courtyard with a swimming pool modeled after 12th-century Malla dynasty royal baths, buildings adorned with wooden carvings that retell Hindu and Buddhist myths, and guest rooms featuring hand-carved furniture, handloomed Dhaka textiles, terracotta floors, and traditional oil lamps.

And if looking isn’t enough, you can sit with a master woodcarver in the hotel’s restoration workshop and try the craft yourself. The evening is best capped at Krishnarpan, the hotel’s standout restaurant, with an elaborate multi-course meal that draws on flavors from across Nepal—followed by an artisanal cocktail at the laid-back Fusion Bar. And when relaxation calls, the on-site spa offers soothing Ayurvedic treatments.

Perched high in Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Lodge feels indulgent without ever feeling out of place. Its design takes cues from traditional farmhouses, with pitched roofs, arched windows, and warm timber throughout. The lodge has just 12 suites, each with a cast-iron bukhari stove and an English roll-top bath positioned to take in the sweeping valley views, giving it a cozy, mountain chalet-esque charm.

Days here can be spent trekking through blue-pine forests, cycling to outlying villages on the lodge’s mountain bikes, or joining monks for meditation at the 17th-century Gangtey Goenpa, a teaching monastery. Archery, Bhutan’s national sport, is also on offer. In winter, the valley becomes home to black-necked cranes migrating from Tibet. Guests can spot the endangered birds through binoculars at the Crane Information Centre, located at the forest’s edge.

Back at the lodge, soothe tired muscles with a hot stone bath—an ancient Bhutanese therapy—in a pinewood tub warmed by river boulders. When hunger strikes, choose between a Bhutanese menu highlighting local flavors or a contemporary fusion option. Meals can be savored in the lodge’s private dining woodshed, just below the main lodge overlooking the valley. End the day with a glass of wine on the wrap-around patio with views of the surrounding hills.

It takes around 70 minutes to drive from Taichung City to Taiwan’s first luxury hot spring resort. This sprawling resort huddles in the shadow of sky-scraping peaks threaded with hiking paths. All of HOSHINOYA Guguan’s 50 rooms and suites, spread over several low-slung buildings, have enormous onsen-style baths for post-hike soaks, as well as raised, cushioned platforms positioned to allow guests to soak up the views of either the gardens or the forest through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

There’s a wonderful sense of calm here; guests pad around the resort in slippers, gliding through enormous sliding doors which bring to mind the sleekest of James Bond lairs. In the gardens, meandering pathways wind around ponds, pools, and yoga pavilions, and as dusk falls, the air fills with the croaks and chirps of frogs, cicadas, and crickets. Activities are designed to strengthen connections with nature, whether it’s masterclasses in weaving led by members of the local Atayal tribe or guided garden walks led by plant experts. The culinary highlights include the kaiseki-style dinners and the breakfast—the star of the show for the latter is the scallop and chicken broth.

In a city known for bustling hawker centers and a futuristic skyline, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree reveals another side of Singapore: mist-draped treetops, the calm waters of Upper Seletar Reservoir, and a soundtrack of birdsong.

Set within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the 338-room property overlooks this expansive area, where morning mist lingers and the scent of frangipani drifts through the air. Curved treehouse villas rise like extensions of the rainforest canopy, while guestrooms draw the outdoors in with forest murals, natural textures, and playful bunk beds for families. Guests can follow a self-guided birding trail alive with kingfishers and bulbuls or join the Rangers’ Club for hands-on eco-activities. Couples gravitate to the Banyan Tree Spa, rooted in Asian wellness traditions, or to rooftop cocktails timed with sunset over the reservoir.

Dining emphasizes freshness and seasonality, weaving tropical produce and Southeast Asian flavors into sambal-laced specialties and multi-course menus at Forage and Planter’s Shed. Evenings slow to the rhythm of cicadas: telescope-guided stargazing, a quiet swim in the infinity pool, or a quick trip to the award-winning Night Safari.

Whether in a garden-view room or a treetop villa, the experience feels like Singapore’s best-kept secret: a rare place where urban life falls away, and the rainforest becomes the destination itself.

Bali is no stranger to high-end hotels, but when it comes to unparalleled luxury interwoven with stunning scenery, it’s tough to beat Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The property is a prime example of the verdant beauty of Ubud, brimming with rolling rice paddies and towering palms amidst a wealth of lavish suites. While each accommodation offers 24-hour butler service, those in search of especially spacious quarters should spring for the Mandapa Pool Villa, a three-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and scenic forest views.

You won’t go hungry here: For a deep dive into the rich flavors of Balinese cuisine, Sawah Terrace crafts local fare packed full of produce from the on-property garden. Ambar is perfect for some light Japanese-fusion bites paired with a craft cocktail at sunset, but for a truly idyllic dining experience, Kubu is an essential spot. Perched on the Ayung River, this restaurant places sustainability in particularly high regard, offering a zero-waste tasting menu that incorporates a diverse range of foraged plants into each dish.

In between meals, you’d do well to book a session at the Mandapa Spa—a scenic space with a dedicated meditation temple—or book a day trip to famed Balinese wonders, like Mount Batur or Tirta Empul Temple.

The Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap is a royal favorite—former King Norodom Sihanouk even designated a seal-of-approval emblem symbolizing the hotel’s royal patronage, which guests can find emblazoned on linens and glassware, metal room keys, and even the hotel’s porte-cochere and original 1929 wooden-cage elevator. The hotel has hosted royalty and heads of state, Hollywood stars, and famous artists. The hotel’s rich history is woven throughout the building’s Art Deco design and Cambodian colonial stylings. 

The opulence of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor pays tribute to Siem Reap’s wonder of the world, Angkor Wat, and its temple complex, and reflects the grandeur of the historical site. Lounge in your silk robe on your four-poster bed while calling room service on your vintage rotary phone and sipping on an Angkor Sling made with local gin. Your balcony might overlook the bustling main thoroughfare of Siem Reap, smack in the middle of town and en route to the Angkor Thom city complex, the lush tropical gardens, or the oversized pool, modeled after the ancient baths of Angkor. The spa offers ample chance to unwind and relax, and the 1932 restaurant is a can’t-miss experience. With its decades-themed, prix-fixe, five-to-seven-course meals, the attention to service is as impressive as the execution of the heavenly meal. It is a can’t-miss experience.

Opened in 2024, Raffles Jaipur is the brand’s second home in India, perched on the northern edge of the city with the Aravalli hills as a backdrop. Inside, the hotel is grand, with marble-inlay floors, scalloped arches, and gilded accents that set the tone. The Great Hall, an octagonal wonder painted with gold-leaf patterns, opens onto the central courtyard, where Californian palms rise over Jaisalmer-stone fountains. Fifty rooms and suites surround this space, each inspired by a zenana (a royal women’s quarter) with latticed balconies. Each accommodation also has canopied beds, camel-bone inlay furniture, hand-knotted Jaipur rugs, and attentive butlers, along with modern luxuries such as a plunge pool or soaking tub, smart toilets, and electronic curtains.

True to the brand’s decadent spirit, the hotel pulls out all the stops, inviting guests to linger at the rooftop infinity pool framed by airy pavilions and sculpted leopards, unwind in the jasmine-scented spa with a hammam and mineral pools, or sip a Jaipur Sling at the powder-blue Writers Bar. For a deeper taste of Jaipur, guests can follow artisanal trails organized by the property to see local craftspeople at work and enjoy private tours of the new Jaipur Center for Art at the historic City Palace, arranged through the hotel.

At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, luxury is an understatement. Guests are welcomed onto the private island via seaplane or boat, with the sound of a conch shell being blown as a salutation. Staff members who will play a pivotal role during your stay give a warm greeting at the dock with a hand over their heart, symbolizing a sign of respect. This endearing gesture will be seen throughout your stay. Within minutes of arrival, you’ll meet your Aris Meeha, or island butler, who will be available to you via WhatsApp during your stay. Choose from an overwater or beach villa with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. The villas are decorated in calming, sophisticated neutral furnishings, featuring expansive sundecks and private infinity pools.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is divided into three areas: Culinary Island, Grand Sunset Beach, and Fari Marina Village. The latter is accessed by boat and is home to boutiques, restaurants, a beach club, and a Lagoon Coral Adoption and Marine Biology Center. The resort has seven restaurants and bars; La Locanda’s Southern Italian cuisine is ideal for breakfast, EAU Bar’s relaxed setting is perfect for lunch, and Arabesque’s Middle Eastern dishes are some of the best for dinner.

A sanctuary all by itself is the overwater ring-shaped spa, and while you can’t go wrong with any of the treatments offered, the Bamford Signature Journey (scrub, massage, breathwork, and more) is highly rated. Ritz Kids is an amazing interactive indoor-outdoor space that offers a variety of activities, including sports, cooking classes, and arts and crafts.

Turn-down service at the Sofitel Legend Metropole, in the heart of Hanoi, albeit just far enough away from the most dizzying streets of this buzzing Vietnamese city, is no ordinary affair, thanks to ethereal macarons that are part and parcel of the nightly offering. Speaking of exquisite bites: For fine dining, book a table at Michelin-selected French restaurant Le Beaulieu or at Spice Garden, where elevated Vietnamese fare is served in a freshly refreshed setting. And if you’re staying over a weekend, don’t miss the live jazz brunch at Le Beaulieu, a beloved Sunday tradition.

The hotel’s 358 rooms are divided between two wings: the historic Heritage Wing, renovated in 2023 yet still rich with French colonial charm and Vietnamese influences, and the Opera Wing, styled with neoclassical touches and bold black, white, and red accents. Standard rooms feature Diptyque bath products, silk and cotton linens, and plush robes, while premium rooms are outfitted with Karl Lagerfeld amenities. Wherever you land, the beds are staggeringly inviting. Hanoi may not be a city built for sleeping, but if you do fancy a nap after a day wandering alleys lined with shops and pho stands, consider doing it poolside—perhaps after a Graham Greene Martini, the Bamboo Bar’s signature cocktail.

Unmistakably Malay, the marketing brochure of Tanjong Jara, declares proudly. And so it is at this beachfront resort on a pristine stretch of Malaysia’s east coast near Terengganu, just a four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. The Malay character is showcased in the architecture, reflecting the elegance and opulence of a 17th-century Malay palace: think plush timber accents and colorful batik prints.

Opt for a sea-view room to make the most of your stay. Or if you want to really indulge, then book the House of Terengganu, a secluded one-bedroom villa that comes with a private swimming pool. The resort is conceptualized around the Malay lifestyle concept of Sucimurni, meaning purity and wholesomeness; it places an emphasis on the well-being and rejuvenation of body and mind.

Once you are all spa’d out, there are plenty of activities, from traditional handicraft classes to hiking, snorkelling, and diving, to keep you distracted. The resort also features three restaurants, serving a mix of Asian and Western cuisine, with Di Atas Sungei specializing in flavorful Malaysian dishes. And right next to the seafood specialty restaurant, Nelayan, is the in-house turtle hatchery, dedicated to conservation–Tanjong Jara’s way of giving back to the environment.

Perched on a mountainside in Mongolia’s remote Gobi Desert, Three Camel Lodge is a standout eco-resort and a proud member of Beyond Green’s sustainable hotel collection. Founded by Mongolian-American businessman Jalsa Urubshurow, who also established Nomadic Expeditions—a sustainable operator dedicated to enriching lives and protecting places—the lodge offers a glimpse into traditional nomadic life with its 40 luxury gers (traditional Mongolian dwellings). These round, tent-like dwellings are made from sustainable materials like wood, locally quarried stone for the main lodge building, felt and rope, and are equipped with private bathrooms and solar-powered electricity.

The lodge’s amenities and activities include an on-site restaurant serving local delicacies, a bar with an extensive whiskey selection, archery, biking, cooking classes, ger-building workshops, needle felting, jewelry making, and a calligraphy workshop led by a local artist in residence. There’s even a spa. The lodge’s deep commitment to sustainability and community sets Three Camel apart: investments in local staff, educational program support, cultural preservation, and respect for Mongolia’s rich biodiversity.

The resort eliminates single-use plastics, employs a robust waste management system, and sources construction materials locally. Guests can explore nearby natural wonders, such as the Flaming Cliffs and Yol Valley, and engage in activities like camel treks, horseback riding, archery, and stargazing.

Just 30 minutes from Jaipur, in the village of Sumel, Villa Palladio is a nine-room boutique hotel—housed in a restored countryside haveli – that blends Italian design sensibilities with the rich craftsmanship of Rajasthan. The result is a bold riot of saturated reds and pinks, with checkerboard floors, striped corridors, and hand-painted detailing throughout. While the aesthetic nods to European maximalism, local artisans have added their touch through carved furniture, painted murals, block-printed linens, and intricate latticework screens.

The showstopper, however, is the Mughal-style courtyard pool, framed by striped loungers and Italian umbrellas, a peaceful spot to unwind. Dining at the hotel follows the same mix of influences, with Italian classics alongside home-style Rajasthani dishes—and guests can savor their meals at the indoor hall, on the garden-facing patio, or from the red-and-white breakfast balcony overlooking the property grounds and the Aravalli hills beyond. A dedicated yoga and meditation room, small spa, and well-stocked library round out the experience.