From the tranquil coastlines of Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula to the rich cultural tapestry of Kyoto and the lush landscapes of Bhutan, Asia’s newest luxury resorts offer far more than just a place to rest your head — they cultivate transformative journeys. Each carefully crafted property blends architectural sophistication with the surrounding natural beauty, creating havens that fully engage guests with their environment. Whether you’re on the hunt for top-notch sustainability options in Singapore or seeking a quiet hideaway on Tioman Island, every resort boasts its own distinct mix of comfort, culture, and elegance. Be it a local staycation or an adventure far from home, LUXUO’s curated selection of luxury hotels promises to guide you toward the perfect escape this festive season.
Intercontinental Danang, Vietnam
Positioned just outside Danang, Vietnam, the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is approximately a 40-minute drive from the bustling airport. It’s affectionately dubbed “Monkey Mountain,” so expect some playful furry visitors during your stay. This expansive property features 189 accommodations (including 84 guest rooms, 88 suites, and 17 villas and residences) sprawled over 39 hectares, boasting a stunning stretch of 700 meters of private beach. Keep in mind, though, that this resort is secluded, so if you’re hoping to explore the city or dine out, you may need to adjust your plans. There are no nearby restaurants or shops, so once you check in, you’ll likely want to settle in for some relaxation — a day trip to Hoi An, for instance, involves about an hour’s drive each way.
The imaginative vision of Bill Bensley, a notable architect and interior designer, shines through in both the guest rooms and communal spaces, creating an atmosphere that’s sure to leave an impression. Expect an extraordinary aesthetic as you soak in Bensley’s lively, artistic, and colorful designs that pull inspiration from traditional Vietnamese motifs, seamlessly entwined with opulence and modern touches. The primary black-and-white theme throughout the resort is enlivened by vibrant bursts of color, particularly at the main restaurant, Citron, where a delightful decor in lime green and sunny yellow awaits. Guests can relish a culinary feast at the Michelin-starred La Maison 1888, indulging in French dining with a local flair.
Spanning down a cliffside, the resort is ingeniously divided into four distinct levels — Sea, Earth, Sky, and Heaven — all conveniently navigable thanks to staff who use a pulley system dubbed Nam Tram to ferry guests. For those with a little more time on their hands, golf buggies provide a leisurely means to traverse the grounds, allowing you to fully appreciate the meticulously maintained gardens and lush terrain. The Intercontinental Danang presents itself as a dream retreat for anyone longing for privacy paired with a nature-centric experience.
For more information, visit: Intercontinental Danang.
The Standard Singapore
Are you dreaming of a staycation? The eagerly awaited Standard, Singapore, is all set to welcome guests soon, featuring a thoughtfully designed interior by the Ministry of Design, which showcases an array of contemporary curvy elements, including a sweeping wooden deck ceiling that extends over the bed and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
With a focus on delivering a distinctive visitor experience, The Standard incorporates signature dining and entertainment options as well as a serene infinity pool embraced by a lush botanical garden. Guests can also take advantage of various amenities—including conference facilities, a fitness center, and a slew of cultural and artistic events. Staying true to Singapore’s eco-friendly ethos, the property aligns with a Green Plan, and the globally recognized UNESCO Singapore Botanical Gardens are located just a short stroll away.
For more details, visit: The Standard Singapore.
Boathouse Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
Perched on the stunning west coast of Tioman Island in Malaysia, HPL Hotels & Resorts — part of Singapore-listed Hotel Properties Limited — is thrilled to announce the launch of The Boathouse Pulau Tioman, which is set to open in the first quarter of 2024.
This new establishment adds to HPL Hotels & Resorts’ esteemed Boutique Collection, alongside other notable properties like The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands and Casa del Mar Langkawi. The Boathouse Pulau Tioman presents a picturesque escape nestled on a secluded beach, offering guests a taste of native simplicity at its finest. Accessible via boat from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok on Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast, all 31 bungalows, crafted from sustainably sourced local wood, embody the charm of traditional Malay design while embracing natural aesthetics. Completing the experience are a communal hall for gatherings, an infinity pool, a beachfront bar, and all-day dining options.
Traveling to reach the resort typically involves flying to Kuala Lumpur, followed by bus or train transfers to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok, where you will take a ferry to the island. Alternatively, you could embark on a bus or train ride of four to six hours to either Mersing or Tanjung Gemok before boarding a ferry. For those in Singapore, a ferry service can whisk you directly to Pulau Tioman in approximately 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on weather conditions. Boathouse Tioman offers an affordable retreat where you can unwind surrounded by the lush jungle and beautiful beaches.
For more information, visit: The Boathouse Pulau Tioman.
Umana Bali, Indonesia
Experience the soothing sea breeze, breathtaking ocean views, and the essence of beach life at Umana Bali, a fresh resort that made its debut under Hilton in November. Designed by the renowned firms WATG and Wimberly Interiors, the property showcases a stunning hand-blown chandelier in the lobby, artfully crafted to emulate the local Legong Keraton dance. This reflects the overall design theme, which beautifully marries Balinese sculptures with lighting and furnishings inspired by distinctive local narratives and traditions.
The resort features 72 luxurious villas, each boasting an infinity-edge pool and an outdoor hot tub for those indulgent soaks whenever you desire. These generously proportioned accommodations range from 4,337 square feet for a one-bedroom villa to a sprawling 12,916 square feet for a three-bedroom option, inviting guests to revel in the simple joys and comforts of a beachside retreat.
For those eager to explore, take advantage of direct beach access from your villa and consult with the guest experience team to create tailored itineraries for maximizing your trip. Choices include cooking classes, kite-making, stargazing, and even helicopter tours to sightsee the majestic Mount Batur. When it’s time to dine, choose from any of the hotel’s five restaurants and bars, offering a delightful array of Bali-produced wines along with various additional amenities like a spa, fitness center, and a kid’s club where you can book both private and group wellness sessions.
For more information, visit: Umana Bali.
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, Japan
The ancient city of Kyoto has long captivated travelers with its traditions, rich cultural heritage, and renowned historical landmarks. Set near the bamboo grove leading up to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera temple, this hillside resort pays homage to the city’s artistic legacy with a distinctive Noh stage, making it the first and only hotel in Kyoto to host such a cultural venue. Its idyllic location is nestled within the Gion and Higashiyama “geisha” districts, steeped in the essence of Japan.
Poised to open later this year, the Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto boasts 52 rooms offering breathtaking views of the lush surroundings and ancient neighborhoods. Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, the architecture thoughtfully incorporates existing elements like mature trees while maintaining the site’s historic stone retaining wall.
Guest room designs, curated by Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio, prominently feature natural materials and elements of contemporary Japanese aesthetics. Meanwhile, the public areas have been crafted by Design Worldwide Partnership, adopting a similarly minimalist ethos that highlights the overall serene atmosphere of the locale.
For more details, visit: Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto.
Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
In 2024, Pan Pacific Orchard emerged as the sole hotel in Singapore to be honored with UNESCO’s Prix Versailles World Selection distinction, one of the world’s most prestigious architecture and design awards.
This remarkable hotel debuted in June 2023, making its name as one of the globe’s 16 most stunning new hotels according to the World Selection Award — a significant accolade as it marked the only Singaporean property featured. The 23-story, 347-key hotel underwent a magnificent redesign by distinguished architects WOHA, with a renovation budget of $22 million.
While the Hanok Heritage House in Yeongwol, South Korea, received the grand prize for hotels, other properties like The Dolli in Athens and the Ned Doha were recognized for their exceptional exterior and interior design respectively. The accolades were shared with other prestigious hotels such as W Macau, Raffles Al Areen Palace in Bahrain, and Pulso Hotel in Sao Paulo that were similarly awarded World Selection titles.
Indulge your senses at St. Gregory, our lavish spa exclusive to hotel guests, designed for deep relaxation and revitalization. Situated on Orchard Road, a vibrant hub of dining, shopping, and hospitality, Pan Pacific Orchard serves as a gateway to an array of unforgettable experiences for both locals and visitors alike.
The hotel’s striking design features an impressive 7,300 square meters of greenery spread across four unique terraced levels — Forest (floors 2-3), Beach (floors 5-10), Garden (floors 11-16), and Cloud (floors 18-23) — resulting in a stunning structure reminiscent of a tropical Jenga tower. Hotel services are primarily located on the fourth and seventeenth floors, while Chef Pedro Samper of San Sebastian presents a delightful fusion of Peruvian and Mediterranean culinary styles at the all-day dining venue, Mosella — a space filled with natural light and a sense of openness.
For more information, visit: Pan Pacific Orchard.
AndBeyond Punakha River Lodge, Punakha, Bhutan
With Bhutan gaining popularity as a tourist destination, the AndBeyond Punakha River Lodge offers yet another compelling reason to visit. Nestled within the valley of Punakha, northeast of Thimphu, the lodge provides serene views of the Mo Chu River and surrounding mountains. The property includes six safari-style tented rooms and two private pool villas, ingeniously honoring traditional Bhutanese architecture while blending seamlessly into the stunning landscape.
The lodge also offers outdoor activity arrangements allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature, with visits to the nearby Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten monument, as well as dining experiences featuring paddy field meals and riverside picnics. Adventures such as mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, and trekking await. Prepare for movable feasts that serve guests in meticulously selected outdoor locations, facilitating a wonderful escape from the city hustle and bustle.
For more details, visit: AndBeyond Punakha River Lodge.
Rissai Valley, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Jiuzhaigou, China
Discover the enchanting Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Jiuzhaigou, China, where you’ll be surrounded by mesmerizing views of rugged alpine mountains, stunning turquoise lakes, verdant woods, and spectacular waterfalls. Designed by the prestigious American architectural firm WATG, the 87 residences mimic a quaint local town, famously designed in the style of the “endless Tibetan knot.”
The property showcases vibrant interiors crafted by the late, celebrated Indonesian design icon Jaya Ibrahim, drawing inspiration from the vivid colors of Jiuzhaigou’s jewel-toned lakes, waterfalls, and local artisan heritage. Enhancing the tranquil atmosphere is a garden curated by John Pettigrew, showcasing native plants that harmonize with the breathtaking mountain vistas.
Each villa comes with a dedicated host who manages every detail of your stay, from meditation sessions and outdoor dining experiences to thrilling treks and cultural events featuring Tibetan dance and music. Families will appreciate the various indoor and outdoor amenities, perfect for keeping the little ones entertained, while the infinity pool serves as an ideal spot to unwind and soak in postcard-perfect moments.
For more information, visit: Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.