Must-see hotels in Asia

  • Zhiwa Ling

    Western Bhutan

    This impressive complex, 8km from Paro, boasts an imposing central lodge and lobby, surrounded by a collection of stone towers. Antiques, plush sofas and…

  • Huba-Huba

    The Southern Islands

    Perched on secluded Sunset Beach and flanked by the jungle, this small collection of thatched-roof bungalows and glistening hardwood common spaces looks…

  • Duli Beach Resort

    El Nido

    Duli features six thoughtfully conceived bungalows mixing European (the owners are Dutch) and local styles on a jaw-dropping beach about 45 minutes north…

  • Our Melting Pot

    Around Manila

    Makati's original backpacker relocated to a larger space in 2016 and added more beds, a fully equipped kitchen and a guests-only roof deck, while…

  • Thad's Boutique Hostel

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Looking more like a cool dance club with its graphic artwork, neon lighting and cage walls, this self-proclaimed 'sociatel' is all about everything social…

  • Bukit Raya Guesthouse

    Kalimantan

    A gorgeous palm- and tree-filled garden, spotless timber cabins with lofts and a rough-hewn treehouse make this one of Kalimantan's most inviting and…

  • Hyatt Regency Kyoto

    Southern Higashiyama

    Arguably one of Kyoto's best hotels, the Hyatt Regency sits at the southern end of the Southern Higashiyama sightseeing district. Elegant and contemporary…

  • Denwa Backwater Escape

    Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh

    Rolling across 10 acres of green, forested riverside land, this sublime wildlife lodge is easily the best place to stay in the Madhai area. The eight…

  • Rainforest Retreat

    Kodagu (Coorg) Region

    A great place to socialise with eco-minded Indians, this nature-soaked refuge is immersed within forest and plantations, and has an organic, sustainable…

  • Hotel Deyzor

    Spiti

    This inspiring place offers not just comfortable, atmospheric accommodation, solar-power back-up and great food, but also spiritual nourishment and lots…

  • Fusion Suites Saigon

    Ho Chi Minh City

    In a relatively quiet street lined with tall, decades-old trees, Fusion Suites Saigon offers spacious rooms decked out in warm natural wood and enlivened…

  • La Pari-Pari

    Pulau Langkawi

    Tucked away in a calm garden on the landward side of the main Pantai Tengah road, La Pari-Pari has an easy, tropical vibe, a great restaurant, and a small…

  • Puri Lumbung Cottages

    Central Mountains

    This lovely hotel has 46 bright two-storey thatched cottages and rooms set among rice fields. Enjoy intoxicating views (units 32 to 35 have the best) from…

  • Outside Inn

    Ubon Ratchathani

    A nice little garden lounge area sets the relaxed, communal vibe here. The rooms are large, comfy and fitted with tastefully designed reclaimed-timber…

  • W Singapore – Sentosa Cove

    Sentosa Island

    At one of Singapore's hottest slumber spots, rooms are playful, whimsical and spacious, with a choice of mood lighting, botanical motifs and good-size…

  • Jakar Village Lodge

    Bhutan

    This hotel, situated down a quiet village lane below the dzong, is run by a former dzongdag (district administrator) who will regale you with stories as…

  • Jim's Farm Villas

    The Ancient Cities

    In the misty, verdant hills north of Matale, at an elevation of 450m, this working organic farm (harvesting coconuts, mangoes, bananas and papaya) is…

  • Surin Phuket

    Phuket

    Almost any establishment fronting a beach this stunning and secluded would be a top pick. But 'cottages' and suites here, hidden beneath hillside foliage…

  • Little Tai Hang

    Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island

    The hip and characterful Tai Hang hood now has a worthy hotel in Little Tai Hang: 91 charmingly turned out guestrooms with Scandi furnishings and lovely…

  • Bangala

    Tamil Nadu

    Chettinadu's original heritage hotel, this lovingly revamped, efficiently managed whitewashed ‘bungalow’ isn't a typical mansion but has all the requisite…

  • Aditya Resort

    Hikkaduwa & Around

    This sublime place is crammed with Buddhist statues, tropical flowers and masses of high-quality antiques. The huge rooms have carved wooden headboards…

  • Capella Singapore

    Sentosa Island

    Capella is one of Singapore's A-list slumber numbers, a seductive melange of colonial and contemporary architecture, an elegant spa, restaurants, a bar…

  • Gem Island Resort & Spa

    Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast

    Located on Pulau Gemia, 800m north of Pulau Kapas, this resort offers breezy bungalows set right over the edge of a reef – watch schools of fish and black…

  • Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

    Hanoi

    Hanoi's finest hotel is a slice of colonial history, with its restored French-colonial facade, mahogany-panelled reception rooms and haute cuisine. Rooms…

  • Palo Alto Bed & Breakfast

    Puerto Princesa

    Surrounded by tall trees in a rambling complex 3km north of the airport, Palo Alto is a refuge from the city's traffic and noise. The 19 rooms are set…

  • Shangri-Lanka Villa

    Bentota, Aluthgama & Induruwa

    The peaceful, rural setting of this intimate and beautiful British–Sri Lankan guesthouse, a kilometre inland from the main road and beach, means at night…

  • Miyamaso Takamiya

    Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)

    Takamiya is an atmospheric, upmarket ryokan that has been in business for nearly three centuries. There are several beautiful indoor and outdoor baths,…

  • Sukoon Houseboat

    Srinagar

    Taking houseboat luxury to a new level, Sukoon is impressive for its levels of service, excellent food, secluded location and fabulous rooftop terrace…

  • Terres Rouges Lodge

    Eastern Cambodia

    Even as the competition kicks in, Terres Rouges remains one of the most atmospheric places to stay in provincial Cambodia. The standard rooms are small…

  • Hotel Anteroom

    Kyoto Station & South Kyoto

    If you're looking for traditional Japanese decor, Anteroom is not for you. This art-and-design hotel is as contemporary as it gets from its bright lobby…

  • Villa Doc May

    Dalat

    More a homestay than a guesthouse, with just four individually decorated rooms, all comfortable, as well as pleasant communal areas and an upstairs Middle…

  • Guesthouse Nara Backpackers

    Nara

    An utterly charming stay in a traditional 1920s building, which was once a tea master's home. Choose from bunk-bed dorms or five different-size private…

  • Mutiara Beach Guesthouse

    Pulau Bintan

    At this Swiss-run hideaway, gorgeous thatched bungalows with spacious verandahs sit amid unruly vegetation right by a pristine beach; its shallow waters…

  • Haveli Hari Ganga

    Haridwar

    Hidden away in Bara Bazaar, but right on the Ganges, this superb 1918 haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) is Haridwar’s finest hotel…

  • Hanare

    Ueno & Yanesen

    A project of Tokyo University of the Arts, Hanare offers five immaculate tatami rooms in an old dormitory house, which has been tastefully upgraded to…

  • Funky Place

    Lovina

    From the unicycle bar stools to the affordable tree house to the free foot massage, and with lots of reclaimed wood, clever signage and weird antiques…

  • Manulalu

    Flores

    Split into two nearby properties, Manulalu Hills and Manulalu Jungle are about 20km from Bajawa and 3km from Bena along a scenic, winding road. Hills has…

  • Darmada Eco Resort

    East Bali

    Rooms at this well-priced resort set in a lush river valley are simple affairs, but this isn't a problem as most guests spend their time in the lovely…

  • Riviera Resort

    Batticaloa

    Perched at the water’s edge with serene views of Kallady Bridge and the lagoon, the Riviera is a peaceful, relaxing place to stay. The accommodation has…

  • Le Passage Mohkan Shan

    Zhejiang

    Le Passage evokes the glamorous cosmopolitan history of Moganshan perhaps better than the actual historic villas do. Ensconced within an organic tea…