Must-see hotels in Asia

  • Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa

    Kodagu (Coorg) Region

    Nestling in misty rainforest, this supremely stylish hotel incorporates principles of space and minimalism, and effectively blends into its environment…

  • Swiss Guest House

    Bhutan

    It doesn't get more bucolic than this wooden farmhouse surrounded by apple and pear orchards on a hill overlooking the valley. In 1983 this was the first…

  • So Lohas

    Matsu

    Perched just above Qiaozi village, this super-hospitable family hotel has four floors of luxurious modern rooms, all large with great beds, little…

  • Heritance Tea Factory

    Nuwara Eliya

    High in mist-wrapped hills 13km northeast of Nuwara Eliya, this unique place has been built into and around a century-old tea factory. Blurring the line…

  • Greenhost

    Yogyakarta

    This raw, natural-wood and polished-concrete structure hung with vines is a terrific boutique hotel. The lobby is the ground floor of a dramatic atrium,…

  • Wangdue Ecolodge

    Western Bhutan

    Sustainable initiatives lie at the heart of this stylish rural retreat of four cottages, from the biogas used for cooking dinner to the organic food in…

  • Koh Jum Beach Villas

    Krabi Province

    The poshest digs on Ko Jum, these huge, elegant wooden homes with living rooms, kitchens and sea views sprawl back among frangipani- and bougainvillea…

  • Ivorll International Youth Hostel

    Wuhan

    The only real hostel in Wuhan, Ivorll is a stylish choice, with a pleasing blue-and-white colour scheme and thoughtful design touches throughout. There…

  • Hotel Swiss

    Srinagar

    One of India's friendliest family guesthouses, the Swiss isn't showy but offers high-quality, spacious en suite hotel rooms decorated with plush carpets…

  • Shangri-La Jakarta

    South Jakarta

    This enormous posh hotel with a grand marbled-floor lobby and lavish grounds manages to feel like a park in the middle of Jakarta. There is a range of…

  • Dewachen Hotel

    Phobjikha Valley

    This impressive stone-and-wood building is a top choice for most travellers. The rooms are large and stylish (corner rooms are best), and the good…

  • Sapo Belen Lodge

    Aceh

    An unexpected find in the gritty port town of Singkil is this attractive traditional house featuring a polished-wood interior, antiques and plenty of…

  • Anantara Phuket Layan

    Phuket

    On its own secluded, wild-feeling bay just north of Hat Bang Thao, this is an exquisite top-end choice. Chic, contemporary-Thai rooms come decked out with…

  • Padi Ecolodge

    West Sumatra

    Sitting among verdant rice paddies and a flowering tropical garden is this stunning lodge that incorporates a spectacular traditional Minangkabau design…

  • Forest Hideaway

    Bardia National Park

    Run by the super-dedicated Mohan Aryal, this resort combines a charming atmosphere with deep local knowledge. The peaceful grounds contain spacious, spic…

  • Sunderban Resort & Spa

    Pune

    Set around a manicured lawn right next to the Osho resort, this renovated Art Deco bungalow effortlessly combines colonial-era class with boutique appeal…

  • Cho Ga Jib

    Jeonju

    Hard to find, but worth the effort, this utterly charming hanok (traditional wooden home) guesthouse is surrounded by a delightful garden. Cosy rooms have…

  • Siolim House

    North Goa

    Comprising the seven-suite Siolim House hotel and the three-bedroom Little Siolim, Siolim House is one of North Goa’s boutique treats. Situated in an old…

  • Element Boutique Hotel

    Manila

    This functional and fashionable new French–run hotel adds another splash of originality to Makati's up-and-coming Poblacion area. The 14 rooms come in a…

  • Fan Dee

    Luang Prabang

    Like a luxury ecoresort for the budget crowd, this jungly oasis of thatch-roofed bungalows has an array of on-site activities, from cooking classes to…

  • Six Senses Duxton

    Chinatown & the CBD

    Making a dramatic departure from Six Senses’ usual beachside locations, Six Senses Duxton is the brand’s first foray into inner city jungle. Acclaimed…

  • Blue Bird Hotel

    Bagan

    An absolute charmer, the Blue Bird is one of the most appealing places to stay in Bagan. Rooms are spacious and airy, featuring contemporary handicrafts…

  • Deskit Villa

    Leh

    Hidden behind a family garden guesthouse that's delightful in itself, this 'secret' eight-room boutique hotel is one of the best choices in Leh, with…

  • Himalayan Front Resort

    Sarangkot

    On the road to Sarangkot, the Himalayan Front is a sister resort to the group's Water Front Resort on Phewa Tal. The spacious deluxe rooms are very…

  • Ulagalla

    Anuradhapura

    Exclusive and stylish, the 20 villas in this remote rural retreat, 40km from Anuradhapura, are top of the line, with private plunge pools and relaxing…

  • Saikan

    Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)

    Elegantly perched atop Haguro-san, and accessed by an imposing gate, Saikan is a destination for reflective, quiet travel. The main building is sparingly…

  • Puripai Villa

    Pai

    This architecturally striking hotel feels like it should be in a city, rather than on a hillside overlooking the Pai Valley. Rooms are design-conscious,…

  • Manoir Des Arts Hotel

    Haiphong

    The Manoir serves up just the right amount of classy, colonial French vibe, with brilliant white columns, black-and-white tiled floors and lush green…

  • Borneo Rainforest Lodge

    Sabah

    Set beside the Danum River, Borneo Rainforest Lodge is for Indiana Jones types with healthy wallets – adventure combined with luxury, if you will. If you…

  • Wabizakura

    Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)

    Deep within the forest, surrounded by trees, this stunning ryokan is housed in a 200-year-old building that was carefully relocated from Iwate Prefecture…

  • Kazy International Youth Hostel

    Harbin

    Kazy is the best hostel for miles, and is rightfully popular year-round. English-speaking staff front a cosy reception-bar and can help with excursions in…

  • Mov Hotel

    Kuala Lumpur

    A contemporary sculpture of a white tiger prowling the lobby and a slide into its restaurant are just a couple of the fun, creative touches at this…

  • Mr Charles Guest House

    Hsipaw

    Still the most efficient, comfortable and traveller-friendly guesthouse in town, the large, Shan-owned Mr Charles operation encompasses everything from…

  • Talalla Retreat

    The South

    One of the island's foremost retreats, many guests at this healthy sanctuary are on yoga, wellness or surf-instruction packages. The location is…

  • Longchen Homestay

    Nagaland

    Just a 10-minute autorickshaw ride (₹200) from Dimapur's airport, Longchen is a great spot to relax, with charmingly welcoming hosts. Four spacious,…

  • Key Hole Surf Camp

    Sumatra

    Run by local surfer Timmy and his friendly family, the old favourite Key Hole Surf Camp is right in the thick of things. It has eight comfortable, air…

  • Sunset Colors

    Port Barton

    It's on the mainland but feels like a fantasy private island. It consists of several homey cottages and rooms, all swathed in rattan, and one larger,…

  • Linden Centre

    Yunnan

    This traditional Bai stone-and-wood courtyard home has been turned into a very smart boutique hotel with 16 rooms, all of which are set around a courtyard…

  • Wonderloft Hostel

    Jakarta

    Well located for the sights and sounds around colonial Kota, this is a lively hostel with cheerful staff and a social set-up. In the evenings the lobby is…

  • Dap Hostel

    Turpan

    Set in an atmospheric and traditional-style Uyghur house whose courtyard boasts carpet-covered beds for socialising on, a small garden and a plenty of…