Kanchanaburi
This Thai/Dutch-run spot has an exclusive feel. Set in a semiwild garden, all 12 cottages are sumptuously decorated with Thai sculpture and fabrics and…
Must-see hotels in Southeast Asia
West Bali
Designed by the French architect-owner, this 11-unit boutique hotel is close to the ocean. The private, walled bungalows march out to a dramatic outcrop…
Camiguin
Meticulously manicured oasis of style and sophistication, created by a Filipino-British couple whose finely calibrated taste is evident in every feature,…
El Nido
A small hidden paradise at the very end of Caalan Beach, Garden Bay takes some work to get to, but that's part of its appeal. The seven pleasingly rustic…
Jalan Jaksa Area
Hip but not overbearing, minimalist and modern but comfortable. The rooms aren't huge but they are very clean and tastefully designed with built-in desks,…
Eastern Cambodia
'Mr T's' place is one of the best places to stay in Cambodia's 'Wild East', with oodles of atmosphere. Rough-hewn walkways lead to huge bungalows…
Chiang Mai
Set within the historic Wat Ket district, Baan Orapin has been a family affair since the owner's relatives first occupied the stately teak house and…
Udon Thani
The 'home' part of the name is literally true as your hosts live on the ground floor of this fantastic four-room guesthouse. Rooms are modern and cosy and…
Phnom Penh
This colourful and vibrant hostel is justifiably popular. The spacious dorms have air-con and sleep six to 22; the smaller ones have double-width bunk…
East Bali
Associated with the Sea Communities social enterprise (www.seacommunities.com), Gede and Made's oceanside guesthouse has simple garden bungalows and four…
Phang-Nga Province
This elegant five-star property, with 56 hillside pool villas and an exquisite spa built into an existing rubber plantation, exceeds every expectation…
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Effortlessly raising the bar for accommodation around Phong Nha, Victory Road Villas combines a riverside location with stunning Asian-chic decor, hip and…
Kampot
This gorgeously conceived riverfront pad is all about tranquillity, with the best of its palm-thatch bungalows and colourful wooden cottages (with balcony…
Pai
This stylish and popular resort intertwines Pacific Island and African themes. Accommodation takes the form of 10 free-standing, private-feeling luxury…
Inle Lake Region
The Sanctum marries a cool, modernist feel with a stylish upgrade of a building that was once a convent. The monastic theme runs throughout, with the…
Around Manila
Alongside its lovely restaurant, Sonya's runs an exquisite B&B set among a beautiful flower garden. In grand cottages, rooms are expansive and rustic with…
Ko Samui
Laid-back Us Hostel is a superb backpacker option. A large swimming pool sits surrounded by a series of converted shipping containers that have been…
Kratie
A boutique lodge on the northern tip of Koh Trong island with a swimming pool and large dark-wood bungalows finished in inspired French-Khmer style. Each…
Sumatra
Leafy gardens, fan-cooled bungalows with private outdoorsy bathrooms, the best surfer-lodge food and friendly underfoot dogs are the defining features of…
Chiang Khong
Located 22km from Chiang Khong on Rte 4007, this ecofriendly resort brings together 14 wooden bungalows in a breathtaking plot of land adjacent to the…
Borobudur
For a memorable stay, complete with world-heritage views, go for these stilted luxury cottages with transcendent outlooks over Borobudur Temple. Each of…
West Java
Topped with domed, thatched roofs, the seven imaginatively designed rooms at this well-run mini resort are scattered through leafy grounds. Each room has…
Ngapali Beach
More intimate than others, Yoma, just north of Lin Tha Village, is an excellent-value boutique place with handsome Burmese-influenced, thatched-roof…
Cameron Highlands
Old-school hostel friendliness meets modern amenities at Father's, where staff go the extra mile to help guests get the best out of the Cameron Highlands…
Puerto Princesa
This towering wood-and-bamboo structure has sweeping bay views from the top-floor restaurant (breakfast only). Swathed in rattan, with wood floors, rooms…
Vinh Long
With a magnificent sense of seclusion, this four-star resort has lovely thatched bungalows and stunning views across the vast river. Angle for fish from…
Solo
This beautiful historical hotel, occupying an old batik workshop, has been stylishly renovated with 14 rooms featuring wood panelling and art deco windows…
Southeast Luzon
In Tacdogan, about 8km north of San Jacinto, nine plush cabanas front a perfect and secluded cove, while four fan-only budget rooms huddle off the beach…
Banda Islands
For comfort, service and value, Cilu Bintang remains head and shoulders above any other accommodation in the Banda Islands – an immaculate Dutch-colonial…
Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas
This chic pit stop for flashpackers offers a Zen decor featuring polished concrete and has a particularly attractive central courtyard. Mixed and female…
Bohol
From humble beginnings, this place has evolved into a legitimate river resort, with a dozen classy stand-alone and split-level cottages, well-manicured…
Con Dao Islands
Terrific new hotel built in French-colonial style located in the north of the island next to lovely Vong beach. Swanky suites feature four-poster beds,…
Coron Town
This hidden beach resort on luscious Maricaban Bay (northeast Busuanga) represents excellent value at the upper midrange. It's on the mainland, but access…
Melaka City
There's a fun flashpacker vibe at this great budget choice. The cheapest rooms are in mock 'caravans' on the ground floor, each given a famous star's name…
Sepilok
Beside an ornamental pond, this beautiful wood-accented hotel is a study in comfort, with mature trees shading its two-tiered central lodge, and carriage…
The Cangkringan Jogja Villas & Spa
Central Java
This contemporary spa and villa complex is graced by an elegant joglo lobby, beautifully landscaped garden and 19 sumptuous villas with marble-inlaid…
Timor-Leste
An eerie history as a torture centre during the Indonesian occupation doesn't stop this large, salmon-pink building from being one of Timor-Leste's most…
Hua Hin
Centred on a beautiful teak house built in the early 20th century, Baan Bayan is perfect for travellers seeking a luxury experience without big resort…
Mentawai Islands
Ten bungalows in a garden setting occupy a private beach here within easy reach of the breaks Telescopes and Iceland, and there’s a beginner’s surf break…
Mui Ne
Eco-retreat built high on a hilltop above central Mui Ne with a stunning natural pool, al-fresco restobar and gorgeous accommodation crafted from shipping…
