Siargao
The five villas of this French–owned resort could make the centrefold of any contemporary design magazine. Massive and whimsical bathrooms are the…
Must-see hotels in Southeast Asia
East Bali
Sidemen's original boutique choice, the Samanvaya commands sweeping views over rice fields to the ocean and has a textbook 'Bali chic' decor. Every room…
Pulau Perhentian
Located at the northern end of the bay, this top-end option offers 36 rooms in a modern, three-storey setting overlooking Long Beach. All rooms face the…
Ngapali Beach
How's this for decadent: 42 free-standing bungalow suites with vaulted circular ceilings interspersed through a jungly, isolated-feeling compound, and…
Hua Hin & the Upper Gulf
Turning the humble Thai rice village into a luxury living experience is what La a natu does and it does it with panache. The blissfully remote thatched…
Central Java
This delightful guesthouse, at the top of the tiny village of Kalikuning, has three chalets with bamboo fixtures and fittings within the family acreage…
Ninh Binh
This excellent, very friendly and tidy hotel has six spotless en-suite rooms, buffet breakfasts and free use of bicycles. It's owned and operated by local…
Candidasa
A dramatic walk across a lotus pond sets the atmospheric tone at this classy and tranquil resort. The 18 well-spaced units are arranged around a gorgeous…
Kuala Terengganu
Located in the heart of Chinatown this three-storey guesthouse has spotless rooms and a friendly welcome. The cheapest rooms have no windows, but all…
Mai Chau
It's hard to beat this collection of thatched bamboo bungalows, backing onto karst cliffs, with balconies overlooking the paddy fields, 2km west of Mai…
Hotel des Artists Ping Silhouette
Chiang Mai
An elegant, minimalist boutique hotel channeling the Chinese and European roots of its neighbourhood with chinoiserie details throughout, including two…
Nong Khiaw
Bungalows here are romantically finished with ambient lighting, wooden floors, woven bedspreads and mosquito nets. Each includes an attractive bathroom…
Chanthaburi
Community-owned and named after a local philanthropist, this expertly restored historic museum-hotel has wonderfully characterful elegant rooms in the…
Myanmar (Burma)
About 2½ miles north of Chaung Tha is this superb new resort, opened in 2018, next to the best strip of sand in these parts. Rooms (the cheapest ones have…
East Bali
A huge swimming pool fringed with palms is the centrepiece of this family-friendly resort on the coast. The 55 good-sized rooms have a simple but stylish…
Mui Ne
More village than hostel, this huge, modern backpacking palace is very well designed around an inviting swimming pool. Thanks to the bar-restaurant, pool…
Sihanoukville
Surrounded by developments at the far-south end of Ochheuteal Beach, this German-run boutique-quality resort has thick mattresses, dreamy shaded balconies…
Northwestern Cambodia
This French-owned place brings the boutique to Kompong Thom. Spacious, bungalow-style rooms with four-poster beds and chic bathrooms are set amid a…
Lampang
Not a resort at all, but rather an exceptionally well-run, boutique-style guesthouse. The 14 rooms feel bright, big and airy, and all have balconies…
East Bali
In need of rejuvenation? If so, the packages at this tranquil 31-room oceanfront resort northeast of Tembok will appeal. These include comfortable…
Hpa-an
Formerly known as the Hpa-an Lodge, the Keinnara's 19 bungalow-style rooms, including one vast yurt-like luxury tent, are wrapped around an attractive,…
Banglamphu
A modern and luxurious hotel in the Samsen area, Nouvo prides itself as a halal-certified establishment oriented towards Muslim travellers. Rooms aren't…
Yogyakarta
A beautiful Moroccan-style hotel, a short stroll from Jl Malioboro, complete with hand-carved wooden doorways and a delightful Moorish courtyard bristling…
Nong Khai
Nong Khai's budget classic has a riverfront garden so relaxing it's intoxicating, and most nights it's packed with travellers. Mut Mee caters to many…
Gunung Leuser National Park
This well-priced guesthouse has a beautiful riverside location and charming, colourful wooden bungalows equipped with Western toilets. The cheapest rooms…
Chiang Mai
True to its name, Banthai does indeed resemble a country village transported to the modern city. The hotel sprawls over a series of wooden buildings with…
An Bang Beach
Accommodating up to six, Chi Villa is An Bang's standout luxury accommodation. Stylish Asian-chic decor fills the very spacious property, there's a full…
Chau Doc
Chau Doc's most luxurious option, the Victoria delivers classic colonial charm, overseen by staff clad in ao dai (Vietnam's national dress). With a…
Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar
Having established its brand in Bali, Alila (which means 'supreme' in Bahasa Indonesia) has opened one of KL's most appealing new hotels. The pared-back…
Can Tho
Designed with a French-colonial accent, the breezy rooms at this stylish, sophisticated hotel are set amid lush greenery around a pair of inviting…
Inle Lake Region
Consistently the highest-ranked hotel in the Inle Lake area, the setting here is perhaps the nicest of any hotel on the lake. The stylish wooden cottages…
Chinatown
Rustic, retro, charming: the six rooms in this teak house lay claim to more than their share of personality. Occupying a prestigious location stilted over…
Banglamphu
Despite the name, this attractive midranger has its feet firmly on land, and as such represents brilliant value. The wood-panelled rooms are attractive,…
Ubud
It calls itself a resort, but this place has a boutique feel. The Monkey Forest Rd location may seem strange, but the hotel is hidden in lush gardens…
Ko Pha-Ngan
One of the most spectacular settings of any backpacker hostel, the ridiculously good-value spacious dorms, restaurant and bar here at Infinity horseshoe…
Ngapali Beach
This complex of two-storey cabanas and rooms (request room 701 or 702 for brilliant beach views), set back from the beach in lush, palm-shaded gardens, is…
East Bali
Located at Melasti Beach, west of Amed village, this stylish, good-value B&B is operated by American expat Missy, who is a genial and welcoming host…
East Bali
Attached to the freediving school of the same name, this hostel has two thatched bungalows in a large compound. Each has four bunk beds downstairs, two…
Bicol
Fronting a private strip of beach around the corner from Gota Beach, this cluster of seven luxurious thatched-roof cottages is the standout resort in this…
Southeast Coast
This stunning, artistically designed place feels more like an in-the-know retreat than a mere hotel. Elegant bungalows and rooms are lovingly decorated…
