Our team has surveyed from Northern Thailand to Sumba Island to Kuala Lumpur and beyond to find the ultimate luxury resorts in Asia.
Sadly, there can only be 10 winners that offer more than just private pools, tropical gardens, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Whether you’re in the mood for luxury villas with their own private beach and infinity pool or want authentic Thai cuisine, a world-class spa, and access to a bustling city, we’ve got what you need.
These are the best luxury resorts on the continent today, and this is a continent with more than its fair share of luxurious resorts.
The Best Luxury Resorts In Asia
Mandapa: A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Bali’s Best
Bali is the crowning jewel of Indonesia’s tourism industry, and while nearby islands offer a very pleasant experience, this part of Indonesia, located between Lombok and Java, is a source of incredible natural beauty, a unique culture and truly contemporary elegance.
And Mandapa is the very best that this stunning location has to offer, with panoramic views of the lush rainforest while you enjoy sunset cocktails at their ultra-refined bar.
There’s nowhere else in the Indonesian archipelago that offers as many authentic local experiences, either. If you want to go beyond the yoga classes, cooking classes and awesome dining options at Mandapa, you can get out to an old village, take part in a ceremony at a local temple and see Bali in a way that very few will ever connect with.
It may be a long way from the white sand beaches of Nusa Dua, but Mandapa is a once-in-a-lifetime getaway, and it’s our favourite tropical retreat of them all. Staying in the private pool villas here is simply a cut above everything else.
Honourable Mentions In Bali: Four Seasons Resort Bali, Buahan: A Banyan Tree Escape, Capella Ubud (Luxury Tented Accommodations)
Note: The team from Best Resorts Bali helped us to compile this list. Check out their amazingly comprehensive reviews of the major properties on the island.
The Happy House: Authenticity In Nepal
If you’ve always wanted to climb Mount Everest, then this hotel, which sits in a valley to the east, nestled in a part of the Himalayas that few will ever visit, is a great starting point.
And you’ll be in good company, because Sir Edmund Hilary stayed at this hotel on a fairly regular basis. He loved that it had a truly spiritual connection with the monks from the nearby monastery, and so did we when we visited.
Every touch in the decor is authentic and handmade, and there’s no doubt that while some luxuries may be hard to come by in this remote part of the world, they’ve done exceedingly well to ensure that everything you could really need is on hand when you need it.
However, it’s the cooking that most people come for. Mingma Sherpa, the head chef, is in a league of his own. Almost everything he prepares is grown or foraged locally, and it’s done with love and the kind of skill that you cannot find anywhere else.
Honourable Mentions in Nepal: Shinta Mani Mustang, The Pavillions Himalayas, The Farm
Samode Palace: Epic Grandeur In India
It’s not the Taj Mahal, but this is the perfect escape once you’ve seen the big sights in India. It sits on the cobbled streets of a peaceful village and carries the essence of the Rajputana Royal Family in every room.
In fact, this place was once a fort guarding the local area, but over time it expanded into a palace, and the royal family is still present and running Samode as a place for the truly discerning visitor.
There’s no award-winning spa here, but the wine cellar is a genuine treat that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet.
Their two restaurants are also among the finest on the subcontinent, and the lamb curry is the stuff of legends.
Honourable Mentions In India: Rambagh Palace Jaipur, The Oberoi Cecil, The Leela Palace Chennai
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto: Japan’s Finest Moment
Kyoto might not offer the wild shores of an Indonesian island, but this classic Japanese town is a wonder of local culture and beauty.
The Ritz-Carlton sits on the banks of the Kamogawa River and leaves you with plenty of room to walk to the Gion and Pontocho districts beloved by visitors.
The rooms are appointed with some of the highest-tech features in hotels anywhere in the world, and the deep soaking tubs are a major highlight of staying here.
One thing we really liked about being here was the complimentary cultural experiences, designed to immerse you in the heritage of Japan.
Honourable Mentions In Japan: Aman Tokyo, Kishi Ke Kamakura, Nipponioa Mino Gitu
Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho: Wonder In Vietnam
In a corner of Dak Lak province, you will find this incredible hotel which sees families and guests return year after year to appreciate the beauty of one of Southeast Asia’s unsung stars, Vietnam.
The freestanding villas here are all designed around local tribal heritage, and they’re truly stunning to look at, and to help you enjoy the vibrant culture of this corner of the country.
The four on-site restaurants are fabulous, and if the Michelin Guide ever visits, we can imagine there are some stars to be forthcoming.
You can even enjoy water sports on the fabulous beach after a morning of tennis and spa treatments.
Honourable Mentions In Vietnam: InterContinental Danang, Antara Quy Nhon, Amanoi Vinh Hy
Song Saa Private Island: Cambodia Takes Things To The Next Level
Song Saa is so removed from Cambodia proper that it can feel like being in another world, entirely. It sits off the coast of Sihanoukville (the industrial border town) and is famous for its jetty-side welcomes from the staff when you arrive by boat.
It’s linked to some of the most honourable conservation exercises in the country, and the overwater bungalows and villas here are simply incredible.
The food and drink are incredible; the hotel has tapped into a local farm to ensure they make their own cheese too!
If you want to get away from everyone and everything, Song Saa is an unbeatable spot in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Honourable Mentions In Cambodia: Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, Six Senses Krabey Island, Rosewood Phnom Penh
Chiva-Som Hua Hin: Well-Being In Thailand’s Most Soulful Escape
There are spas in Asia, and then there’s Chiva Som, the place that many consider the spiritual home of the spa scene.
This resort is all about wellness and ensuring both the physical and mental wellbeing of its guests.
If you want an on-site team of naturopaths, fitness instructors, therapists, and more, this is the place to be.
We also love the Ed Tuttle minimalist design that they implemented in the last makeover of this place; it’s so fitting for a truly transformative break.
Honourable Mentions In Thailand: Six Senses Yao Noi Phang Nga Bay, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Chiang Rai, Langkhai Garden Koh Tao, Four Seasons Keemala Phuket
Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort: A Surprise In The Philippines
This Thai luxury brand name hotel has truly excelled in its foray into Cebu, and we love the blend of Filipino and Thai hospitality at this resort.
The lobby is one of the most incredible settings that we’ve ever witnessed inside a hotel, a good reason to stay here in its own right.
The rooms are absolutely perfect for balcony sunset watching, and we’d love to go back for another afternoon in the Namm Spa here.
Honourable Mentions In The Philippines: Amanpulo Pamalican Island, Pangulasian El Nido, Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao
The Nautilus Maldives: The Jewel In The Archipelago
The 26 luxury villas that make up The Nautilus have to be seen from above to be truly appreciated, so don’t forget your drone when you visit.
The beachside luxury here goes on forever, and every place comes appointed with a personal butler, pool and stunning living quarters.
When you’re ready for champagne breakfasts in bed with someone truly special, this place is waiting for you.
Honourable Mentions In The Maldives: The St. Regis Maldives, Six Senses Kanuhara, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
Island Shangri-La Hong Kong: Representing China
They’ve just completely revamped this hotel, and it’s just perfect now; the family floor has a train chugging through the corridor, and no, we’re not joking.
The almost colonial-style service hasn’t changed, though, and there’s no doubt that we love spending time here because of how special they make us feel.
We’d also strongly suggest visiting their Ming Pavilion for some of the finest Hokkien food that you’re ever likely to taste.
Honourable Mentions In Hong Kong: Rosewood Hong Kong, Peninsula Hong Kong, Regent Hong Kong
Final Thoughts On The Best Luxury Hotels Asia
Whether you want to relax in your own private plunge pool after a day of barefoot luxury before heading to a beach club by the Indian Ocean or spend your time enjoying a private villa among lush tropical greenery on a private estate in stunning surroundings, Asia’s got you covered.
These hotels offer more than private terraces and a great spa treatment; they’re about providing a secluded sanctuary that offers authentic dining venues, the ultimate relaxation and transformational experiences.
If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Asia this year, choose one of these 10 places, and you will find it’s the perfect destination for you.
Last Updated on September 21, 2026
