HONG KONG
The Fleming
41 Fleming Rd., Wan Chai, +852-3607-2288, www.thefleming.com.hk
Location: In the heart of Wan Chai, walking distance to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Décor: “Urban chic” describes the stylish décor perfectly. The hotel takes pride in their minimalist concept with straight lines and neutral tones.
Amenities and facilities: Twenty-four hour concierge service, goose-down duvets and luxury linens, and access to California Fitness Center, plus a business center.
The good: The Fleming has a women’s only floor. Rooms on this floor will come complete with amenities especially for ladies like a facial steamer and a beauty kit.
The bad: Small rooms won’t allow for partying and dancing.
Rates: S$300-625. There is a New Year package with these rates that includes welcome cocktail, shoe shining service and 10-40 percent discount for hotel services. Valid through Jan 31.
Room size: 225-385 sq. ft.
The Luxe Manor
39 Kimberly Rd. Tsim Sha Tsui, +852-3763-8888, www.theluxemanor.com
Location: The Luxe Manor opened on Dec 28 and is right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.
Décor: Inspired by the artist Salvador Dali, this hotel gives off a Surrealistic feel with its mix of Oriental, Post-Modern and European décor.
Amenities and facilities: Marble bathrooms with a rain shower feature, non-smoking rooms, WiFi, gym, foreign exchange, childcare and large dripping clocks (kidding).
The good: Brand new and unique, it’s definitely a place to visit just to see how they built a place inspired by Salvador Dali.
The bad: Because of all the buzz, the price tag might be a little much.
Rates: S$400-625; prices for themed suites opening in the spring have yet to be determined.
Room size: 240-330 sq. ft., with themed suites planned at 500-760 sq. ft.
BANGKOK
Reflections Rooms
81 Soi Ari, Phaholyothin 7 Rd., Samsennai, Phayathai, +66-2-270-3344, www.reflections-thai.com
Location: In a commercial district of Bangkok that’s becoming hip, with chic stores like Playground! situated here.
Décor: Reflections is known as Bangkok’s “art” hotel, with each of the 30 rooms done up by a different designer. Choose from Hippy (room 307), Post Industrial (Room 402) or Art Deco (Room 201). The hotel’s website shows the look of every room, so check it out before you make your reservation.
Amenities and facilities: A lovely outdoor pool, funky Andy Warhol-esque bar, Thai-Japanese restaurant.
The good: Often used in film and photo shoots so you might spot someone famous.
The bad: Colors make your head spin.
Rates: S$120-160
Room size: 250-390 sq. ft.
BALI
Uma, Ubud
Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Banjar Lungsiakan, Kedewatan Ubud, +62-361-97248, www.uma.como.bz
Location: Amazing. It’s set in rice fields dotted with coconut palms, overlooks a valley, and has a river running right below it.
Décor: Featuring Koichiro Ikebuchi’s pared down designs, plenty of light flows in the interior and good views are to be had all round.
Amenities and facilities: With the wonderful Como Shambala spa here, you don’t really need other facilities. But in case you just cannot have another massage (if that’s possible), there is wireless Internet access, a library and a bar and restaurant.
The good: The spa, the spa, the spa.
The bad: You can’t stay here forever.
Rates: S$370-650
Room size: 480-570 sq. ft.; plus suites that have their own pools and treatment rooms.
BEIJING
The Commune by the Great Wall
The Great Wall Exit No. 16 at Shuiguan Badaling Highway, +86-10-6567-3333 ext. 323/8, www.commune.com.cn
Location: Overlooking some stone wall.
Décor: The 11 villas here were designed by Asia’s best architects, with each villa done up in its own avant-garde style. For instance, in the steel and glass Suitcase House, you’ll find hidden in the floor cabinets, trunks, bathrooms—even the kitchen sink (literally).
Amenities and facilities: Personal butler, swimming pool, cinema, library done up in peacock feathers (we kid you not).
The good: We don’t normally write about kids’ stuff, but this is worth our mention. The Kids’ Club here has everything: Kid-size furniture, cooking classes, a bookshop/library, hikes to the Great Wall, star-gazing sessions, movies and arts and crafts!
The bad: Can get inundated with wedding couples in the summer.
Rates: Not cheap. S$1,500-2,200.
Room size: Villas have four to six bedrooms.
NEW DELHI
The Manor
77 New Friends Colony (West), New Delhi, +91-11-2692-5151
Location: Once a country hotel on the outskirts of Delhi, the hotel is now part of a student area of the city with a great market, lots of cafes and shops.
Décor: Minimalist modern with traditional Indian bits.
Amenities and facilities: A personal assistant who will attend to your every need, from delivering your supper to loaning you a laptop. Hairdressers who will come to your room, and chauffeurs to take you everywhere. Pets allowed.
The good: After Delhi’s traffic, this is heaven.
The bad: A bit too quiet—could use the occasional Bollywood party.
Rates: S$300-640
Room size: Two-four room suites, 536-900 sq. ft.
