Missed going on a holiday over the Chinese New Year long weekend? Fret not, because the next one is in April (over Good Friday). And if you’re not an Airbnb type of person, check out some of the hottest and most gorgeous hotels in the region, boasting unparalleled facilities and breathtaking nature views.
Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
Set to open in April, this luxury hotel is the latest property from Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts’ younger city brand. Already taking bookings, there are some tempting reasons to reserve early, like complimentary room upgrades, free minibars and two drinks at The Hung Hom Wine Bar on the house. The hotel is designed by Andre Fu, named Designer of the Year 2016 by Paris’s trade fair Maison et Objet and as one of the Top 20 Interior Designers 2016 by Wallpaper magazine. His portfolio includes Hong Kong’s The Upper House, Singapore’s Fullerton Bay Hotel and the Opus Suite at the Berkeley London. Located on Hung Hom Bay, right by Kowloon Bay, the 16-story hotel boasts 546 rooms and suites with spectacular harbor views. Room rates range from $402 for a Deluxe Sea View to $620 for a Club Premier Sea View room, with a presidential suite still on the way.
Belmond La Residence d’Angkor, Cambodia
After four months of renovation, Belmond La Residence d’Angkor in Siem Reap has finally unveiled its new look. Inspired by local craftsmanship, the 59 rooms and suites are spruced up with handwoven jewel-coloured silks, traditionally crafted hardwood furnishings and detailed ironmongery. The renovation extends to the property’s restaurants: Spice Circle, which serves traditional Cambodian and Khmer cuisine; and Ember, whose open kitchen does pizza plus Asia-Latin fusion. You can also start your night at Martini Lounge before heading out for the vivid nightlife scene on Pub Street. Room rates start at $333 for a junior suite to $674 for a deluxe one-bedroom poolside suite.
Avista Hideaway Phuket, Thailand
Patong might be a concrete jungle, but AccorHotels group has managed to find a stunningly green plot for its new property. Located on the hillside at the southern end of Patong Beach, the resort boasts clean lines with a luxurious tropical edge, the 150 guestrooms coming with rich local woods and natural stones. Three saltwater filtration system swimming pools are split over different levels, while food and drink ranges from Sizzle steakhouse and Vista all-day dining to the Rendez-Vue Rooftop cocktail and tapas bar. Room rates range from $347 to $924 for the executive suite with private pool.
Amanoi, Vietnam
Amanoi, the coastal resort inside Nui Chua National Park in southwest Ninh Tuonh province, has just unveiled two new spa houses. Named Thuy Lien (meaning “lotus”) and An Son (“peaceful mountain”), these new arrivals come straddled by nature with facilities like a double treatment room, a contemporary hammam (Turkish steam room) or a wooden-clad banya (Russian sauna), a 15-meter swimming pool, relaxation deck, outdoor dining area, steam room, cold plunge pool and Jacuzzi. Till Mar 31, they’re offering the “Spa House Experience” package where guests get daily hammam or banya treatment and 90-minute Aman or Vietnamese massage starting from $2980 per night, including transfers from Cam Ranh Airport.
Four Seaons Hotel Kyoto, Japan
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto has opened just in time for sakura (cherry blossom) season. Located amid five acres of 12th century pond gardens in the historic Higashiyama district (close to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kyoto National Museum), the hotel offers 120 rooms and suites along with 57 residences by US hospitality design powerhouse Hirsch Bedner Associates (Grand Hyatt Dubai, Ritz-Carlton Galaxy Macau and St. Regis Rome)—we love the vast, tea house-style open room fronts overlooking the garden. Head to the spa for treatments that include tatcha, a form of skincare inspired by geisha. Other facilities include an indoor pool and four dining venues including a beautiful sukiya (tea house) in the garden. Room rates start at $936 for a deluxe courtyard room and go up to a spacious 245-sq-meter presidential suite at $15,000.
The President by Akaryn, Laos
Laos’ capital takes a big step into the world of luxury tourism with the arrival of The President by Akaryn. Taking up residence in a neoclassical palace first gifted to Laos by the Chinese government, the all-suite hotel consists of only 32 rooms, each adorned with luxurious interiors inspired by colonial mansions. The Ayurah Wellness Centre, features therapies and beauty products from Linda Meredith, a UK-based celebrity facialist whose clients include Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham. The location on Setthathirath Road means the hotel has Parliament House, Haw Phra Kaew temple and Chao Anouvong Park as its neighbors. Room rates range from $590 for a garden suite to $5,151 for a presidential suite. The hotel is part of the Akaryn Hotel Group, which also just opened the Akyra Beach Club on Phuket.
