The world is full of luxurious properties that distill the best of a destination into their very substance and style. Nowhere is this better practiced than the continent of Asia, where ancient cultures find their contemporary expression in elite hotels and resorts which pay homage to their past while constantly striving toward their vision of the future.
Of course, the word “Asia” denotes a vast collection of countries and cultures, many of which bear the least resemblance to one another. Our team at The Luxury Travel Agency has years of personal experience living and travelling in Asia – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable team for your travels to the East. Below, some of our favorite luxury properties to explore!
Luxurious Properties – East Asia
Any visitor to Japan would be remiss to depart without a stop in Kyoto, the ancient once-capital that still thrives as the cultural heart of the nation. Kyoto was largely spared from the destruction wrought by WWII, and thus preserved much of the stunning architectural heritage that makes it such a popular destination today.
There is no shortage of gorgeous luxury properties to stay at, but it’s difficult to rival The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto for overall quality. Built low along the banks of the Kamo River, this hotel has thousands of years of distinct Japanese heritage to draw on, and it does a remarkable job of conveying this in a modern fashion. Rooms and suites are designed with crisp lines reminiscent of typical Japanese architecture and decorated in soft natural shades that soothe one’s mind immediately upon entry. The Luxury Travel Agency strongly recommends booking a room with a river view; the floor-to-ceiling windows display wonderful views of the Kamo River and a backdrop of green mountains to the east.
The elegant Kamogawa Suite at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Diners are spoilt for choice; The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto offers the unique opportunity to enjoy selections from four major Japanese cuisine styles (kaiseki, sushi, teppanyaki, & tempura) in the same restaurant, while also housing one of the best Italian spots in the city. With all this said, the most outstanding quality of the hotel may be its staff. Anticipatory without being pushy, knowledgeable without being robotic, the staff are always cognizant of Japanese excellence in service – a tradition they honor at every turn.
Further south, we come to the fabled island of Hong Kong. Long an intersection for many cultures, Hong Kong has always put a unique spin on the millennia of Chinese history flowing from the mainland, with influences from Portuguese and British traders weaved into its colorful tapestry. The city has long been regarded as an international hub of the first degree, and its hotels reflect this quality.
One of the most highly anticipated openings in recent memory, the Rosewood Hong Kong welcomed its first guests just over a year ago. Towering 65 storeys over world-famous Victoria Harbour, on the Kowloon side, the hotel is the new flagship of the Rosewood brand, and the effort put into its construction corresponds appropriately to this lofty status.
Suites at the Rosewood Hong Kong offer glorious views of Victoria Harbour
Rooms and suites are gracefully sophisticated, with a refined residential feel; guests might imagine that they’re staying in the home of a Hong Kong tycoon with impeccable taste, rather than a hotel. Our luxury advisors strongly recommend booking a suite; not only for their size and stunning harbour views but for the additions of personal butler service (packing/unpacking services are a real treat) and access to the Manor Club (a gorgeous 40th-floor lounge offering premium all-day snacks and beverages). Throw in the gorgeous Asaya Spa – Rosewood’s first urban location – and there’s no better choice for your visit to Hong Kong.
Luxurious Properties – Southeast Asia
Continental Southeast Asia is known for many things, chief among them jungles, temples, and elephants; nowhere is this better experienced than the famed Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos converge.
Here, nestled on the banks of the Ruak River, sits the Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle. This is a property that brings all of your explorer dreams to life – an immersive experience like none other! The adventure starts in a nearby town, where guests board a traditional longtail boat for a short trip up the river towards the property. Pulling up to the dock, a gong is sounded to herald your arrival, refreshing welcome drinks are served, and the Camp Manager personally greets you to explain the layout of the Camp while your luggage is whisked away to your luxury tent.
A look inside the explorer-era Tent at the Camp
If the prospect of sleeping in a “tent” worries you, have no fear – these tents are nearly 600 square feet, with hardwood floors, plush king-size beds, and massive outdoor decks, some with their own wooden hot-tubs! Each of the Camp’s 15 tents is uniquely themed and decorated, echoing a “golden age” of exploration; you’ll feel transported back to a different time and place from the moment you step foot inside.
Of course, the Camp’s biggest attraction (quite literally) is the elephants! Only a handful live on the property, each having been rescued from situations of abuse or neglect. The natural habitats for Asian elephants continue to shrink, and elephants who have lived with humans often cannot re-integrate themselves in the wild – so the Tented Camp provides a safe and stable home for them, each with their own mahout (handler) with whom their bonds are exceptionally strong. Guests can feed and interact with these amazing giants – they’ll even come up to the restaurant at breakfast to join you!
A five-star breakfast for you – and the elephants!
From the jungle to the sea – out in the Philippines lies one of The Luxury Travel Agency’s favorite resorts in the world! A crown jewel in tropical travel, Amanpulo is one of those properties that cannot be missed.
Amanpulo is part of the renowned Aman brand, who excels in creating spaces that are luxurious without being ostentatious, elegant while maintaining a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment. The resort claims the whole of Pamalican Island, near Palawan, about an hour’s flight via private plane from Manila. Here, the pressures of the outside world melt away in an unbroken vista of powdery white sand and blue-green seas.
Villas at Amanpulo open onto private pool decks and the stunning seas beyond
Accommodation is split into Casitas and Villas; while the Casitas are lovely in their own right, the Villas are the real stars, with private pools, butlers, and chefs all on offer for each unit. Options range from one to four-bedroom villas, so whether it’s a romantic honeymoon or a multi-generation getaway, you’ll find all you need and more. We routinely get the most incredible feedback from our clients who stay here – an experience nearly unrivalled the world over.
Luxurious Properties – South Asia
Asia is a continent of seemingly endless cultures and subcultures, perhaps best expressed in the country of India. Here, there are at least 122 major languages, endless variations of cuisine, and a new set of devas and devis everywhere you look.
Many visitors to India spend their time in the country’s north, including areas such as the state of Rajasthan, with its striking ancient forts and impressive natural reserves (home to the country’s wild tigers). Udaipur (known as the “City of Lakes”) is a particular highlight – and what better place to stay than The Oberoi Udaivilas. The finest hotel in one of India’s most romantic locations, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a true treasure, a modern palace hotel that grants all of one’s wishes and makes their guests feel like royalty.
Palatial atmosphere at The Oberoi Udaivilas
Perched on the shores of serene Lake Pichola, a stay at the Udaivilas is like stepping out of time, into a world of majestic opulence and timeless elegance. The golden-brown domes of the hotel stand watch over brightly decorated rooms and suites; the options for relaxing in front of the lake are endless. We highly recommend a private dinner by the lakeside, expertly arranged by the hotel staff – a guaranteed highlight of your visit to India!
Further south, the island of Sri Lanka offers a whole world within its own borders, with intriguing cities, central highlands, and stunning beaches coming together in a destination rapidly growing in popularity. A holiday there should touch each of these environments, but above all, the “tea region” is not to be missed.
Our favorite place to stay? The Ceylon Tea Trails, a Relais & Châteaux property nestled high in the central hills. The resort is comprised of 27 rooms spread across five bungalows, each a carefully restored home dating back to the colonial era. This residential feel is reflected in the design and decoration of the bungalows, which open onto stunning vistas of the lush green slopes and sparkling lakes below. Guests can hike or bike through the hills, kayak over the glassy surface of the reservoir, and follow firsthand the teamaking process, from the plant to the final cup, presented by experts in all thing’s tea. There are many beautiful places in the world – but few as unique as this one.
Pool & hot tub at Dunkeld Bungalow seem to float over the landscape
All of these standout properties are part of The Luxury Travel Agency’s vast Partner Hotel network, encompassing hundreds of properties across Asia along with all of the world’s continents. At each of our Partner Hotels & Resorts, you’ll get unbeatable rates, plus complimentary benefits such as free breakfast, guided tours, dining credits, and much more! All for simply choosing The Luxury Travel Agency for booking your next trip.
We can help with everything from a simple hotel or resort booking to complete travel planning, including yacht and private jet charters, villas, and so much more! Contact us today via Whatsapp or telephone at +1-647-551-4560 and let’s start planning your next trip.
Want to read more about luxury travel opportunities in Asia? Check out our articles on up-and-comer Vietnam, the best Japanese dishes, highlights of Cambodia, and more!
