Asian hospitality is famous and hotels in South East Asia pride themselves on offering comfort levels superior to those found in Europe. Interior decoration is stylish and facilities are tailored to let visitors unwind and relax at any time of their choosing.
Here’s our pick of the most unusual and unique hotels and resorts in South East Asia which are guaranteed to provide travellers with amazing accommodation from which to enjoy the rest of their holiday.
The Pilgrimage Village rests in tropical gardens amongst the idyllic setting of a small rustic town. This is one of the more interesting of the Vietnam hotels, and guests can enjoy upscale comfort, traditional decor, and more modern amenities are just a 15-minute drive away in the city of Hue.
The Pilgrimage Village is a chic boutique hotel comprising of 99 rooms, bungalows and houses. All rooms have private balconies and bathrooms with bathtubs.
Nearby, the Junrei Restaurant offers its guests the chance to to discover the many specialities that Hue has to offer. Vietnamese cuisine is sometimes tinged with international influences to provide unique experiences, as is also the case in the Valley Restaurant, which boasts a modern atmosphere and decor that contrasts with the traditional character of the Pilgrim Village hotel.
The Slop Café Lounge is another more modern and intimate place to enjoy a drink while listening to music before or after dinner, whilst the Candle Bar – entirely built from natural materials – serves tea, coffee and cocktails throughout the day.
This hotel features a large swimming pool, surrounded by sunbeds at the disposal of guests throughout the day, which offer a chance to unwind and relax after a day of walking around the ancient city of Hue.
The Vedana Wellness and Spa is a vast space dedicated to guests’ well-being and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the many massages and treatments provided by competent staff whilst yoga, meditation and Tai Chi classes are also offered on site.
Nestled on the edge of a klong in the heart of Sukhumvit, this charming boutique hotel is built around an original house which dates back to 1942. In the tropical garden, guests can enjoy the traditional architecture of Ariyasom Villa and its rooms are all ornately decorated. The Villa is one of a kind amongst Thailand hotels as it has the atmosphere of the old Bangkok where travellers can enjoy the relaxing setting of a boutique hotel built at the water’s edge. It is also located less than 10 minutes from the skytrain leading to the bustling centre. Despite the proximity to the city, it still manages to project a very warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The 24 rooms are spread over four-storey buildings surrounded by lush vegetation. Each room has a warm interior, though all rooms are different. Each one is furnished with traditional objects from Thailand or Burma, whilst art pieces are scattered here and there giving it that extra bit of character.
Na Aroon Restaurant offers healthy, organic products and is inspired by Buddhist philosophy. Even though you will not find meat on the menu, there is an abundance of fish and seafood on offer. The recipes can be both Thai and international but everything is always fresh, good quality and homemade.
Visitors should make time to take in some relaxation in the beautiful swimming pool surrounded by vegetation – the perfect place to finish any day – while the Som Sen Spa also offers a set of quality therapeutic treatments after a day exploring Bangkok.
Mixing nature, design and refinement, Alila Ubud offers a stay in the heart of the rainforest just a stone’s throw from Ubud’s rice paddies. Located a 10-minute drive from the centre, Alila promises an elegant stay with newfound intimacy – such as you might expect in many Bali hotels. Back in the valley of the Ayung River, not far from the bustling Ubud, this hotel is a haven of well-being and the Alila design is a landmark for comfort lovers. This hotel presents intricate contrasts between local woodwork and raw natural materials.
The Alila Ubud consists of 56 rooms and 12 villas. Idyllically located within the tropical forest, they overlook the Ayung River and are all oriented towards the valley. Each room has a profound relaxed feel and offers rest and relaxation the Ubud way.
The Plantation Restaurant, located above the hotel’s sumptuous pool, is built in traditional Balinese style. The huge palm roof is supported by massive trunks of coconut trees, and with its panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding forest, guests will enjoy sophisticated cuisine combining the many spices found in the region. Great care is given to the service and the presentation, making the experience extra special.
The Cabana Lounge, open for lunch and dinner, offers a selection of seasonal food and beverages. Set at the foot of the infinity pool, the lounge offers an ideal alternative for a less formal meal and a casual atmosphere.
The Alila Spa is certainly one of the most famous on the island. It is an ideal place to enjoy a moment of relaxation at the end of the day and to experience the diversity of scents present in Indonesia.
A hub of trade between Asia and the Pacific, Singapore is certainly the most cosmopolitan city in Asia. It is composed of many neighbourhoods with varying atmospheres. Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam offer Hindu temples, Buddhist temples, churches and mosques. They make it possible to meet people from all over the world. Well-located in the heart of Chinatown, The Scarlet not only indulges you with a personalized boutique Singapore hotel experience, it is also a gateway to the city’s rich heritage and mouth-watering local delights.
All rooms are decorated to evoke passion, splendour, opulence and high-fashion with the use of precious stones and jewellery-inspired decoration. Taking its cue from the enigmatic hostess “Scarlet,” the rooms are the representation of the many faces of her personality and transpose her fashion, her lifestyle and her grand abode.
Visitors looking for a luxurious nest for holidays or weekends – or even a corporate trip – will find that all the rooms and the five individually-themed suites are there to welcome and treat guests for the length of their stay.
See other great hotels in Singapore for your holiday.
The Casa Tartufo is an authentic Italian restaurant with a warm and sophisticated Italian set up, whilst Aria, with its breathtaking views of the city, is a rooftop restaurant which serves authentic Sicilian dishes, cocktails and wines. Mei I Sushi has been set up as an intimate restaurant and serves fresh sushi and sashimi, for a more Asian flavour.
The Bold meeting room can accommodate medium size groups, whilst its decoration is luxurious and is fitted with plush carpets. The Flaunt fitness room is equipped with all the necessary amenities as well as yoga equipment, for personal use as well as classes, which are available too.
To start planning your holiday to South East Asia, be inspired by our Asia multi centre holiday ideas. If you want to include one of these unusual hotels and resorts in your itinerary, just let one of our Asia Experts know.