It’s never too early to plan any kind of vacation. With so many options in our region, it can be a tedious task to find the right resort hotel to spend your holiday at. We’ve got the lowdown on the most stunning properties that you need to book ASAP ahead of everyone else. What’s best is that we’ve stayed at all of these resorts and would not hesitate to go back and have another Asian vacation!
Rosewood Phuket
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Phuket needs no introduction to travelers around the world and is more or less synonymous with “summer vacation”. If you’re a true lover of nature and adventure then you’ll find your way to this stunning destination. This place offers not only breathtaking views but also refreshing experiences. Located in the southwestern part of the island is the magical Rosewood Phuket. It is nestled along a 600-meter beachfront at Emerald Bay featuring 71 pavilions and villas, most of which have their own private pool. With Patong located nearby, the peaceful resort is tucked away in a green oasis with direct beach access. The villas, restaurants and multiple pools are surrounded by beautifully designed tropical landscape and trees with sacred 150-year-old banyan trees situated on the resort grounds. With the direct beach access, it’s possible to just go for a swim in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea and the hotel concierge will kindly provide a tide chart as well.
We stayed in the ocean view pool pavilion but bookmarked the beach house to come back with a bigger group of family or friends. Contemporary interiors of the room felt like a well-designed home–spacious, tastefully decorated and equipped with a touch-panel in-room technology system. If that was not enough, there is a small private pool outdoor with a cozy terrace where you can enjoy a quick refreshing dip. For our full review, read more here.
Rosewood Phuket Tri-Trang Beach, Patong, Kathu District, Phuket, Thailand, www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/phuket
W Xi’an
While many may overlook the city of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province as a great place to spend summer, we highly suggest you reconsider. It is one of the oldest cities in China and the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals holding that position during several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. It is also home to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The W Xi’an is such an iconic place to stay with 385 guestrooms furnished with a signature plush W bed, and featuring step-out balconies offering panoramic views of Qu Jiang district.
Embark on a culinary experience at three of the exceptional dining venues, WEI, YEN, and FU. Keep up with your fitness routine at FIT or a swim a few laps at the beautiful indoor pool, WET. The W Xi’an is a spectacular sight and so intricately creative in design with a dash of modern accents. From the lobby to the elevator, the hallways and the rooms, art, and design are intertwined together in harmony. It’s safe to say the property has meticulously considered the many elements of every traveler and each area of the room feels like it was designed with our comfort in mind. Don’t just take our word for it, read our full review here.
W Xi’an 333 Qujiang Chi East Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, 710061, +86 29 8966 9999, www.marriott.com
Hotel Éclat Taipei
Mark the Taiwanese capital on your list of places to visit this summer. The modern metropolis boasts stunning skyscrapers and a lively street-food scene with many night markets worth exploring on hot summer days. Add Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum to your itinerary for a great experience of the city. With direct flights from Macau, Taipei is definitely one of the easiest and pocket-friendly options for the whole family. Book a room at one of the most unique hotels in the city, Hotel Éclat Taipei. The uber-elegant and eclectic boutique hotel is located in Taipei’s fashionable Da-An district. It features luxurious room amenities, priceless sculptures, and artwork scattered throughout the hotel. Hotel Éclat Taipei is designed to appeal to visitors from all over the world with an artsy and modern concept manifested around the entire property. Check out our review here.
Hotel Éclat Taipei 370, Sec. 1, Dunhua S. Road, Da-an District, Taipei City, +886 2 2784 8888, www.eclathotels.com/taipei
Four Seasons Koh Samui
The truth is there are too many places to see and explore in Thailand but Koh Samui is always number one on our list for a good reason. It is simply the perfect summer vacation spot! Party on the beach, have exciting adventures, immerse yourself in nature, this place truly knows how to make a summer break memorable. And the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui is the best place to rest and relax after your adventures on the island. The hotel is just over 11 years old and was built on a former coconut plantation. It covers two sides of the mountain; residences on one side, resort on the other. The lush greenery that surrounds the whole property is just stunning with different types of tropical plants everywhere you look. If walking isn’t your thing, buggies with drivers can take you anywhere you want on the resort, rain or shine. As you make your way down the mountain, you’ll pass the other villas, landscaped gardens and finally arrive at the private beach.
There are only 60 villas on the whole property and we stayed in a Deluxe one-bedroom pool villa on the resort side. Each pool villa comes with its own large private infinity pool that overlooks the tropical gardens and sea. The outdoor deck is fitted with a day bed, a marble table with two chairs, mini bar, deckchairs, and an umbrella. It was also partially covered which means we could still enjoy it on rainy days. For more on our stay, click here.
Four Seasons Koh Samui 219 Moo 5 Angthong, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand, www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui
Banyan Tree Lăng Cô
Discover a different side of Vietnam and head to Lăng Cô for an unforgettable travel experience. Located in central Vietnam just between Lap An Lagoon and the South China Sea, you’ll find the pristine white-sand Lăng Cô Beach amidst mountain forests and natural wonders. Find inner peace by staying close to nature at Banyan Tree Lăng Cô. The resort property is a short 45-minute drive from Da Nang airport.
Lăng Cô takes pride in having three UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites nearby (Hoi An Ancient Town, The Imperial Citadel of Hue and My Son Sanctuary) and surrounded by quaint local fishing villages, large national parks but yet situated along the beach, this all-pool-villa resort is the perfect long weekend destination. Banyan Tree Lăng Cô is a villa-only property with beach pool villas, lagoon pool villas, and their one to three-bedroom residences also known as the sea view hill pool villas. It’s all part of a complex called Laguna Lăng Cô which also includes the sister property Angsana and Sir Nick Faldo designed golf course. Dine at their signature restaurant Saffron. It’s set up on the hills with views that are just as beautiful as the food. The Banyan Tree residences are great for families or groups of friends traveling together as they consist of one to three-bedrooms. Read our full review of this stunning property here.
