While flying coach and eating a continental breakfast might satisfy the average traveler, those seeking an exceptional experience want much more. This includes seemingly infinite vistas, impeccable service and lavish living spaces.
In other words, they expect nothing but the best.
That's why Asia has become a stomping ground for top-tier resort-goers. From hilltop suites to stilted villas above blue lagoons, there's a wide range of luxurious accommodations to satisfy those looking to escape as well as those in search of one-of-a-kind experiences.
Best Hilltop Resort :
The Windsor Toya Resort and Spa
Hokkaido, Japan
Each room here offers views of Lake Toya, but the Presidential suite reigns supreme; it's got a Jacuzzi, 24-hour butler service and Bulgari toiletries. Only a select few might get to enjoy the top suite, but all guests can take advantage of the Windsor's facilities, including tennis courts, two 18-hole golf courses, natural mineral hot springs and a full-service spa. Foodies will appreciate the attention to cuisine, with a total of 12 restaurants that range from modern Japanese to French, Italian and East Asian, all prepared with local ingredients.
Most Luxurious Floating Villa :
One&Only Reethi Rah
North Male' Atoll, Maldives
The 130 villas on this secluded island resort either sit on the beach, amid lush, tropical greenery or above the clear waters of the lagoon on stilts. The grandest water villas are manned by a 24-hour villa host. Amenities include 300-thread count satin Egyptian cotton sheets, an espresso machine, a sun bed on the terrace and an entertainment center featuring two LCD televisions with satellite channels, CD and DVD players.
Best Place To Master The Art Of Balinese Cooking :
Alila Manggis
Bali, Indonesia
Each of this resort's 54 rooms and two suites has a private terrace or balcony overlooking the ocean, but what really attracts visitors to Alila Manggis is the East Balinese cooking school. Resort guests can participate in half-, two- or five-day sessions, half of which is spent cooking and the other half is spent learning the cultural and culinary history of Bali.
Best Place To Save Turtles :
Phangnga
Phuket, Thailand
Located just 20 minutes from Khao Lumpee- Haad Thaymuang National Park, which houses a marine turtle sanctuary, Phangnga gives more than $10,000 per year to the park. It also employs a full-time representative to work alongside the turtle sanctuary staff and educate guests on the importance of marine turtles to the Thai ecosystem. Guests then enjoy guilt-free luxury, which includes villas with private pools, yoga sessions and spa treatments.
Most Unique Massage :
Evason Ana Mandara Resort & Six Senses Spa
Khan Hoa Province, Vietnam
Furnished with native woods and rattan to reflect the old village culture, this luxury resort may pay tribute to the Vietnam of the past, but its accommodations are thoroughly modern. Each of the 74 rooms in 17 villas possesses a king-size bed, full-size bath, Jacuzzi and raining shower that overlook either the tropical gardens or Nha Trang Bay.
After a champagne breakfast in the privacy of your own villa, you might want to head down to the Six Senses Spa, which houses treatment rooms for couples or singles, sunken Jacuzzi baths, a Vichy shower and a Japanese style bath. Eastern and western techniques are combined to specifically treat your needs, like a Vietnamese massage (warmed small suction cups are placed on the back to aid in muscle relaxation and improve circulation).
Only Private Pool Villa Resort In China :
Banyan Tree Sanya Resort and Spa
Hainan, China
Opening on April 20 of this year, the third Banyan Tree resort in China will be the first to feature pool villas only. Each of the 49 villas has its own private garden, swimming pool and outdoor terrace table and seating. Inside, you'll find a king-sized bed, plasma TV, separate living room and wireless Internet connection throughout.
Most Intense Yoga Session :
Uma Paro
Paro, Bhutan
The proprietors of this 30-room yoga resort in the hills of Paro tailor each guest's schedule to their specific desires, creating bespoke exercise routines and spa treatments, such as daily outdoor yoga sessions and Pizichili, a rejuvenating Ayurveda massage in which warm herbal oil is poured over the entire body. The property includes four inhouse treatment rooms, steam rooms, hot stone bath, indoor pool, gym, yoga studio and a private treatment room in each of the nine villas.
Best On-Site Tailor :
Amanpuri
Phuket, Thailand
Overlooking the Andaman Sea on a secluded natural coconut grove, this resort features 40 pavilions and 30 villas that include an outdoor area, king-size bed, air-conditioning and wireless broadband. Fancy a new dress or suit for dinner at the resort restaurant? The on-site tailor will not only refine what you already have, he'll design and create new pieces from an extensive choice of traditional Thai fabrics.Overlooking the Andaman Sea on a secluded natural coconut grove, this resort features 40 pavilions and 30 villas that include an outdoor area, king-size bed, air-conditioning and wireless broadband. Fancy a new dress or suit for dinner at the resort restaurant? The on-site tailor will not only refine what you already have, he'll design and create new pieces from an extensive choice of traditional Thai fabrics.
Prettiest Plunge Pool :
Four Seasons Resort at Sayan
Bali, Indonesia
Deluxe accommodations may be a Four Seasons standard, but it's the private plunge pool and outdoor shower--surrounded by the gardens of the Sayan Valley in the Royal Villa--that stand out here. If you happen to be staying in any of the other 18 suites or 41 villas, there is much to appreciate, such as the authentic Indonesian artifacts peppered throughout the rooms. Outside, daily bikes tours, hikes and yoga classes are complimentary.
Best Place To Experience Northern Thai Culture :
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Local culture is Asia's biggest attraction and this Northern Thailand resort, equipped with 54 suites, 64 villas or five palace-style residences, ensures guests experience aplenty. There's an opportunity to participate in the ceremonial offering of rice to Buddhist monks on their morning alms rounds, try wood carving and weaving at the craft center and take courses on traditional Thai flower arrangement or Northern Thai dance and music.
