We’ve got three words for you: South East Asia. Follow the trail of palm-sprinkled beaches and secluded isles, mesmerising history and peaceful valleys, and wildly beautiful nature, and find yourself on the trip of a lifetime. In between gazing at serene temples, meeting members of ancient hill tribes or finding bliss on the water (river, lake or ocean – take your pick!) enjoy the fabulous accommodation this corner of Asia has to offer. Here are our picks for the best South East Asia lodges to get you started.
Bensley Collection Shinta Mani Wild
Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
Just the name ‘Cardamom Mountains’ summons imaginings of lush forests full of fragrant scents and exotic wildlife. Now, imagine taking a helicopter into that jungle and landing at a boutique bolthole that embodies both the spirit of escape and refined luxury. This is Shinta Mani Wild, a tented creation surrounded by thick emerald green jungle and a peacefully babbling river–some tents even extend out over it–with carefully selected decor and canvas bedrooms, plushly bedecked with luxurious textiles. The dining experience is second to none with food foraged daily by the head chef and includes local delicacies such as plump mud crabs, fresh figs and even red ants. The Landing Zone mixologist will whip up all manner of cocktails as you overlook a waterfall – if you’re feeling adventurous you can even zipline to the bar! And we haven’t even mentioned all the incredible jungle adventures. Guess you’ll just have to visit and experience them for yourself…
Soneva Kiri
Koh Kood, Thailand
Koh Kood may be one of Thailand’s largest islands but you would never know it at Soneva Kiri, seated on your private terrace with nothing but jungle behind you and the azure Andaman Sea before you. Soneva Kiri might look, at first glance, like a classic island resort but its creativity quickly becomes clear. Like a miniature village, the resort has a setting for every occasion from a cave cellar for atmospheric wine tastings to bamboo pods where you’ll dine suspended in the trees, to a Chocolate Room (do we have your attention?) packed with hand-made treats. And did we mention the over-the-water cinema, tucked into the jungle fronds? Fresh, minimalist rooms range from one-bed villas to six-bedroom residences, each with a freeform infinity pool, sunken outdoor bath, and a personal butler. If you manage to tear yourself from such bliss, take to the water on a kayak, snorkel the colourful reefs, or hike into the forest. And in the morning, wake up to a view that’ll make you think you’re still dreaming.
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Hue, Vietnam
In lush grounds beside the aptly-named Perfume River, there are five Imperial Garden Houses, an evocation of authentic dwellings dating back centuries. Built from dark, aged wood and designed according to Feng Shui, the Garden Houses are unique in every way. Each represents a theme from ancient Vietnam, beautifully woven into the design, including traditional musical instruments, poetry carved into the walls and royal costumes hanging grandly. Even dinners are reimaginings of the banquets put on by Nguyen Emperors. Ensconced by greenery, there’s a heated pool and tranquil spa to frequent in your down time, and as for exploring Hue… There are bicycle rides to pretty lakes and archaic temples, walks around the ruined Imperial Citadel and lessons with local artisans – you can even take home your own handmade conical hat.
Paradise Peak Cruise
Halong Bay, Vietnam
An ethereal waterscape of cloistered caves and around 1,600 misty, towering limestone peaks, Halong Bay is a place like no other. Befitting of such a location, Paradise Peak Cruise is one of the most luxurious ‘junk’ boats in its waters. With fluttering terracotta sails and a pristine, white exterior, Paradise Peak cuts a striking figure as it takes you deeper and deeper into the bay. A private butler sees to your every need and you can enjoy sunrise Tai Chi, cooking lessons, afternoon tea and sunset cocktails on the deck (they shouldn’t be missed). And that’s all before you’ve left the ship. There is also a bevy of activities ranging from kayaking and cave tours (learn of fascinating local legends) to floating markets and hikes to reach the most breathtaking vistas.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp
Chiang Rai, Thailand
We love a good luxury hotel as much as the next person but there’s something about a camp that combines a love for nature with old-fashioned charm. Anantara quickly captures your heart with its commitment to elephant conservation – you’ll have the chance to visit the elephants at bath time and enjoy a picnic in the sanctuary. The stilted rooms are decked out in silks and teak with huge terrazzo tubs and views of three countries at once – Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, do yourself a favour and spend the night in one of their Jungle Bubbles, a fully-furnished transparent pod where you’ll wake up to elephants wandering past. From the riverside bar to the infinity pool and alfresco hot tub, every space at Anantara makes the most of the view! And if you want to see it all up-close, head out on a day of jungle trekking, white-water rafting and zooming through the trees in a Classic 500 sidecar. Now, that’s something you don’t do every day.
Song Saa Private Island
Koh Rong, Cambodia
If your holi-daydreams consist of sparkling waters, over-sea luxury villas and answering to no one but your latest book, we have the spot for you. Song Saa Private Island is the stuff of oceanside dreams. By day, spend your hours snorkelling colourful reefs, taking morning yoga classes or exploring hidden coves by sea kayak. By night, enjoy cocktails and high end cuisine at Vista restaurant as you take in the 360 views, tuck into pizza on the beach, or even have a private cinema set up in your villa (complete with popcorn, of course). And whilst we’re on the subject of those rooms, there are 27 palm-roofed delights to choose from. From jungle villas surrounded by lush tropical trees or stilted spots above the peaceful lapping water, whichever you choose you’ll be guaranteed stylish interiors, sumptuous beds and a private pool. We’re ready to hop on a plane immediately.
Six Senses
Con Dao, Vietnam
Strolling down the mile-long and utterly secluded beach, Con Son Island feels a million miles from the bustling cities of Vietnam (in reality the mainland is 199km away). Forming part of a national and marine park, the jungle-clad Lo Voi Mountains are an amazing backdrop and before you is an expanse of silky blue sea. Designed to emulate a traditional Vietnamese fishing village, the resort has its own replica high street complete with bottomless scoops at the ice cream parlor and The Market, where Con Dao Sunrise cocktails are served on casual leather swings, and scrumptious seafood and local favourites are prepared at the Chef’s Table. Enjoy a proper pampering at the spa (Six Senses is famous for them), which offers lavender baths, island coffee scrubs and heavenly massages. Sitting right on the beach or amongst the palms, the villas are the perfect compliment to this island paradise with breezy wooden interiors and private pools. Of course, Con Son has a boatload of activities to choose from, ranging from snorkelling and scuba diving with sea turtles to kayaking and forest hikes – spot the chattering longtailed macaques. The perfect ending to a day at Six Senses? A sunset cruise as the water turns gold and the stars emerge from a periwinkle sky.
Rosewood
Luang Prabang, Laos
Taking that idea of space and peace to heart, the Rosewood Luang Prabang sits on the outskirts of this picture perfect town, offering countless moments of solitude. Forests and streams can be seen (and heard) from all over the hotel and the chic interiors perfectly complement the lush exteriors. Think opulent hilltop tents set in a canopy of trees, suites and villas by the edge of babbling rivers and a pool surrounded by emerald gardens. There’s a restaurant tempting you with five course dinners, a spa offering blissful treatments (and did we mention the glass floor over the river?), as well as yoga, Laotian cooking classes, heritage walks, private dining, river cruises… have we sold you on this heavenly spot yet?
Phum Baitang Resort
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap may be more about awe-inspiring temples and less about hotels, but we know a spot that might just steal your attention. Phum Baitang Resort is a moment of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the temples, with plenty of space to unwind in 20 acres of gardens and rice paddies. Undeniably luxurious with impeccable attention to detail, you won’t find fussy design here either; instead, the resort is about chic stylings and a sense that you’re returning to a Cambodia that time forgot. When you’re not busy exploring the local sights, drift lazily around the lush green pool, sip a cocktail in the Sunset Lounge and tuck into exquisite local fare – the succulent lobster with ginger and lime butter and the tender pork belly stew both get our vote. And with the room’s calming decor, plush king-size beds and quiet surrounds, we dare you not to have an epic night’s sleep. Exactly what you’ll be searching for after a busy day exploring the ruins of Angkor.
Rayavadee
Krabi, Thailand
Off the coast of Thailand, Rayavadee sits in the middle of a marine reserve, meaning epic snorkelling and sensational views are guaranteed. It also happens to be on the same stretch of golden sand as three of Krabi’s most beautiful beaches – and spend a lot of time down here you will, whether it’s dining on lip-smacking seafood, enjoying sunset cocktails, or picnicking on a private sand bar. Back at the resort, there are 94 pavilions and seven villas, some with a private pool and access to the beach. Your butler will see to it that every day on the island is spent without a single worry, zipping you on a buggy to the pool for a good dose of R&R or a waiting boat, ready to take you from one island to the next. Make sure to enquire about the journey up 1200 steps to see the golden Buddha at the Tiger Cave Temple, ‘nature’s jacuzzi’ at the base of a waterfall, and kayaking down the coastline made famous by the movies. As one of our favourite Thailand hotels, they’ll know just how to make your trip extra special.
