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It’s bEEn anothEr bIg yEar for hotEL opEnIngs In thE asIa-pacIfIc rEgIon, bUt what makEs onE propErty morE LUXE than anothEr? basEd on rEports from oUr nEtwork of

contrIbUtors, wE’vE assEmbLEd a LIst of 36 pLacEs that EXcEL whEn It comEs to styLE and ambIEncE, bEIt a rambLIng IndIan paLacE or a prIvatE vILLa In thE hILLs of chIang maI. thoUgh wILdLy dIffErEnt

In tErms of sIzE, prIcE, and Look, thEy aLL havE onE thIng In common: a sIngULar sEnsE of pLacE and styLE that LEts thEm stand oUt from thE rEst

The

LUXELIST2O11

Japan EasEa modern ikebana arrangementadds an avant-garde touch to a suite at Kyoto’s design-drivenHotel Kanra.

chInaFour seasons Hotel, Hangzhou at

West Lake, Hangzhou Hotel icon, Hong Kong Hotel indigo shanghai on the bund,

Shanghaipullman Lijiang Resort & spa, LijiangRenaissance sanya Resort & spa,

HainanRitz-Carlton Hong Kong, Hong Kongst. Regis Lhasa Resort, TibetWaldorf astoria shanghai on the

bund, Shanghai

frEnch poLynEsIaMaitai Lapita Village, Huahine

IndIadevi Ratn, JaipurLeela palace Kempinski, New DelhiRasa Jaipur, Jaipursamode safari Lodge, Bandhavgarhsaratha Villas, ChettinadTaj Falaknuma palace, HyderabadThe oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi

IndonEsIaW Retreat & spa bali - seminyak, Bali

japanCapitol Hotel Tokyu, TokyoHotel Kanra, Kyotost. Regis osaka, Osaka

LaosKiridara, Luang Prabang

maLaysIaMuntri Mews, Penang

maLdIvEsanantara Kihavah Villas, Ba’a Atoll six senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll

sIngaporEHotel Fort Canning

taIwanW Taipei, Taipei

thaILandHansar bangkok, BangkokHowie’s Homestay, Chiang Mai st. Regis bangkok, BangkokThanyamundra organic Resort,

Khao Sok W Retreat Koh samui, Koh Samui

UnItEd arab EmIratEsone&only The palm, Dubai

vIEtnaman Lam ninh Van bay Villas, Nha TrangFusion Maia, DanangHotel de l’opera, Hanoisix senses Con dao, Con Dao

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Top-End TibETIn the lobby of the St. regisLhasa resort, the Himalayancity’s first luxury hotel.

—indEx

chIna

st. Regis Lhasa Resort, Lhasa, Tibet

at 3,680 meters above sea level, tibet’s first luxury resort commands unimpeded views of the himalayas and the Lhasa valley. the nearby seramonastery provided inspiration for the resort’s central pool and courtyard,meditation gardens, and pagoda-style buildings, but there’s nothing monasticabout what lies within. a six-meter-high velvet curtain sweeps aside to usherguests into a lobby framed by soaring red lacquer columns and lined with picture windows that look across the valley to the potala palace, former winterresidence of the dalai Lama. Expansive guest rooms—the smallest is 61square meters—come complete with huge, pillowy beds and bathrooms withheated slate floors (each is also fitted with an oxygen canister, for those who findthe high-altitude setting literally breathtaking). the height of extravagance,however, is to be found in the resort’s Iridium spa, where guests can unwind in a heated, gold-tiled pool.

22 Jiangsu Rd.; 86-891/680-8888; stregis.com; doubles from US$597

IndIa

samode safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park

situated at the edge of madhya pradesh’s bandhavgarh national park, this lodge is the latest creation from the samode family, whose properties include the majestic samode palace outside jaipur.a dozen rammed-earth villas are furnished with persian carpets, four-poster beds, murals by localgond artists, and big balconies overlooking the adjacent scrub where birds, deer, and sometimes eventigers can be spotted. there is a pool with shaded pavilions for lazy afternoons, and a dining terracewhere champagne breakfasts are served under an enormous mahua tree. borrow the resort’s mountainbikes for a ride through the nearby villages, or book a jeep safari into the 450-square-kilometer nationalpark. samode’s guides access the reserve via its remote kothi gate; if you’re lucky, you may not seeanother tourist all day.

Bandhavgarh; 91-141/263-2370; samode.com; doubles from US$882

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Hotel icon, Hong Kong

this sleek tower in the formertriad territory of East tsim sha tsui was a governmentdormitory before an all-starcast of architects and designersreinvented it as a 262-roomfive-star hotel and hospitalityschool for hong kong polytechnic University. roccoyim was responsible for thebuilding’s shell, william Limcrafted the interiors, terenceconran oversaw the look of therestaurants (which include a28th-floor cantonese diningroom), and fashion doyenne vivienne tan pieced togetherthe premier suite. the soaringglass atrium is the first “wow”feature to greet guests; thespace includes an18-meter-highvertical garden patterned withlocal plants. only a block fromvictoria harbour, most roomshave views of hong kongIsland, as well as all the requisite mod cons, includingespresso machines and freeminibars. and don’t think theIcon’s double life as a hospitalityschool means trainee-levelservice: with almost three paidstaff to every two guests, service is unfailingly efficientand chirpy.

17 Science Museum Rd., EastTsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; 852/3400-1688; hotel-icon.com; doubles from US$226

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LUXELIST2O11

naTuRaL oRdERa Gond mural in the bathroomof a Samode Safari Lodge villa,right. below: bungalows atmaitai Lapita Village. Opposite,from top: The reception desk atHotel Icon; St. regis Lhasa.

frEnch poLynEsIa

Maitai Lapita Village,Huahine, Tahiti

It’s only a 25-minute flightform bora bora, but arriving athuahine, easternmost of theLeeward Islands, is like steppingback in time. graciously overlooked by the hordes ofhoneymooners who flock toother tahitian landfalls,huahine has retained its “island”character, which is why themaitai hotel chain chose it forthe site of tahiti’s first brand-new resort in years. set on threehectares of beachfront land, theLapita features 32 voluminous,smartly appointed bungalowsarranged around a lily-paddedlake. It also capitalizes onhuahine’s rich archeologicalheritage to offer a culturalexperience akin to a livingmuseum. the bar is shaped likeone of the many whalebonefishhooks unearthed on theisland; the bungalows are basedon traditional designs and peppered with tribal art; and agallery in the foyer displaysclay, stone, and wood artifacts.

689/688-080; maitaihuahine.evosuite.com; doubles from US$330

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UnItEd arab EmIratEs

one&only The palm,Dubai

It’s been a bumpy start for palm jumeirah, the man-madearchipelago that opened withgreat fanfare off dubai’s coastline in 2006, only to stallamid the emirate’s economicdownturn. but the debut of theone&only the palm—thedevelopment’s first resort sincethe 2008 opening of theatlantis—signals better timesahead. choose to arrive by landin a limousine, or by sea in yourown private water taxi. thelow-rise property, designed lesslike a hotel than a compoundbuilt for moorish royalty, features secluded rooms that arelocated in a re-created residentialenvironment of “mansions,” athree-story “manor house,” andfour beachfront villas. still, nomatter how chilled the vibe, theone&only maintains a measureof dubai flash: the couple’s spasuite is a seven-room oasis complete with private hammam.round out the day watching thesun set over the dubai skylineat one of three waterfrontrestaurants, whose menus havebeen designed by michelin-starred chef yannick alléno.

971-4/440-1010; oneandonlyresorts.com; doubles from US$966

IndIa

Taj Falaknuma palace,Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

once the residence of the sixth nizam of hyderabad,falaknuma palace is an extravagant medley of 19th-century European design, withrenaissance, art deco, andbaroque elements woven in. seton a stony knoll overlookinghyderabad, the sprawlingwhite palace was derelict andfalling apart before undergoinga meticulous decade-longrestoration at the hands ofIndia’s taj hotel group. guestsnow arrive by horse-drawn carriage, sleep in one of 60period-furnished guest rooms,and in the evenings, watchtribal dances on the elaboratelycanopied gole terrace. but thereal star of the show here is theornate main palace building,which guests are free to use astheir private living quarters,taking high tea in the jaderoom—a dazzling sweep ofgeometric parquet floors andlime-green walls—or flippingthrough antiquarian books inthe carved-walnut library. ask to sit in king george v’sfavorite chair—the britishmonarch was one of many royals who bunked here infalaknuma’s heyday.

Engine Bowli; 91-40/6629-8585; tajhotels.com; doubles fromUS$765

Laos

Kiridara, Luang Prabang

world heritage–listed Luang prabang is anythingbut frenzied, yet this 24-room hillside retreat justoutside town nonetheless feels like a refuge. finished in stone and polished wood, the spaciousguest quarters open onto balconies or private gardens that look out to the city’s most famousbuddhist site, mount phou si. though the staff lackexperience, they compensate for that with genuine,heartfelt effort and dedication. good western andLao fare is available at kiridara’s sole restaurant,while the infinity pool above makes an ideal perchfor sipping lychee martinis. farther up the hill is aspa where expertly trained therapists performlocally inspired treatments like the nuat bouhan,which combines traditional Lao massage with thaistretching, shiatsu, and acupressure. Even better, all sessions begin with 15 blissful minutes in a teak-clad steam room infused with organic herbs likelemongrass and eucalyptus.

22/13 North Rd., Ban Naviengkham; 856-71/261-888; kiridara.com;

doubles from US$120

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GRand dEsiGnsa beach villa at the One&OnlyThe Palm, left. below: Poolsideat Luang Prabang’s Kiridara.Opposite: a horse-drawn carriage at Taj Falaknuma Palacerecalls the property’s nizam-era glory days.

sIngaporE

Hotel Fort Canning

since hotel fort canning debuted on the grounds of the historic fort canning park, just fiveminutes by taxi from orchard road and the financial district, it has been possible to bed down inlush tropical surrounds without stepping out of the city. housed in a 1920s building that onceserved as offices of the british far East command, hotel fort canning has been carefullyrestored over a three-year period to the grandeur of a colonial mansion, with much of the originalarchitecture—including the colonnaded facade—kept intact. all 86 neutral-toned guest roomssport lofty ceilings, spacious marble-clad bathrooms, 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets,and silk-swathed headboards. the ground-floor rooms come with private patios and outdoordaybeds; but for views of fort canning’s foliage, book a park-facing room on the upper floors. theguest lounge serves complimentary nespresso coffee and twg teas throughout the day, with afree flow of wines thrown in at dusk. for dinner, don’t miss the “sicilian sashimi” at gattopardo.

11 Canning Walk; 65/6559-6770; hfcsingapore.com; doubles from US$255

thaILand

W Retreat Koh samui, Koh Samui

a fortress of black slate withsunken lounges and a sky-blueinfinity pool, w hotels’ first thaioutpost is an arresting sight. Evenso, what wows most guests whenthey arrive in the lobby is not thecool design features, but the view.perched on a hilltop at the quietend of bophut beach, the resortboasts vistas that stretch as far asneighboring koh phangan. mostof the 75 pool villas here arearranged in a grid beachside or on the hill; book an ocean viewEscape for the best outlook.bangkok-based design firm p49fashioned the interiors using tonesof charcoal and red, with beanbagchairs, glittery cushions, egg-shaped baths, and plunge pools.sip, the beachside bar, is anotherhighlight, as much for its cocktailsand party vibe as for its sea views,which can also be savored at thejapanese-inspired restaurant next door.

4/1 Moo 1, Tambol Maenam; 86-77/915-999;starwoodhotels.com; doubles from US$554

maLaysIa

Muntri Mews, GeorgeTown, Penang

penang-born hotelier christopher ong’s third hotelstarted life in the 19th centuryas a stables and coach house forcarriages serving georgetown’s wealthy chinese families, many of whom residedon muntri street. the two-story clapboard building wasbrought back to life with acream-and-charcoal exteriorand nine simple (and well-priced) whitewashed suites finished with four-poster beds,art deco accents, and quirkydetails like tea trays from 1960spenang. In keeping with ong’spush to cut plastics from hishotels, there are no minibars orbottled water in the rooms,though flasks of purified waterare supplied. a roadside caféserves local street-food dishessuch as rich beef rendang and creamy lemak laksa. the afternoon tea service is also atreat, featuring home-cookedperanakan desserts presentedon antique crockery. try thepulut inti, made from steamedblue pea flower and glutinousrice, or the kuih ketayap (pandan-flavored crepes).

77 Muntri St.; 60-4/263-5125;muntrimews.com; doubles fromUS$95

vIEtnam

an Lam ninh Van bay Villas, Nha Trang

nestled against thickly forested slopes on a crescent of golden sand, this 35-villa getaway lets you play castaway without sacrificing an iota of comfort.beachfront and lagoon-facing villas have uninterrupted views over ninh vanbay, while the deliciously cloistered three-story hill rock villas—set at ahigher elevation—enjoy ocean vistas filtered through the forest canopy. roomsare decorated in a modern vietnamese style and packed with high-tech goodies;they also come with outdoor bathtubs, plunge pools, and butlers. wine tastingsare held on specially built platforms in the treetops, accessible by spiral staircaseor rope bridge. Even the spa capitalizes on the robinson crusoe setting—it’slocated in a forest clearing, above the swirling eddies of a fresh-water stream.

Hon Heo Peninsula; 84-583/624-777; epikurean.ws; villas from US$360cH

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The

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sTiLL WaTERsThe lagoon at an Lam ninh Van

bay Villas. Top right: a room at muntri mews. Opposite:

W retreat Koh Samui’s KitchenTable restaurant; the colonial-era

facade of Hotel Fort canning.

maLdIvEs

anantara KihavahVillas, Ba’a Atoll

the six-course seasonal degustation menu at sea getshigh marks, but it’s the restaurant’s location, underwater at the edge of the fish-filled house reef, that makes it adining experience not to bemissed at this 78-villa hideaway.occupying a beach-ringed islein the ba’a atoll, 35 minutes byseaplane from male’s interna-tional airport, anantara kihavahis also just a short sail from theUnEsco-protected lagoon ofhanifaru bay, where manta rayscongregate by the hundreds.take inspiration from the kaleidoscopic marine life atdaily painting classes with theresort’s artist in residence, andwatch more fish swim by underthe glass floors of the overwaterspa, where thai and balinesetherapists deliver exceptionaltreatments. the resort’s over-water pool villas provide instantaccess to the Indian ocean andexpansive decks for sunning oryoga, but for those who love tofeel the sand between their toesor who are traveling with smallchildren, the beach villas, alsowith their own swimmingpools, are a better option.

Kihavah Huravalhi Island;960/660-1020; anantara.com;doubles from US$1,350

The Luxe List continues on page 133

japan

Hotel Kanra, Kyoto

the japanese have a word for it: shibui. It refers to arestrained, timeless quality of beauty, or, as is thecase at this 29-room inn, just the right amount ofcool. an eight-minute walk from kyoto station,hotel kanra is already a hit with design-mindedhipsters on the lookout for a chic downtown pied-à-terre that leaves your bank balance as well asyour street cred intact. Expect a clever hybrid oftraditional ryokan elements—sliding paper screens, tatami and stone flooring—and high-techfunctionality with ipod-friendly sound systems,ambient lighting, and ingenious storage systemsthat utilize every inch of space. a dozen deluxerooms, modeled after the elongated kyoto town-houses known as unagi no nedoko (“eel’s nest”), feelspacious despite the narrow layout, and their cedarsoaking tubs are a godsend after a weary day ofsightseeing. the kanra suite goes one step furtherwith its own sunset-facing outdoor rotenburo bath.

185 Kitamachi, Karasuma-dori Rokujo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku;

81-75/344-3815; hotelkanra.jp; doubles from US$300

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The

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MaKinG an EnTRanCEcolor-changing light panels seta modern mood in the lobby ofHotel Kanra, right. bottom: Themain beach at anantara KihavahVillas. Opposite: a teak-paneledbedroom at ThanyamundraOrganic resort.

thaILand

Thanyamundra organicResort, Khao Sok

the hoots of lar gibbons serveas your wakeup call at this boutique retreat, located twohours north of phuket at theedge of khao sok nationalpark. thanyamundra canarrange guided treks throughthe nearby rain forest—it’samong the world’s oldest—ormore sedate activities, such as morning tours of southernthailand’s only certifiedorganic farm, led by a charismatic, multilingual gardener who’s proud to showoff his fruit trees and neatlyplanted rows of aromatic thaiand Italian basil, dill, coriander,snake beans, rocket lettuce, andmorning glory. alternatively,join one of the resort’s relaxedcooking classes, conducted over glasses of biodynamicwine in a shiny show kitchen.there are only nine rooms andsuites here, housed in a pair of contemporary, thai-inspiredvillas and filled with antiques,silk accents, and modernamenities. perhaps just as compelling is the 50-meter-long hilltop infinity pool or, forthose looking to workout onnature’s doorstep, the jungle-facing gym. thanyamundraalso has its holistic side, hosting regularly scheduledweekend retreats led by legendary Ironman jürgenzäck and former amanresortsyogi kimberly roberts.

66-76/336-000; thanyamundra.com; doubles from US$150

154— DESTINASIAN.com — december 2011/january 2012

chIna

Four seasons Hotel Hangzhou

at West Lake , Hangzhou

set right on the shores of the willow-fringedwest Lake, and a mere hop, skip, and jumpfrom hangzhou’s famous attractions, fourseasons hangzhou epitomizes the charm ofthe classic chinese city that enchantedemperors and artists for centuries. Imaginebeing a part of a chinese watercolor painting as you wander the manicured bonsai gardens, traditional rockeries, andsun-dappled pagodas, against the mist-laced backdrop of the lake. relax in one ofthe 78 spacious, wood-paneled guest rooms—each serviced by a personal butler—thatopen to a terrace conservatory with vistasof waterfalls and forested glades. for ahigh-class dining experience, head to jinsha, which specializes in chinese cuisine,and features 11 comfortable pavilions surrounding a garden lagoon, or spoil yourself with a jade spring ritual at theimperial-style spa, which involves a soak ina golden mosaic tub containing 60,000hangzhou dragon well tea leaves (5 Lingyin Lu; 86-571/8829-8888; four

seasons.com; doubles from US$394).

Hotel indigo shanghai on the bund,Shanghai Located at shiliupu dock, this south bundhotel’s river-themed art and design emphasizes the importance of the docksidein the history of shanghai’s development.rising 30 floors above the huangpu river’swest bank, asia’s first hotel Indigo offerssweeping skyline views, eclectic art installations and outsized photos of bundarea street scenes. the 184 whitewashedrooms feature wall murals of chinese pavilions, hanging lanterns, dragon-motifrugs, and blue-and-white mosaic-tiled bathrooms. organic bayankaLa toiletriesand tea leaves sourced from hangzhou addneat local touches. continuing the dock

theme, Quay club lounge on the sixth flooroffers a library, comfy couches, imacs, andcafé refreshments, while the char bar andgrill on the 29th and 30th floors evokes theglamor of old shanghai. standing on thehotel’s high-rise river terrace after dark isto witness a visual compression of the city’spast, present, and future (585 Zhongshan

Dong Er Lu; 86-21/3302-9999; shanghai

.hotelindigo.com; doubles from US$186).

pullman Lijiang Resort & spa , Lijiang

high in the mountains of yunnan province,pullman Lijiang resort & spa takes cuesfrom local naxi villages, with wing-tippedroofs, meandering courtyards, and reflectionpools set against the moody majesty of jadedragon snow mountain. behind high, graybrick walls, the 79 sprawling villas up theluxe factor with mod-chinese furnishings,huge granite bathrooms with cozy heatedfloors, and comfy living and study quartersseparated by carved wooden screens. glass doors slide open to a private stone courtyard where you can enjoy a meal prepared by one of the hotel’s chefs, or a dipin a hot tub overlooking the glacier-cappedmountain peaks by day and the endlessgalaxy of stars at night. take a rickety cablecar to the 4,608-meter summit of jadedragon snow mountain, explore thenearby world heritage–listed old towns ofLijiang, or venture farther afield to tigerLeaping gorge. afterward, bliss out in thedelightful mandara spa, set in its ownwalled pavilions, with treatments usingyunnan coffee beans, ginseng, yak milk, andlavender gathered from the surroundingmountains (Shuhe Old Town Entrance Rd.;

86-888/530-0111; pullman-lijiang.com;

doubles from US$260).

Renaissance sanya Resort & spa,Hainan fronting the 17-kilometer-long vanillasand crescent of haitang bay, the renaissance sanya is one of the first deluxehotels to open on the forested mid-eastcoast of china’s hainan Island. the one-hour transfer from sanya phoenixInternational airport is quickly forgottenas you motor past a cascading waterfall andfire torches leading to the hotel’s cavernous14-meter-high lobby. from here, the openvista overlooks serpentine lagoon pools (illuminated at night by underwater LEdfairy lights), lush tropical gardens, andsome of the south china sea’s best dive

spots. the minimal-chic guest rooms startat a roomy 58 square meters and step out tospacious oceanfront balconies. but with somuch entertainment on offer within theresort, you might be forgiven for not spending much time in your quarters. fromthe seven restaurants and bars (including aseaside seafood pavilion and an English pub with karaoke rooms) to a gamingarcade with its own 10-pin bowling alley,cinema, wii console, and snooker table, therenaissance has something to suit everyage and taste (1 Yezhou Rd., Haitang Bay,

Sanya; 86-898/3885-8888; marriott.com;

doubles from US$220).

Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, Hong Kongrising to a dizzying 490 meters above thewest kowloon waterfront, the world’shighest hotel occupies the top 17 floors ofthe International commerce centre, itselfthe world’s fourth tallest building. all 312rooms and suites provide vertiginous views of victoria harbor or the kowloonpeninsula, along with goose-down duvets,leather headboards, lacewood paneling, and onyx sinks. the hotel’s 102nd-floor restaurant level, crafted by tokyo’s spindesign studio to such dazzling effect thatthe decor competes with the panorama filling the double-height windows, includestop-notch cantonese and Italian diningrooms; 14 floors up, the ambience is considerably more sedate at the hotel’s mineral-toned Espa spa. crowning it all isozone, a sleek rooftop bar where cocktailsare sipped to mind-blowing vistas—providing the tower isn’t enveloped in clouds(1 Austin Rd. West, Kowloon; 852/2263-

2263; ritzcarlton.com; doubles from US$772).

Waldorf astoria shanghai on the

bund , Shanghai

built in 1911 on the bund waterfront, thegentlemen-only shanghai club was themost exclusive private club in the city’s“pearl of the orient” heyday. a century later,asia’s first waldorf astoria has updated thisneo-classic beauty for travelers with a tastefor old-world charm. styled with updatedvintage glamor, the towering white marblecolumns, spiral staircase, and oak-paneledlounges have been faithfully restored. the20 heritage suites boast canopied beds andsuperlative river views (the best is fromroom 304). peacock alley, a two-storypromenade of deluxe dining and lounging,

2011 LUXE LISTcOnTInued FrOm PG. 89

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inspired by the original waldorf-astoria innew york, connects the old building withthe new tower at the back. more alluringstill is the legendary Long bar, meticulouslyrestored with jacobean wooden walls, sepia-tinged portraits, dark leather sofas, and areplica of the famed 24-meter marble bar(plus a new oyster counter). a stiff drinkhere remains a shanghai rite of passage (2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu; 86-21/6322-9988;

waldorfastoria.com; doubles from US$315).

IndIa

devi Ratn, Jaipur fusing the opulence of India’s heritagehotels with a sophisticated, contemporaryaesthetic, this boutique gem outside jaipuris the latest venture by mother-and-sonteam Lekha and anupam poddar, who alsooversaw the restoration of Udaipur’s devigarh palace. this time starting from scratch,the duo drew inspiration from rajasthan’shistory as a center of gemstone cutting, andfrom the nearby 18th-century observatoryof jantar mantar. jewel-toned rooms, intricate inlays and latticework, and strikingarched and domed red sandstone structuresare a nod to local heritage. Luxe featuressuch as the terrazzo floors and black river-stone bathrooms wouldn’t be out of place inthe region’s most sophisticated cities. a spaby L’occitane offers both mediterraneantreatments and bespoke therapies usinglocal ingredients, and adds some decidedlycosmopolitan allure (91-141/305-0211;

deviresorts.in; doubles from US$585).

Leela palace new delhi, New Delhi a confection of neoclassical and mughalelements inspired by the grand architectureof Lutyens’ delhi, the Leela palace makes iteasy for guests to feel like royalty. thesumptuous interiors feature gold-leafeddomes, Italian chandeliers, and hand-wovencarpets, as well as an extensive collection ofIndian and international art. Equipped withthe latest technology, the hotel’s 260 roomsand suites are billed as some of the largestin the city; they’re certainly among themost well appointed. come mealtime, youhave a choice of four venues, includingjamavar, the hotel’s signature Indian diningroom, and a branch of new york’s Le cirquerestaurant. rounding out the picture arethe clubby Library bar and a beautifullydesigned Espa spa where demure therapists

offer a host of ayurvedic-inspired treatments (Chanakyapuri; 91-11/3933-

1234; theleela.com; rates from US$475).

Rasa, Jaipurcamping doesn’t mean roughing it at rasajaipur, a futuristic collection of 40 cubicalglass-and-canvas tents arrayed against abackdrop of rugged hills and the meandering wall of the historic amer fort.designed with the same finesse as sisterproperties devi ratn and devi garh, the46-square-meter tents are decorated in anearthy palette of brown stone, wood, andleather, and come complete with both heating and air conditioning, wi-fi, satellitetelevision, en suite bathrooms with deep

sunken tubs, and private gardens and pavilions. pass your days enjoying a widerange of activities including mountain biking, kite-flying, or trekking and birdwatching in the nearby nature reserve—before relaxing in your outdoor seatingarea, where you can dine on Indian andfusion cuisine prepared with ingredientsfrom the resort’s organic gardens, whilewatching the walls of the fort turn goldenin the setting sun (91-141/305-7211;

rasaresorts.in; doubles from US$340).

saratha Vilas, Chettinadbuilt in 1905 by a wealthy merchant,saratha vilas is one of several chettinadmansions that have recently been restoredand converted into hotels. known as the

moneylenders to the british raj, the chettiars of chettinad made their fortunesferrying hardwood, gemstones, and lacquerware between southeast asia andsouthern India, and used the profits to buildspectacular mansions across the arid farming land of central tamil nadu. builtin hindu-tamil and Italianate architecturestyles, with burmese teak, belgian glassand japanese tile work throughout, thisstately mansion was home to birds andmonkeys before french architects bernarddragon and michel adment began a five-year restoration program. Upon arrival,guests are greeted in the grand receptionhall, beyond which lies the main courtyard.from here, the carved wooden doors andblack marble floors lead to 12 simple butstylishly dressed guest rooms, each withantique art pieces and the architects’ ownfurniture designs; book the victorian suiteto sleep in the finely carved mahogany bed(832 Main Rd., Kothamangalam, Karaikudi,

Tamil Nadu; 91-98/8493-6158; sarathavilas

.com; doubles from US$110).

The oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi situated amid 3.5 hectares of gardens inupmarket gurgaon, this minimalist glass-and-steel oasis marks a departure from theclassic feel of many other oberoi properties.the hotel’s 202 spacious guest rooms(starting at 57 square meters) and suitesabound in natural light, with floor-to-ceilingwindows overlooking azure reflection poolsand surrounding greenery. the design philosophy of height, light, and space iscomplemented by the rooms’ minimalistchic—mother-of-pearl inlays, teak wallpanels, bold throw rugs—and a host ofhigh-tech gadgetry. while the top threesuites boast full-size private pools, allrooms come with the services of a personalbutler trained by a former retainer of thedutch royal family. the property also offersa 24-hour spa, an olympic-size swimmingpool, a retail arcade, and a fleet of rolls-royces and bmws that will take the edgeoff the 30-minute ride into downtown delhi(443 Udyog Vihar, Gurgaon; 91-124/245-

1234; oberoihotels.com; doubles from US$710).

IndonEsIa

W Retreat & spa bali - seminyak, Bali the second w retreat to open in southeastasia (after koh samui) resides in the

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2011 LUXE LIST

Lobby at devi ratn

devi ratn’s strikingreception area.

hopping petitenget area of seminyak, withineasy reach of some of bali’s best restaurantsand beach clubs. designed with a sleek, flirtatious aesthetic that barely glances attraditional balinese motifs, the resort isawash in cheeky details like an illuminatedresin lobby bar and a spa equipped with a24-hour detox lounge. the pool villas outback are plush and private, but for Indianocean views you’ll want to stay in the mainbuilding, where the top rooms come withskylights. and if the young staff works a little too hard at being cool, there’s nothingto detract from a meal at the hotel’s beachside restaurant starfish bloo, wherecalifornia chef jack yoss turns out niftysashimi appetizers and crispy thai-stylepork ribs (Jl. Petitenget; 62-361/473-8106;

starwoodhotels.com; doubles from US$300).

japan

Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Tokyo rising from the ashes of japan’s first chainhotel, which closed its doors in 2006 after43 years of operation, capitol hotel tokyuembodies the synergy of classic and contemporary japanese elements. thestriking 29-story lattice-inspired tower,designed by architect kengo kuma, boasts247 rooms with panoramic views of the cityskyline from the building’s top 12 floors;four suites on the fifth floor overlook thegreenery surrounding the 500-year-old hie shrine. all guest quarters feature sliding shoji screens, which enhances thesense of space, while the subdued tones ofblond wood and pearly-gray fabrics addtransparency and lightness to the decor. ahost of mod cons, meanwhile, keeps therooms firmly rooted in the present. thefour restaurants here include suiren, whichserves teppanyaki and kaiseki amid views ofthe hotel’s gardens, and origami, an all-dayaffair that guests might remember withnostalgia from the tokyu’s earlier incarnation (2-10-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku;

81-3/3503-0109; capitol.tokyuhotels.com;

doubles from US$377).

st. Regis osaka, Osaka the good citizens of osaka are famed fortheir entrepreneurial nous, their eye for abargain, and their willingness to blow theirhard-earned fortunes on the better thingsin life, namely food, drink, and having agood time. thus it was always something of

a mystery that honmachi, the city’s mercantile epicenter, lacked a top-end hoteltruly worthy of the name. Enter the st.regis, a towering temple to all things luxurious and cool. Located on the 11th to27th floors of the honmachi garden citycomplex, facing midosuji avenue—theself-styled champs-Élysées of osaka—theproperty has been the talk of the town sinceits october debut. stroll in the zen-inspiredsekitei stone garden that hovers 12 floorsabove the city streets; enjoy a wasabi andyuzu–spiked shogun bloody mary in thestately st. regis bar; chow down on top-notch northern Italian cuisine in La veduta restaurant, or simply kick back andrelax in one of the 160 art-filled, modishly

elegant rooms. the 24-hour butler serviceensures your every need will be met, andthe night views, especially from the royalsuite’s elegant designer bath, are simplybreathtaking (3-6-12 Honmachi, Chuo-ku;

81-6/6258-3333; starwoodhotels.com; doubles

from US$900).

maLdIvEs

six senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll there is nothing like counting the dolphinsthat swim along hithadhoo kandu, a naturalwaterway for bottlenose and spinners thatpasses in front of Longitude, one of sixeateries at the only resort in Laamu atoll.dine over water at the six glass tables ofdeck-a-dence or at the chili table inside

Leaf, set among the property’s organic gardens, and be sure to try the maldives’first zero-carbon menu of entirely local farelike grilled reef fish over a fire of coconutshells with maldivian spices, coriander, andlime. Located on the privately owned olhuveli Island in Laamu atoll, six sensesoffers azure waters and unspoiled white-sand beaches. the resort’s eco-friendly, unvarnished 97 wooden villas come with allthe mod cons, including big flat-screentvs, ipod docks, and bose entertainmentsystems. already a favorite among serioussurfers thanks to its proximity to yin yang,a popular maldivian break, six senses’third maldives outpost offers other perksincluding a mixologist who grows her owningredients (Olhuveli Island; 960/680-0800;

sixsenses.com; doubles from US$590).

taIwan

W Taipei, Taipei Leave it to w hotels to shake up taipei’ssomewhat staid five-star scene. Ideallylocated in the heart of the buzzing Xinyidistrict, the w delivers the brand’s trademark blend of chic and cheek in everything from its young, engaging staffand quirky design elements (a giant chromechain stands sentry at the entrance) to 405rooms and suites that marry cutting-edgetechnology and white corian surfaces witha natural palette of wood and stone. an outdoor pool deck and adjacent bar provideone of the city’s sexiest perches, while thepièce de résistance of dining options is yen,where a nouvelle cantonese menu designedby celebrity chef jereme Leung competeswith 31st-floor views of the taiwanese capital’s pulsating skyline—including thenearby taipei 101 tower (10 Zhongxiao

East Rd. Sec. 5, Xinyi; 886-2/7703-8888;

wtaipei.com; doubles from US$492).

thaILand

Hansar bangkok, Bangkoksingaporean architecture firm woha bringsits eco-chic aesthetic to bangkok with this48-room, centrally located property whereguests are greeted by a soaring verticalgarden of 2,000 plants at the entrance. thehotel’s high-ceilinged guest rooms boastsweeping urban views, deep soak baths witharomatic bulgari amenities, and originalthai silk and beaded textiles from chiangmai–based artist kachama perez draped

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2011 LUXE LIST

Water features at the renaissance

Sanya resort.

over the plush beds. an elongated infinitypool on the eighth floor offers a cool refugefrom bangkok’s urban jungle. the poolarea is broadly visible from the hotel’s 19thfloor rooftop sky terrace, which is perfectfor weddings and parties of up to 450guests. the sumptuous french provençalmenu at Eve on the ground floor is ready toaccommodate anyone’s dietary requirements.come back for generous breakfasts of freshtropical fruit, cured meats, and homemadebaked goods, best enjoyed on the outdoorterrace before bangkok’s midday heat (3 Soi Mahadlekluang 2, Rajdamri Rd.; 66-2/

2209-1234; hansarbangkok.com; doubles from

US$350).

Howie’s Homestay, Chiang Maiamerican howard feldman and his thaiwife jerri so enjoyed hosting vIp dinners intheir lush, landscaped gardens for guests ofthe neighboring four seasons resort chiang mai that they decided to convertone wing of their bill bensley–designed,thai-burmese dream home—featured inArchitectural Digest—into a high-end, one-suite homestay. the high-ceilinged teakpavilion features 500-thread-count sheetsand a comfy, pillow-top bed. floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a private gardenboasting fishponds and fountains plus anoutdoor bathroom with a sunken bath.guests are in good hands off the propertyas well, with howard and jerri more thanhappy to show them their favorite antiquedealers and roadside dives. other perks ofthe all-inclusive package feature daily massages, round-the-clock car and driver,laundry, minibar, and elephant rides (75/1

Moo 1, Ban Mai Mae Ram; 66-81/882-8345;

howieshomestay.com; doubles from US$800).

st. Regis bangkok, Bangkokoverlooking the royal thai sports club—a rare patch of greenery in bangkok’s urbanjungle—the 227 elegantly appointed roomshere boast prime views, including a bird’s-eye view of the sunday horse races. but thereal highlight is the butler service: smartlysuited assistants are on hand for everythingfrom unpacking your bags to repairing abroken zip. they can also arrange a lavishprivate breakfast, which includes caviarwith poached eggs, mascarpone frenchtoast, champagne and a spicy bloody mary.If you prefer your drinks in the evening,

head to the st. regis bar, where at 6:45 p.m.each evening a sword-wielding butlersabers open a bottle of champagne (159

Rajadamri Rd.; 66-2/207-7777; stregis.com;

doubles from US$275).

vIEtnam

Fusion Maia da nang, Danang with a concept that combines healthy livingand personal indulgence, every aspect ofthis resort has been designed to help guestsmaximize their sensory experience. thespa is vietnam’s largest, and all treatments—based on natural living practices—areincluded in the room rate. the fengshui–inspired architecture of the resort,modeled on hue’s forbidden purple city,

promotes the flow of energy and an airy,zen-like ambience from the elevated welcome area down to the white, sandystretch of my khe beach (formerly knownas china beach). Each of the minimalist 80villas boasts a terrazzo tub and a privateplunge pool set within a red-walled leafygreen garden. the four two-bedroom spavillas incorporate a 13-square-meterplunge pool, while the two three-bedroomfusion beach villas are fronted by a 70-square-meter private lap pool overlookingthe south china sea. the hotel’s restaurantstrade on fresh, tasty pan-asian fusion cuisine, and there’s no need to set your alarm —breakfast is served all day (Truong

Sa St., Khue My, Ngu Hanh Son; 84-511/

396-7999; fusionmaiadanang.com; doubles

from US$330).

Hotel de l’opera, Hanoiset near the scenic shores of hoan kiemLake and a short stroll from the streets ofthe old Quarter, this mgallery-brandedhotel is hanoi’s most ostentatious contemporary accommodation. the designof the 107 rooms borders on the theatrical:rich purple mottled walls, heavy silk drapes,and rich wooden parquet flooring provide acounterpoint to golden gilded mirrors andflamboyant crushed-pink velvet furnishings.Elegantly sensual, satine is the hotel’sgourmet restaurant, serving mediterranean-inspired haute cuisine complemented by awell-edited wine list. the drinking ritualsat the fée verte bar revolve around importedabsinthe (29 Trang Tien St.; 84-4/6282-

5555; mgallery.com; doubles from US$128).

six senses Con dao, Con Daothe first luxury resort on one of the 16emerald jungle-covered islands off of thesleepy southeast coast of vietnam features50 sea-facing wooden villas with decks,loungers, and infinity pools. Inside, pillowybeds confer panoramic views of the surrounding islands and rocky outcrops,and the polished concrete bathtub is roomyenough for two. the spa is a must, especiallythe three-and-a-half-hour vietnam journey,which incorporates a body polish of yogurtand indigenous hat bang almonds, a honey-and-white-clay mask, a stretching massage,and a traditional herbal hair wash. thehotel’s local delicacies include miss Lan’ssummer rolls stuffed with fresh shrimp andorganic vegetables from the surroundinggardens. Learn how to make your own bytaking the local market tour that ends with deep bowls of pho noodle soup andvietnamese coffee, or explore the neighboring islands in con dao’s protectedmarine reserve by speedboat, stopping atbai cahn Island green and hawksbill turtlesanctuary (Dat Doc Beach, 84-64/383-1222;

sixsenses.com; villas from US$685).

Reported by Cynthia Rosenfeld, Leisa Tyler,

Evelyn Chen, David Tse, Gemma Price, Chris

Kirkpatrick, Angela Shah, John Ashburne,

Amy Fabris-Shi, Isabel Esterman, Christopher

Hill; Jason Overdorf, and Ian Lloyd Neubauer.

2011 LUXE LIST

The lobby atHansar bangkok.

138— DESTINASIAN.com — december 2011/january 2012