7 Dream Asia Vacations

Shangri-La China World Summit Wing, China

Shangri-La China World Summit Wing is housed inside the iconic China World Tower, a shimmering token of the country’s starring role on the world stage. Guests rub shoulders with the Middle Kingdom’s business elite at this hotel, housed on floors 64 to 77 of the tower. CHI, the city’s loftiest spa provides a full slate of relaxing treatments as one gazes out over the cityscape below, while afterwards one can retreat to the aptly named Atmosphere Bar, or sample some classic dishes at Grill 79.

Keemala Hotel, Thailand

Far off the usual track of the tourist beat in Phuket is Keemala. In a rainforest overlooking the serene Andaman Sea, this dreamy resort boasts a roster of pool villas, each of which is shaded from the tropical sun by the rainforest canopy. Keemala aims to leave guests feeling reinvigorated, and this is achieved with a program of yoga, pilates and meditation. Those of a more active hue can indulge in circuit training, Thai boxing or a series of running trails.

St. Regis Osaka, Japan

Osaka is at once a center for business and spirituality, and this juxtaposition is clearly apparent at The St. Regis Osaka. Here, intricate rock ponds can be found alongside world-class business facilities, while St. Regis Butlers cater to the whims of all guests, no matter which of the 160 accommodations they inhabit. There’s a distinctly international flavor to the dining experience at The St. Regis Osaka, with two in-hotel eateries serving up Italian and French dishes respectively. An authentic Japanese experience can be found at The St. Regis Bar with their ample selection of sake.

Amantaka, Lao PDR

Amantaka resides in Luang Prabang, a city so generously endowed with ancient temples and Buddhist sites it was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boutique resort’s open-air French colonial building hosts an outdoor pool, terrace and just 24 airy accommodations. Days here are spent outdoors, soaking up the bountiful culture, or with a riverboat trip to Pak Ou Caves, where pilgrims have placed thousands of miniature Buddha states over hundreds of years, creating a jaw-dropping scene.

Mandarin Oriental, Macau

Macau is often compared to a slimmed down version of Las Vegas, with a strip of hotels offering guests a myriad of opportunities to gamble the night away. At Mandarin Oriental Macau, the focus is instead on guests leaving renewed and refreshed, and the spa offering constitutes a massive part of this effort. Each of the 213 spacious rooms offer a view over the South China Sea, strip or the Macau Space Needle. Take five and savor the neon playground below from the perch of the outdoor infinity pool.

The Ritz-Carlton Bali, Indonesia

Settle into a prime piece of beachfront real estate at The Ritz Carlton, Bali – a luxury resort overlooking the Indian Ocean in Nusa Dua. In this stunning corner of Bali, the sea is calm, the sands are sparkling white and the atmosphere is all serenity. There are 313 accommodations sprinkled throughout the resort, each offering a glimpse of one stunning view or another. Looking for a little extra exclusivity? Take to one of 10 opulent cliff-side villas. Amenities include six dining outlets, beachfront pool, kids’ club and large gym.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

It’s clear The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi isn’t just another resort when one’s first exposure to it comes via the scenic 45-minute seaplane arrival. This isolated tropical resort is located in the Noonu Atoll of Maldives amid white sands and exotic flora, providing an outstanding spot in which to lose oneself. This all-inclusive property pulls out all the stops for discerning visitors, with 11 dining options and a kids’ club keeping younger VIPs occupied.