From urban opulence to luxe tropicana, from Beijing to Bali to Bangkok, the past year has seen a slew of fabulous designer hotels throwing doors open and covers back all across Asia. So if you’re plumping for a chic and hot-off-the-press stay, look no further. Here’s our pick of the designer hotels to book for your next trip to Asia.
Asia bound? Don’t forget to pack your guides…
The St. Regis Hong Kong
The Rosewood Hong Kong might have hogged the spotlight with its dazzling harbourside homecoming, but the equally splendid St. Regis brings a dash of upscale Manhattan direct to Wan Chai. Designer du jour André Fu’s demure, powder-grey interiors cite the brand’s early C.20th origins while placing it firmly in Hong Kong; the gimlet-eyed will espy its feng shui along with design elements citing the city’s traditional gas lamps and shop shutters. Add in haute French and Chinese restaurants, swoony afternoon tea and handsome bar and you have a newfound sophisticat in the city.
26 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong marriott.com/hotels
Rosewood Bangkok
This glassy, architectural modernista purrs with demure sophistication. Venture inside the angular tower on Ploen Chit to discover an homage to modern Thai design; a tactile layering of neutrals is enhanced by pops of dusky blue, custom-made furniture and restrained flourishes, all backdropped by killer city views. Refuel on produce-driven plates at G & O, sample China’s greatest hits at Nan Bei, and take rooftop sips at Lennon’s, then seek salvation at Sense spa.
1041 38 Phloen Chit Rd, Bangkok rosewoodhotels.com/en/bangkok
Six Senses Duxton & Maxwell, Singapore
Shophouse sirens but a stilie’s click apart, Six Senses serves up not one, but two designer digs. Choose from Anouska Hempel’s dramatic, onyx-clad Chinoiserie at Six Senses Duxton, or Jacques Garcia’s colonial-riffing flamboyance at Maxwell. Whichever way you swing, the siblings share a petite lap pool, gym and a strong wellness offering that includes singing bowl sound meditation, TCM on tap and yoga in the park. Since opening, luminous Yellow Pot has fast become the local stylista go-to for refined Cantonese fare paired with craft sips.
83 Duxton Rd and 2 Cook St, Singapore sixsenses.com
Jetting off to Singapore? Be sure to nab your copy of the spankin’ new LUXE Singapore guide…
Capella Ubud, Bali
Bali has no shortage of top-shelf hotels, but this lush private encampment designed by Bill Bensley takes it up a notch (or few). Tucked away in the hills 20 minutes outside of Ubud, Capella evokes the European settlements of yore with 23 palatial ‘tents’ riffing on C.19th Dutch heritage and Balinese design – think, richly hued textiles, regal four posters and copper freestanding baths, plus a curated assortment of art, antiques and collectibles from the owner’s private collection. You can enter into the spirit of adventure with one of the tailor-made ranger tours, eat the daily catch at intimate Asian BBQ Api Jiwa, or simply laze by your private saltwater pool. Camping has never been quite so glam.
Jl. RY Dalem, Keliki, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali capellahotels.com/en/capella-ubud
The Shanghai Edition
Tickled with the Ian Schrager glitter stick, this era-straddling siren marries effortless luxury (think: walnut and oak, neutral hues and natural textiles with bountiful greenery) and razzle-dazzle across two towers. The staggering range of nine wine n’ dine options includes Jason Atherton’s punked-up Brit-Chinese Shanghai Tavern and discreet Japanese izakaya Hiya, Jowett Yu’s Canton Disco, plus two rooftop garden bars and the Studio 54-channelling Electric Circus. Did we mention there’s a screening room, private karaoke and six-suite spa?
199 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu, Shanghai editionhotels.com/shanghai/
The PuXuan Hotel and Spa, Beijing
Beyond its avant-garde exterior, the PuXuan raises the style bar in Beijing with its modern pared-back interiors that nod to the city’s Imperial past. Elegant, greige abodes are simply adorned with streamlined contemporary furniture and Chinese artefacts, providing gentle respite from the hustle – most have bird’s-eye views of the Forbidden City. Dine on mod Canto at Fu Chun Ju, sample ceremonial cha tastings in the Tea Room, and when all is said, done and eaten, find sweet redemption at the UR Spa. The hotel this city has been waiting for.
No.1 WangFuJing Street, Beijing thepuxuan.com
Want more? You’re insatiable! Keep eager peepers peeled for these new openings later in 2019: Four Seasons Chao Phraya and Capella – both riverside in Bangkok; Raffles Singapore emerging from its extensive nip/tuck; and former colonial-era military compound The Barracks raising the game on Sentosa in Singapore.
