We don’t know about you, but when we plan ourvacays, we avoid your run-of-the-mill mega-hotels like the plague. After all, why stay in a bustling spot with cookie-cutter rooms when you can opt for a unique boutique hotel with intimate vibes and artsy design and decor? Lately we’ve been hearing about some truly inspiring boutique properties opening up aroundSoutheast Asia, so we put together a list of places that we’re dying to book into for our next holiday. If you’re into small spots that exude class and charm, then you’ll love these beautiful new boutique hotels.
Azerai – Can Tho, Vietnam
Picture this: you wake up on a lush riverine island and start the day with a Vietnamese coffee on your sun-dappled terrace before setting off to explore floating markets, hidden pagodas, and bustling riverside towns. At the end of the day you return for a dip in the infinity pool, a divine meal of fresh local cuisine, and some blissful R&R. Welcome to the Azerai, a chic boutique resort on its own private islet. Here you’ll find 60 stylish rooms with river, lake, or garden views, a beautiful mosaic-tiled cafe, breezy bar, gourmet restaurant, and spa set in the midst of the Mekong Delta.
Azerai, Can Tho, Vietnam. p. +84 292 362 7888
Six Senses Duxton – Singapore
Fancy a staycation? You could do a lot worse than the gorgeous new Six Senses Duxton in the heart of Chinatown. Designed by British luminary Anouska Hempel, the hotel sits in a row of colonial shophouses and features a striking blend of Chinese, Malay, and European elements throughout. Guests can luxuriate in light-filled rooms boasting plush beds with natural organic mattresses, indulge in modern Chinese cuisine at Yellow Pot, and join wellness programmes that incorporate traditional Chinese medicine.
Six Senses Duxton, 83 Duxton Road, Singapore 089540. p. +65 6914 1428
Hoshinoya Bali – Bali, Indonesia
Hoshinoya Resorts has opened their first resort outside of Japan in the lush green hills of Ubud, Bali, and it’s absolutely stunning. Set on the Pakerisan River, which flows from the sacred waters of the Tirta Empul spring, the 30 villas here are scattered around winding waterways and take inspiration from traditional Balinese Hindu temples and architecture. Think intricate stone and wood carvings, three canal-like pools that curve around the villas, and open-air spaces that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Hoshinoya Bali, Br. Pengembungan, Desa Pejeng Kangin Kecamatan Tampaksiring, Ubud, Bali. p. +62 (0)361 849 3080
Rosewood Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang, Laos
Perched on a wooded hilltop just outside the historic city of Luang Prabang, the Rosewood Luang Prabang offers luxe digs in a serene setting. A gently flowing river meanders between swish suites designed in the French-Indochine style with Laoatian antiques, rich wood accents, and black and white tiled floors. The villas have private pools that overlook the river and a waterfall, and the tented villas offer ‘back to nature’ ambiance with sweeping views of the treetops from high on the hillside.
Rosewood Luang Prabang, Nauea Village, Luang Prabang, Laos. +856 7121 1155
Shinta Mani Wild Private Nature Sanctuary – Bokor National Park, Cambodia
We’re huge fans of world-renowned resort designer Bill Bensley, and word has it that his latest project is set to be one of his most amazing yet. Set in a lush wildlife corridor between the Bokor and Kirirom National Parks, Shinta Mani Wild aims to combine conservation with a luxury camping experience. Think 16 gorgeous custom-built tents, a bar, restaurant, and spa all hovering above a river and waterfalls. Activities on offer include jungle explorations with rangers and boat trips along winding estuaries. Keep an eye out for the grand opening at the end of the year.
Shinta Mani Wild Private Nature Sanctuary, Bokor National Park, Cambodia. p. +855 63 964 123
Sunset Coast Samui Resort & Villas – Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui may be known as a bustling tourist magnet, but the new Sunset Coast Samui Resort & Villas by AVANI offers a pocket of peacefulness far from the crowds. Located on secluded Pang Kha Bay, the resort features a mix of stylish rooms and private pool villas, some just steps from the beach. Also on site is a ocean-facing infinity pool, a designer deli, and a soothing spa where you can indulge in traditional Thai treatments. Even better, come December there will also be a second infinity pool and beachfront restaurant to enjoy.
Sunset Coast Samui Resort & Villas, 53/5 Moo 4, Phang Ka, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand. +66 (0)77 485 299
