South East Asia’s luxury hospitality sector is well and truly thriving. According to Statista, the hotel market in Southeast Asia is anticipated to experience another rise in its revenue this year, projected to hit $12.39bn by the end of 2024. By 2029, it could well boast a market volume of US$16.41bn by 2029.
Where once luxury holidays in Asia may have centred more around, say, Sri Lanka, Japan and Hong Kong, nowadays it’s South East Asia where many of the continent’s best resorts are found.
From tranquil beaches to lavish spas, the region offers unparalleled hospitality and culinary majesty that can transform any holiday here into a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Whether you seek serenity, adventure, exquisite cuisine or world-class service (or, you know, all of them), here’s our rundown of 15 of the very best luxury resorts in South East Asia.
*All of the below are 5 star resorts. Prices are correct for a one night-two person stay, two months in advance of the booking, as of the day of publication.*
Alma Resort – Cam Ranh, Vietnam
Situated on Vietnam’s pristine Cam Ranh Peninsula, on the nine-mile golden Long Beach, Alma Resort has garnered acclaim since its 2021 opening, named the best hotel in Southeast Asia by Travel + Leisure readers earlier this 2024.
Sprawling across 30 hectares, this resort is a paradise for both adults and children, and you’ll need a golf buggy to get across it. Families can revel in a myriad of facilities, including 12 swimming pools, a water park featuring a lazy river and a wave pool, a science museum, and a cinema tailored for young minds. Adults, meanwhile, can unwind in the expansive spa or indulge in one of 14 restaurants and bars.
Notably, the beachfront Atlantis restaurant specialises in fresh local seafood, of which the incredible grouper hotpot and grilled oysters with green chilli salt are notable highlights.
Rooms start at an eminently reasonable £99 a night.
Read: 2024’s best cruise destination, Vietnam
The Nam Hai – Hoi An, Vietnam
Sitting pretty on the outskirts of gorgeous, historic Hoi An in Vietnam’s central Quang Nam province, The Nam Hai is one of the most photogenic resorts you’ll ever come across and has rightly earned its place amongst the top luxury resorts in South East Asia. It’s gorgeous, with everywhere you look seemingly readied for a magazine shoot.
Guests can luxuriate in expansive (and, admittedly, expensive) villas that offer serene views of the East Sea. Each villa pays homage to authentic Central Vietnamese garden homes – nha vuon – with large timber frames and decorative panels.
The resort’s spa is renowned for traditional Vietnamese healing therapies, including scrub and sound healing with tuning forks, as well as face yoga, enriching the guests’ wellness journey in a way that offers a sense of place and purpose.
You’ll need to be as zen as possible to tackle the dining options at The Nam Hai, such is the paradox of choice on offer here. Choose from tapas and tiki on the beach, Vietnamese and French fusion at La Sen, Indian fine dining at Cafe Nam Hai or a luxury Japanese omakase experience at Nayuu. La Sen is the pick of the bunch for us, the inherent crossover in modern Vietnamese cuisine and French food realised to delicious effect here.
One of the key features contributing to Nam Hai’s acclaim is the resort’s cultural immersion experiences, which include historical tours around the Hoi An region, connecting guests with the rich heritage of Vietnam. The resort’s cooking classes (priced at £91 a person) for four hours, are particularly good.
Private villas start at £586 a night.
Anantara Riverside – Bangkok, Thailand
If you’re craving an escape from the fast-paced side of Bangkok, there’s no better place to unwind and unplug than the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. Perfectly positioned on the illustrious banks of the Chao Phraya River, this low-rise hotel is more than just a lavish stay; it is an experience that combines the hustle and bustle of Bangkok with the tranquillity of a riverside retreat. What more could you want?
Whilst clearly a luxury resort, the ambience remains thoroughly relaxed and unpretentious throughout, and staff deliver that classic kind of Thai hospitality that makes you feel at ease. The resort itself is spread across 11 acres of tropical gardens, providing a sense of tranquillity amidst the city’s vibrant energy. This lush green expanse includes a variety of flora, creating a picturesque setting for guests, as well as a large outdoor pool right in the thick of it. Complete with a swim-up bar, it’s pretty blissful out here.
The Anantara Riverside has more dining experiences and venues than we could possibly list here without you opening up a new tab out of boredom, including culinary cruises along the river and its very own outpost of Benihana back on dry land.
The resort also features the Firefly Bar with a Casa Del Habano cigar parlour, providing a sophisticated venue for evening relaxation. The garden terrace, with its serene views, offers another dining option for guests who prefer an al fresco experience (and, perhaps, a more sociable place to smoke those cigars!).
If that’s not enough, the resort’s sumptuous spa facility is a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, including traditional Thai massages, aromatherapy, and skincare treatments, all performed by skilled therapists using premium products.
And good news for those keen to get amongst it in one of the world’s great cities; the hotel can also organise tours of Bangkok’s very best street food spots, or trips up the river to the awe-inspiring Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Eternal Buddha). Hey, you could even do both…
Rooms at the Anantara Riverside start at £150 a night.
The InterContinental – Khao Yai, Thailand
Two hours north east of Bangkok and deep into the tropical national park of Khao Yai, the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort provides an exclusive escape into nature without compromising on luxury.
One of the resort’s unique features is its heritage railcar accommodation, offering a nostalgic travel experience combined with modern luxury. These upcycled railcars have been beautifully restored and fitted with plush furnishings to provide a unique stay experience.
The resort’s location in Khao Yai, one of Thailand’s largest national parks, provides guests with stunning views of lush landscapes and exotic wildlife sightings right from their doorstep.
The spa also features serene spaces for yoga and meditation sessions, which are conducted by experienced professionals to help guests achieve a state of tranquility and balance. Speaking of balance, the Thai food served at the resort’s Somying’s Kitchen is expertly seasoned, with local Isaan dishes like grilled chicken and papaya salad hitting the spot (and the capsaicin receptors, quite honestly!). There’s French fare too, over at Poirot, if that’s what you fancy.
The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort has made a significant mark in the luxury hospitality sector, evident by its accolade in the 2024 Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards.
Rooms start at £190.
Read: Where to go on safari in South East Asia
Four Seasons Resort – Langkawi, Malaysia
A jewel in the Andaman Sea, the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is blessed with perhaps the most gorgeous backdrop we’ve ever set eyes on, with its blend of lush rainforests behind you and emerald waters in front. The resort, spreading over 48 hectares, offers intimacy with nature while ensuring every luxury and comfort is catered for. No wonder many consider this to be Malaysia’s best luxury resort, bar none.
The award-winning Geo Spa at the Four Seasons is one of its trump cards, a sanctuary of rejuvenation inspired by the ancient healing practices of the Malay Archipelago. Bespoke treatments use natural ingredients, providing a holistic and invigorating experience.
Additionally, the resort’s various dining options reflect the cherished diversity of Malaysian cuisine, with its Kelapa Grill the obvious highlight, blessed as it is with oceanfront dining and a charcoal grill (a Josper, no less) that’s always burning. Just perfect for the caramelised satay sticks and Sarawak jumbo prawns that we’ve developed something of an addiction to.
Rooms start at £416 a night.
The Standard – Hua Hin, Thailand
The Standard promises a chic, modern holiday in every Bangkokian’s favourite weekend retreat, Hua Hin, which is sometimes referred to as ‘the Thai Riviera’. That’s not to say the place is heaving with folk – the resort’s design harmoniously blends with its lush, tropical surroundings, creating a serene retreat regardless of whether every room is fully booked or if you’re the only folk staying there.
The resort’s expansive pool that merges with the beachfront (just 500 metres away) is a big draw, as well as several dining options. Among those dining options, the Lido Bar stands out, offering a poolside retreat, while Lido, its accompanying all-day Italian restaurant, invites guests to enjoy traditional dishes from Bel Paese, all with a refreshing Thai beach breeze.
Praça, the beach bar and restaurant, serves up a delightful ‘Thai izakaya’ experience, creatively reinterpreting the kind of Thai grilled sticks you’ll find in markets across the country to glorious effect. To our mind, only Angulo by Yangrak in Bangkok do it better. For those seeking healthy refreshment (hey, who isn’t?), there’s also a juice bar.
The Standard’s spa, nestled within the verdant gardens and with many treatments offered outside, provides bespoke treatments that are both indulgent and wholly invigorating. That’s what this kind of thing is all about, don’t you think?
Rooms start at £128.
Read: 7 beaches less than a 3 hour drive from Bangkok
Soneva Kiri – Koh Kood, Thailand
Still in Thailand (it’s pretty hard to leave), we’re heading next to the unspoiled island of Koh Kood, where Soneva Kiri brings with it a sense of sustainable luxury; two words we love to hear.
The resort offers private pool villas that blend seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty, presenting unparalleled ocean views, and the eco-friendly ethos of Soneva Kiri comes to life through its comprehensive approach to sustainability without sacrificing luxury.
Its dining experiences include Treepod Dining, where guests are hoisted into the rainforest canopy to enjoy gourmet dishes while overlooking the stunning scenery. The Six Senses Spa at Soneva Kiri is another highlight, combining traditional Thai wellness techniques – particularly the famous yoga-adjacent Thai massage – with modern treatments that rejuvenate the body and spirit, all while ironing out a few knots along the way.
Private villa suits start at £1030.
Six Senses – Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Sequestered on a private bay, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay offers rustic charm combined with contemporary luxury. It’s a killer combination.
This resort is renowned for its stunning – and very private – location, accessible only by boat, which grants it an air of exclusivity and tranquillity.
The resort offers a holistic wellness experience through its world-class spa, providing treatments that incorporate locally sourced organic ingredients. Guests can also participate in yoga sessions or enjoy the natural rock formations while taking a therapeutic mud bath.
The chief restaurant here, Dining by the Rocks, is as much a visual treat as a culinary one; this is one of the most stunning dinner-with-a-view situations you’ll ever settle into. Dishes are broadly seafood led, with plenty of nods to the food scene in nearby Nha Trang, which is, incidentally, due to get its own Michelin Guide next year. We wouldn’t be at all surprised if Dining by the Rocks is featured.
Villas start at £737.
Read: Destinations to make a meaningful difference volunteering in Vietnam
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Cambodia’s luxury hospitality market is booming, and leading the pack is one of the world’s most unique resort experiences; Song Saa Private Island.
A short boat ride from Sihanoukville, Song Saa Private Island hosts a collection of private villas, all perched over pristine waters. Serenity, unsurprisingly, consumes every corner of this island. If it had corners, that is; it’s kinda round looking from above…
Anyway, Song Saa offers a quintessential private island experience with its overwater villas that extend over the sapphire-tinted ocean. Each villa is designed to reflect Cambodian culture and craftsmanship, while the resort’s commitment to conservation is evident in its marine reserve initiatives and sustainability practices. So as not to disturb the natural energy of things here, the on-site spa offers tranquil treatments that aren’t soundtracked by Enya or whale song but, rather, only the lapping waters of the surrounding ocean. Bliss.
Dining is an equally ethereal experience, with the Vista Restaurant jutting out over the water and providing panoramic sunset views. Cuisine-wise, the menu is a blend of classic Cambodian dishes, reinterpreted, alongside the odd Western comfort staple for the fussier members of the squad. Go for the former here; the reimagined prahok is excellent.
Villas start at £1102.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai, Thailand
Touted for its blend of opulent comfort and adventure, the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is a very different beast to the other entries so far on our list. High up in the mountains of Chiang Rai, guests here reside in luxurious tents featuring stand-alone bathtubs and hot tubs on wooden terraces, offering sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. Don’t worry, this isn’t a shivering-in-your-soaking-sleeping-bag-at-Glasto kind of vibe; the camp provides king-sized beds and Wi-Fi to ensure comfort.
Beyond relaxation, guests can indulge in traditional Northern Thai cuisine (including a genuinely top notch khao soi) at the camp’s bar and restaurant, Nong Yao, and participate in uniquely regional activities such as foraging, bird watching and visits to the Elephant Peace Project, who do amazing things for the cherished residents of the area.
Tent bookings here require a two night minimum stay. You’ll pay £4593, at a minimum, for the privilege.
Alila Uluwatu – Uluwatu, Bali
In Bali, and perched atop a dramatic cliff, Alila Uluwatu, part of the Hyatt group, is a masterpiece of occasionally gravity-defying contemporary luxury.
The resort features sixty-one open-plan villas designed for privacy and comfort, with a sense of connection between indoors and out that is impressively seamless and totally relaxing. The fact that the entire resort boasts incredible ocean views from just about every vantage point certainly does no harm, with the main Sunset Cabana bar and its infinity floor feature needing to be seen to be believed. In person, that is; even the pictures don’t do it justice!
There are a handful of restaurants on site. The best (for us) is The Warung, which is inspired by Bali’s rich street food tradition. The Megibung set sharing meal, priced at 1.700 IDR for two (the equivalent of around £80) is a fantastic way to taste a procession – 10 in total – of Indonesian street food staples. The bebek goreng, a deepfried duck leg served with piquant green sambal – is exceptionally good here.
Retire to the resort’s dedicated whisky bar Batique when you’re done, for a nightcap, and feel very privileged to be alive.
Private one bedroom villas start at £627 a night.
Iniala Beach House Villas & Suites – Phang Nga, Thailand
Renowned for its outlandish luxury, Phang Nga’s Iniala Beach House, close to the famous island of Phuket, offers a truly extraordinary experience.
Though there are more ‘basic’ one bedroom villas here, if you’re looking for sheer, unadulterated luxury, then look no further than the three-bedroom villas, each of which comes with an all-inclusive premier package that includes a private driver, butler, chef, spa therapist, housekeeper, and multiple hours of spa treatments daily.
The flagship restaurant at Iniala Beach House is overseen by none other than the UK’s very own, 3 Michelin-starred Simon Rogan. At Aulis, the chef’s innovative farm-to-table (here, as much ocean-to-table!) approach is all present and correct. The restaurant seats just 15 guests per service, all around a horseshoe counter for a view of the action.
Open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, things kick off at 7pm. This one definitely requires booking in advance and a pretty thick wallet; the tasting menu at Aulis, featuring dishes such as raw south coast river prawn, sea jelly and bergamot, buttermilk and smoked Hua Hin caviar, will set you back 6000 THB (around £135).
Private villa bookings here require a two night minimum stay. For a one bedroom villa, you’ll pay £1551 for a suite. A deluxe suite with sea view is £2844.
La Residence Phou Vao – Luang Prabang, Laos
Located in Laos’ hugely picturesque, utterly charming UNESCO town of Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao, part of the Belmond Group, offers guests an elegant retreat combining French colonial architecture and Laos heritage.
The hotel’s infinity pool overlooks lush jungle landscapes and golden pagodas, providing a serene atmosphere for relaxation. The resort’s faithful renditions of Laos classics at the restaurant Tam Nan are best enjoyed in the candlelit gardens, adding to the romantic ambiance. Watch out for the Laos version of papaya salad here; it’s super funky and super spicy. It’s great.
The onsite spa promises ‘lemongrass-scented escapism’ and, to be fair to them, delivers just that via its 90 minute sip sen Laos massage, which is based on ancient Buddhist philosophy.
After you’re done, La Residence Phuo Vao is only a short stroll from the beating heart of Luang Prubang, which is a place you’ll honestly never want to leave. See you for a Beer Lao over ice at the night market?
A junior suite here will set you back £305.
Bunga Raya Resort – Kota Kinabalu, Borneo
Arriving at Bunga Raya Resort by speedboat sets the tone for a luxurious stay at this stylish sanctuary, all set amidst Borneo’s rustic beauty. Has there ever been a sentence that says ‘escapism’ more than that one?
The resort features 48 tastefully designed villas, based on traditional Bornean architectural sensibility, surrounded by lush jungle, each with a private balcony. Guests can enjoy private plunge pools, three restaurants, and the pristine cove for when swimming in a pool becomes too arduous. It’s a hard life.
Villas start at £254.
Alila Villas Koh Russey – Koh Russey, Cambodia
Another gem in the Alila portfolio, Alila Villas Koh Russey in Cambodia offers an exclusive island retreat with luxurious beachfront villas. With a focus on sustainability and local craftsmanship, the resort integrates naturally into its environment.
Nestled in the pristine landscape of Bamboo Island (also known as Koh Russey), the resort occupies 60 hectares of lush forest and offers a secluded retreat for those looking to escape whatever they’re looking to escape from. They don’t ask questions here…
The grey cubist villas, surrounded by tangled jungle give an urban-meets-nature kind of vibe. In 2019, it was nominated for Asia’s Leading New Resort and Asia’s Leading New Villa Resort by the World Travel Awards, and in 2020, it was one of the finalists in the Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces category.
The surrounding region, including the Cardamon, Bokor and Kirirom national parks, offers numerous opportunities for exploration and adventure, all of which can be facilitated by the resort. The proximity to these natural wonders ensures that guests can engage in various outdoor activities, ranging from guided forest tours to water sports.
You know what? We think we might stay here a while…
Rooms start at £190.
The Bottom Line
Southeast Asia’s luxury resorts are impressive not just for their opulence and beauty but also for their commitment to sustainability, cultural immersion, and offering truly personalised experiences. And with the region’s luxury hospitality sector only growing, we can’t wait to discover where the next truly luxurious resort pops up. Care to join us? Yes? Forgot to mention, you’re paying…