Asia is a continent where new meets old, with traditional street cafes lining sky-high luxury buildings. From the high-end hotels of Tokyo to the opulent resorts of Chang Mai, travelers from all corners of the world come to experience the grandeur of the Far East. For those seeking an adventurous trip, Asia is a destination that won't disappoint.
When it comes to travel trends, the times-they-are-a-changing — aren’t they always? — so why not embrace the latest and greatest in what the great wide world has to offer this year? We’ve compiled the hottest hotel openings from all across the globe, with the intent of not only broadening your horizons — why stay in a standard one-bedroom in Miami when you can book a thatched-roof villa in Thailand? — but also to induce your wanderlust.
Some of these hotels opened only a few weeks ago, others are slated to debut later this year. Why not get a head start on crossing off your bucket list in the early months of 2023? New year, new you, new places to go, and people to see. Maybe you’ll discover a new country you love or a city you’d not yet considered — all from the comforts of a sleek, chic, hotel. (AirBnBs are so 2022). Room service, please!
Four Seasons Hotel in Suzhou, China — Late 2023
(Image provided by Four Seasons)
Discover the wondrous beauty and cultural richness of Suzhou, China, a UNESCO World Heritage site replete with art galleries and museums, historic stone bridges, and Classical Gardens dating back to the 11th century. Jinji Lake from the vantage point of your own private island as a guest at the new Four Seasons hotel in historic Suzhou, China. Opening in late 2023, the elegant property will be the epitome of refined seclusion: private villas and a private lagoon perched upon a private island overlooking Jinji Lake.
Cap Karoso in Ate Dalo, Sumba, Indonesia — March 20,2023
(Image provided by Cap Karoso)
Bali is so 2022. This spring, board an hour plane ride from Bali to the coral reefs and turquoise lagoons that surround the Indonesian island of Sumba. As of March 2023, this remote island will be home to Cap Karoso, a sustainability-minded, culture-oriented resort dedicated to celebrating the island’s rich history and spectacular landscape via Sumbanese antiques and contemporary Indonesian art. Despite being in one of the most pristine and faraway places on earth, you needn’t be too antisocial — the chef’s-table restaurant, alfresco cinemas, and on-site beach club ensure that you’ll have ample opportunity to socialize with fellow wanderers, as well.
Janu Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan — 2023
(Image provided by Janu Tokyo)
While the majority of travelers are familiar with the refined elegance of Aman hotels, many are about to discover their equally enticing sister brand, Janu, which is slated to open in 2023 with the unveiling of Janu Tokyo. Expect innovative cuisine and a plethora of wellness offerings from the company’s first outpost in Japan — including the world’s first Janu Spa, set to be the largest in the nation. And, if you fall in love with the ambiance, there’s reason to rejoice: Janu is set to open another outpost in AlUla in the coming years, as well.
Bulgari Hotel Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan — April 4, 2023
(Image provided by Bulgari Hotel Tokyo)
April showers bring not only cherry blossoms in Japan, but — this year — they will herald the opening of a brand-new luxury hotel, as well. The Bulgari Hotel Tokyo opens its doors on the top floors of the 787-foot Tokyo Midtown Yaesu skyscraper, offering panoramic views of Japan’s most exciting city. Bigger is better at this luxury property, as is evident at the 16,000-square-foot spa, as well. And if you’re looking for the Bulgari experience in the western hemisphere, travelers will soon find satisfaction by booking a room at the Bulgari Hotel Rome (but more on that later).
The Standard in District 10, Singapore — 2023
(Image provided by The Standard)
If you love the boutique charm of the Standard Hotel group, you will delight at the knowledge that The Standard, Singapore is slated to open later this year, rounding out the hotel group’s third property in Southeast Asia (alongside Hua Hin and Bangkok). The five-star hotel is perfectly located on Orange Grove Road — directly across from the Shangri-La Singapore and near the Singapore Botanical Gardens. Everything’s coming up roses! (Or cherry blossoms, rather).
Reverie’s Ahu Bay in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka — February 2023
(Image provided by The Reverie)
The Reverie hotel group is known for its glamorous, intimate resorts across Sri Lanka, and its eagerly anticipated new outpost in Ahu Bay is sure not to disappoint. Explore the beautiful golden sand beaches and drink in the gorgeous sunsets from the south coast of Sri Lanka during your stay at a beachside villa. Ahu Bay boasts an infinity swimming pool and a seemingly infinite expanse of manicured gardens — a divine oasis to relax and unwind.
Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai, Thailand — Q1 2023
(Image provided by Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai)
If wellness is what you’re after, then the Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is the perfect place to eat, pray, love. The boutique property is the third Aleenta Resort offered by AKARYN, a boutique luxury hotel group in Asia. In-house healers will guide you through holistic health and wellness programs intended to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. And the property’s location — between the ancient city of Chiang Mai and the lush Thai countryside — couldn’t be better for quieting your inner demons and distracting yourself from the hassles of life back home. The decor merges traditional Thai design with sustainability — the “pièce de résistance” being a four-bedroom villa made from antique gold teak and boasting a private swimming pool. Treat yourself — you deserve it.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort in Baa Atoll, Maldives — Q2 2023
(Image provided by Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort)
If you’ve always daydreamed of an over-water bungalow in the Maldives — but can’t quite commit to the exorbitant price point — the opening of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort will be manna from heaven for would-be Indian Ocean travelers this spring. Aquatic adventurers will delight in the property’s location in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that is home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the Indian Ocean. With over twelve dive sites ranging from the Avani house reef to the easily accessed (and equally legendary) Hanifaru Bay, the destination is among the best for spotting manta rays in the wild. Also spectacular? The clarity of the night sky. Located on the western edge of the atoll, the lack of light pollution is picture-perfect for stargazing after a day of exploring the teeming life that abounds in the surrounding turquoise waters.
Anam Mui Ne in Mui Ne, Vietnam — January 2023
(Image provided by Anam Mui Ne)
Step back in time with a stay at Anam Mui Ne, which just opened its spectacular oceanfront doors overlooking the white-sand beaches along the East Sea of Southern Vietnam this past January. The eco-friendly retreat is the second outpost of the locally-owned, independently-operated Anam Group, following the success of The Anam Cam Ranh in 2017. The decor pays homage to the history and artistry of Vietnam — from the Indochine period through to the colonial era, with mosaic tiles, teak furniture, and authentic thatched roofs. Vietnamese artists were commissioned to paint 250 original artworks for the hotel’s interior — and all this splendor is best appreciated over a cocktail in the lobby’s gorgeous Saigon Bar.
