New Year, new you, new places to visit. If travelling is high on your to-do list for 2018, make sure you do so in style by checking in to these newly open—or soon-to-be—luxury accommodations across Asia.
1. Mandarin Oriental, Qianmen and Mandarin Oriental, Wangfujing, Beijing, China
The Mandarin hasn’t had properties in Beijing until, well, now. In fall/winter this year, the hospitality brand is opening not one but two new hotels in the Chinese capital—the Mandarin Oriental, Wangfujing and the Mandarin Oriental, Qianmen.
The Mandarin Oriental, Wangfujing will be located in new urban development WF Central (under the umbrella of Hongkong Land) and designed by world-renowned architects Kohn Pedersen Fox—think lush garden terraces and lots of glass.
Qianmen is one of Beijing’s most charming—and still standing—historical neighbourhoods, with hutongs and traditional courtyard houses dating back to the 13th century. The Mandarin Oriental, Qianmen will reflect the same architectural style of these surroundings and will be dispersed throughout the Qianmen East Hutong Quarter, in the middle of a labyrinthine of alleys, private houses, restaurants and cultural venues that make the area so special.
Find out more at mandarinoriental.com
2. Iraph Sui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Okinawa, Japan
Set to open its doors in late 2018, the Iraph Sui will be the latest addition to The Luxury Collection’s portfolio in Japan. It’s an island resort, located on an elevated headland on the southwestern coastline of Irabu, a small islet just off Okinawa. The secluded property will have just 57 guestrooms, each boasting sea views, plus nine luxury suites with private plunge pools.
The location is ideal for scuba diving enthusiasts—the Miyako islands are famed for their underwater rock formations, colossal Ryūkyū limestone arches, underwater caves and grottoes, as well as vibrant coral and sea life. Not into diving? The white-sand beaches are a pleasant alternative to fill your day.
3. Como Uma Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Canggu is Bali’s hippest—and hippiest—destination, so it was only a matter of time before luxury hotels started popping up in the area. The one we’re most excited about is Como Uma Canggu.
Besides the gorgeous design—all streamlined details, glass, pared-back furnishings and minimalist but oh so luxurious fixtures—the hotel promises wellness offerings in the form of yoga, Pilates and hands-on healing and holistic treatments inspired by modern science and ancient Eastern wisdom.
Top that with nourishing food menus and a neat beach club with live music and DJs, and you’ve got a winning formula for the hottest place to see and be seen on the paradise island. Expect this to be the most sought-after destination for bearded creative types, socialites, surfers and fashion mavens alike when it opens next month.
Find out more at comohotels.com
4. Rosewood Luang Prabang, Laos
Luxury tented encampments are getting more popular by the day, and if there’s one thing the Rosewood group is excellent at, it’s understanding and anticipating what well-heeled travellers want. The new Rosewood Luang Prabang, set to open in the first quarter of 2018, presents beautiful tented villas in the middle of the lush green jungle that surrounds the Laotian town.
Taking inspiration from French-Lao architecture and the ancient temples that characterise Luang Prabang, the interiors of the property will feature wood and high ceilings, natural materials and deep, earthy hues.
Laos is currently running a Visit Laos Year 2018 campaign to boost tourism, which offers the perfect excuse to a) go and b) book the Rosewood Luang Prabang.
Find out more at rosewoodhotels.com
5. Six Senses Bhutan
The Six Senses Hotels and Resorts group is having quite a year, with seven new resorts and two spas slated to open by the end of 2018. We are particularly intrigued by the five satellite lodges that will make up Six Senses Bhutan, three of which will open in August and two by fall.
Drawing inspiration from the spirituality and main sites of the secluded Himalayan Kingdom, each setting will reflect different themes and experiences using different materials, fixtures and features.
The Thimphu lodge, for instance, named after the capital, will place emphasis on culture. Punakha will be designed around the feeling of a traditional farmhouse, with materials and fixtures to reflect that.
Find out more at sixsenses.com
6. The Middle House, Shanghai, China
First, there was the Opposite House in Beijing. Then, The Upper House in Hong Kong and The Temple House in Chengdu (and EAST, the business hotel offshoot). Now there’s The Middle House, Swire’s fourth House Collective project, set to open in Shanghai in April.
Designed by Italian architect Lissoni, the new baby of the family is all about clean silhouettes and bold lines, sleek interiors—which offer an updated take on Chinese craftsmanship and furniture—and minimalist style. Carved Chinese design elements and artworks will adorn the rooms, as a homage to old and new Shanghai.
It’s going to be hip, and you’re going to want to stay there when you visit our neighbour in ton mainland. Fact.
Find out more at the-house-collective.com
7. The Heritage Hotel Kempinski Yangon, Myanmar
With a building dating back to 1927 (it used to be the New Law Courts), views of the Irawaddy river from its rooftop bar and pool, and a location bang in the middle of colonial Yangon, the Heritage Hotel Kempinski Yangon is going to be a total charmer.
Set to open in spring, the hotel has gone through five years of extensive renovations under the helm of the Yangon Heritage Trust, which brought back some of its original elements—high ceilings, a stately entrance, gorgeous wood fixtures and imposing columns, to name a few—as well as all the modern comforts of a five-star hotel like bircher muesli for breakfast, the aforementioned rooftop pool and even kale power shots to help you get through the Yangon’s heat.
Find out more at kempinski.com
This post originally appeared on the website of our sister publication, Hong Kong Tatler.
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