8 Luxury boutique hotels in Southeast Asia worth splurging on

MF editorial team 29 Oct 2016 updated the Saturday, October 29, 2016

1/8
One Eleven, Bali, Indonesia
You’ll receive the pampering of a lifetime in this oasis of luxury. Everything you see, touch and feel is exclusive. If you’re looking to avoid hotels and resorts with an army of toddlers running around or a barrage of tourists taking up the lobby (i.e. if you want a peaceful and private setting), you get to choose from 9 secluded, modern villas that are tastefully designed. In your own little dimension of luxury, as we like to call it, you get to enjoy a spa, pool, a kitchen, an outdoor lounging area and so much more. Also, if you thought Asian hospitality couldn’t get any better, why not give your butler a call if you’re feeling too lazy to cook that day? We won’t blame you if don’t want to step foot outside the walls of this magnificent sanctuary. We wouldn’t want to either.
Photo: One Eleven Bali
2/8
Akatsuki, Koh Samui, Thailand
With five exclusive suites to choose from, you’ll really experience the ultimate indulgence at Akatsuki. It can’t get more high-class and intimate than this, as this resort limits guests to only one booking per day. Which also means you will get to choose from five gorgeous and luxurious suites. On top of that, you will get to enjoy the tropical wonders of Thailand, relaxing, taking advantage of your very own private chef, a butler, and a driver, all there to tend to your every need. Even if you wanted to surprise someone across the world with a florist delivery, we’re quite sure they can make it happen for you. Dare to taste the life of celebrities?
Photo: Akatsuki Samui
3/8
The Farm at San Benito, Lipa, The Philippines
Luxury doesn’t always have to be in a modern and minimalistic setting and The Farm at San Benito is a great representation of that. This jungle retreat is a luxurious establishment, yet it enables you to connect with nature in the closest way possible. Nestled between coconut plantations, it draws in travellers with its luxurious creature comforts and at the same time gives you the chance to really seclude yourself from the busy world outside. Another great benefit comes from the choice of villas that vary in size, in order to accommodate your personal preference. Oh and there’s also a vegan restaurant, rumoured to be the best in this region. You’ll never know until you give it a shot.
Photo: The Farm at San Benito
4/8
Paresa Resort, Phuket, Thailand
For a truly bespoke experience, worthy of royalty, Paresa is unmatchable. Paresa actually means ’’heaven’’, and we’d be dead wrong to deny that this isn’t a little piece of heaven on earth, nestled on a cliff, providing the ultimate privacy. With private luxury villas, an infinity pool that makes you feel like you’re at the edge of the Earth, and restaurants that have the most delicious gourmet offerings, you’ll find that you will never want to vacation anywhere else ever again.
Photo: Paresa Resorts
5/8
Abaca Boutique Resort, Mactan Island, The Philippines
This small island is home to one of the most deluxe oceanfront boutique resorts in all of Southeast Asia. With three villas and six suites, it caters to the select few that are lucky enough to enjoy this chic resort. Each villa gives you a feel of floating on water, overlooking the irresistible ocean. If that’s not enough to make you feel special, you also get access to delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Adventure seekers are going to love the numerous options for water activities like snorkelling, jet skiing and kayaking. Once you’re done, you can treat yourself with a session at the spa.
Photo: Abaca Resort
6/8
Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand seems to be the treasure cove of all luxurious boutique hotels and resorts, and we can’t help but love it. With 11 exquisite suites, this place is more welcoming than your own home. Designed as a peaceful getaway for the entire family, where everyone will be treated like royalty, the resort perfectly combines peace and tranquillity for the hedonists and ultimate pleasure seekers.
Photo: Sireeampan
7/8
Hotel Tugu, Bali, Indonesia
What we love the most about luxurious boutique hotels is that they are more than often uniquely themed. This hotel has a very special concept. Each of the 20 suites (and one villa) are themed and decorated very specifically. Each tells a story, so you won’t get two that are exactly the same. It’s a dream come true as you get the privacy you need. Surrounded by picturesque lotus ponds and glorious gardens, you can get a relaxing massage, a gourmet meal to remember, and pretty much anything else you can think of!
Photo: Hotel Tugu YouTube
8/8
Villa Air Bali Boutique Resort & Spa, Bali, Indonesia
With 16 private villas available for you to choose from, you’ll get to feel special from the very start. Each has a beautiful pool and garden, as well as outdoor lounge areas and kitchenettes perfect for entertainment. Rainfall showers? You got it. Daily fruit baskets? No problem. A spa for ultimate pampering? They've got you covered.
Photo: Villa Air Bali

Planning a perfect getaway and need the ultimate suite or villa? Look no further.

Why does everyone love boutique hotels so much? Possibly because there’s just something about the way they are designed to appeal to pleasure-seekers, from superb hospitality of the staff to unique one-of-a-kind design. The experience at boutique hotels seems to be more “personal”, more “unusual” compared to the highly commercialised sort, especially if you can splurge some good money on high-end accommodation.

We are here to dive deeper into the world of luxury boutique hotels in Southeast Asia, in order to help you decide which ones are going to spoil you to the core. With so many options out there, it’s important to know which ones are actually worth your investment. Stay tuned to find out! You’ll never know what true luxury and pampering is, until you’ve stayed at the spots we’ve picked out.

Alicia Tham

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