Sometimes, you have to actually walk through the door (or wrought iron gates, or crenellated archway) of a hotel to realize just how sparkling a hidden gem it is. Here’s seven of our very favourite hotels in Asia with a surprising twist.
Luxury Hotels
One of the key elements of a holiday is the accommodation you choose to stay in. Some travellers prefer the humble, no-frills style with more of a focus on activities. Others, however, prefer the finer things in life. When it comes to South and Southeast Asia, you have an abundance of different types of accommodation. But for the sheer number and value of them, luxury hotels are often a key part of a trip to the region.
You might opt for one of the amazing international chains like Aman, Six Senses, Four Seasons or Soneva, or you might be tempted by an independent luxury property like Song Saa or The Datai. The choices are vast and various depending on your travel style: we find that luxury means something different to everyone…
And luxury accommodation doesn’t stop at hotels: there are amazing luxury trains, boats and planes to consider too.
Our blog is here to help you find out which version of luxury appeals to you. We highly recommend checking out our hotel hub to find out about our favourite new hotels in South & Southeast Asia too.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines luxury as “something desirable for comfort or enjoyment, but not indispensable”. We beg to differ: in our opinion, holidays are an essential element of a fulfilled life and undoubtedly a luxury. But a luxury holiday doesn’t have to be “choice or costly”.
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Across AsiaLatest Travel News and Views from AsiaSustainable TravelThe ETG Take On Travel
Seven incredible experiences that make travel better
It feels good to do good. Using your precious holiday time to give back to a worthwhile cause feels even better. But a virtuous vacation needn’t be dull. Those in the know can unearth fascinating, horizon-broadening experiences and opportunities that are as life-changing for the travellers undertaking them as for the people and places they support.
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Sri LankaYour Travel Story
Our ‘Nominate a Hero’ Winners head to Sri Lanka on a holiday of a lifetime!
by Matt BrazierWhat’s it like to win a holiday of a lifetime to Sri Lanka? Well Karen and Jess won our nominate a hero competition run during the height of the pandemic. They diarise their incredible trip to this magical isle having just visited in January 2022
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Across AsiaLatest Travel News and Views from Asia
New Hotels in South & Southeast Asia – The Hotel Hub
Product Director, Melissa, provides her round-up of the most exciting new hotels in South and Southeast Asia. From luxury tented lodges in the wild to exclusive island beach resorts – she passes on her top recommendations for places to stay on your next trip.
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There is a lot of choice when it comes to luxury hotels in Phuket. Here ETG Co-founder Tom details what he looks for in a luxury hotel and those that are his favourites in Phuket.
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Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaLuxury TravelThe Maldives
Why The Maldives is an ideal holiday choice right now
by Matt BrazierMatt a self-confessed Maldives addicted (having visited 18 resorts) takes you through why The Maldives is your ideal holiday destination.
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Discover our experts’ favourite villas in Sri Lanka for the utmost privacy and peace on your holiday.
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Thailand is famous as a great value, exotic beach destination. To experience the country at its best though, requires some financial investment – to escape the high-rise, block resorts and mass-touristy sights. Here, we’re sharing our top tips to get the best value out of your luxury family holiday to the country
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You probably know the usual earmarks of a luxury holiday. But there’s actually a lot more to the term than meets the eye…
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CambodiaLuxury TravelThe Maldives
The Maldives vs Song Saa private island – which one and why?
by Matt BrazierChristmas came early a few years ago as luxury expert Matt got to stay at both the Four Seasons in the Maldives – Kudaa Hura and Landaa Giravaaru, and Song Saa Private Island off the southern coast of Cambodia.
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Find out some great tips from our luxury expert on how not to break the bank but still being able to stay in a luxury hotel.
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Sustainability in the Maldives can be hard to quantify. Our Head of Responsible Travel, Alice Bayly, takes a deep dive into what sustainability in the Maldives really means.
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The Maldives is stunning, but let’s be honest, every picture basically looks the same. So how can you decide on the right private island for your holiday?
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DO YOU WANT TO STAY IN A HOTEL WITH AMAZING VIEWS? Head to our website for more ideas and information about travelling to Asia. Feel free to let us…
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We’re delighted to announce the launch of a new destination for Experience Travel Group: the spiritual Himalayan haven of Bhutan. Here we’re going to share a little bit more about…
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As passionate promoters of small boutique hotels, which generally encompass the character and traditions of the country you are visiting, I’m very please to present my top 5 luxury hotels in Sri Lanka that are great for families.
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When you think of The Maldives the image that comes to mind is usually luxury resorts nestled on white-sand beaches overlooking clear blue oceans. Although this is true, and a…
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What springs to mind when you think of Cambodia? For most it’s the 12th century wonder of the world, Angkor Wat: a magnificent piece of architecture and a must-see for…
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Product Director, Melissa, recently inspected several exciting island resorts in The Maldives. As part of her visit, she flew for the first time in a seaplane. More spectacular than a speedboat, flying low enough to give fantastic views over the white sandy islands in the turquoise ocean, she provides her account of the experience.
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Matt recently visited Soneva Fushi and Jani, two luxurious resorts in The Maldives. On returning to the office, we found it interesting to think about the various kinds of ‘luxury’ available, and also what the word actually means.
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If you’ve ever had the pleasure to experience the charms of Malaysia’s Pangkor Laut Resort, chances are you would have dined at its Chinese restaurant known simply as Uncle Lim’s Kitchen. Celebrating his auspicious 80th birthday-milestone in 2014, the talent (and name) behind Uncle Lim’s Kitchen shares his story.
Ever had any luxury hotel experiences that didn’t live up to expectations? We hear you. Floating breakfasts have got a lot to answer for!
What are the hotels like in Bhutan? There aren’t just luxury hotels in Bhutan. We go in-depth on the varied accommodation options in Bhutan.
Get the low down on our 6 favourite luxury Aman experiences all across Indonesia. A luxury travellers paradise.
Private islands offer exceptional seclusion and privacy, adding an extra exclusive dimension to your holiday. Here is a roundup of our favourite private island experiences in Asia.
Whilst there have been a handful of high-end hotels in Cambodia since tourism started trickling in over the past two decades, there are some new kids on the block that…
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been to Asia in the last 7 years, but Wa Ale Island Resort is something special.