Five Star Asia: Explore, Relax, and enrich

7 March, 2024 Andre Rowell

Asia, much like Europe, is a massive playground just waiting to be explored. It offers a little bit of everything. White sandy beaches, mountains, some of the busiest cities on the planet, you want it they’ve got it, and it’s closer to New Zealand than Europe to boot. More importantly it can all be done in the cradle of opulence. Get 5 star service from one end of your trip to the other. Your hotel or resort can be such a draw that it’s the entire reason for the trip. With that said no matter what country you happen to find yourself in there is a massive array of sights, sounds, and tastes to be experienced.

Continuing on from our euro-centric series from last issue we’ve found some of the best five star resorts and hotels from this corner of the world to kickstart your next adventure.

Aman Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

In the midst of Tokyo’s bustling heart, where neon lights flirt with the sky, sits Aman Tokyo, a sanctuary for those who like their serenity served with a slice of cityscape. Just about an hour’s drive from Tokyo Narita Airport — or a slightly quicker jaunt from Tokyo Haneda Airport — this hotel is perfect for the luxury traveler who thinks ‘zen’ is a lifestyle choice rather than a philosophical pursuit.

The design of Aman Tokyo is what you get when minimalism meets money. Its interiors are a masterclass in understated luxury, with each space meticulously curated to evoke calmness. The rooms and suites are as spacious as an oligarch’s yacht, offering unparalleled views of the Tokyo skyline, which you can admire while contemplating whether to have sushi or sashimi for dinner.
Amenities here are as subtle and refined as the art of Japanese tea-making. The spa is an oasis of tranquility in the midst of urban chaos, offering treatments that promise to rejuvenate even the weariest of souls. The hotel also features a restaurant where the food is so artfully presented, you’ll hesitate to disturb its perfection for something as mundane as eating.

Located in Tokyo’s Otemachi district, Aman Tokyo is a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s an ideal base for those who want to explore the city or simply gaze down upon it from a luxurious eyrie.

The best time to visit is either spring for the cherry blossoms — a natural event so beautiful it could make a grown investor weep.

Rosewood Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Rosewood Hong Kong, a beacon of luxury in a city that’s already too fancy for its own good, sits majestically along the Victoria Harbour. This towering accomplishment in hotel engineering is conveniently a mere 35-minute Rolls-Royce drive from Hong Kong International Airport. It’s the perfect spot for those who enjoy breathtaking views and the constant reminder that they are, in fact, not the richest person in the room.

The design of Rosewood is what happens when modernity decides to have a steamy affair with Chinese tradition. Each of the 413 rooms and suites is a tribute to Hong Kong’s colonial past and its present status as a hub for people who have more air miles than sense. The rooms offer stunning views of the harbour, which you can gaze upon and ponder life’s big questions, like why your caviar isn’t quite as tasty as it used to be.

For amenities, Rosewood Hong Kong boasts eight restaurants and lounges, each offering a culinary journey that’s as varied as the accents you’ll hear in the elevator. The spa, which offers treatments more rejuvenating than a politician’s career after a scandal, is a sanctuary for the stressed and overworked souls.

Rosewood’s location is its crowning glory. Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, a district known for its shopping, nightlife, and ability to make you feel like you’re not spending enough money, the hotel is a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s best attractions.

Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, a city where chaos and tranquility coexist like an odd couple, is home to the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. Merely a 40-minute game of dodging traffic from Suvarnabhumi Airport, this resort stands as a haven for those who think serenity is best served with a side of opulent extravagance.

The design of this waterside wonder is a harmonious blend of contemporary chic and traditional Thai elegance, much like a perfectly balanced Thai curry. The resort’s architecture whispers ‘sophistication’ so loudly, it’s almost rude. Each room and suite is an ode to plush comfort, offering views of the river that are as calming as a cup of herbal tea after a day of hectic shopping.
Amenities? Oh, they’ve got amenities. From a sprawling pool that’s as inviting as a billionaire’s yacht, to a spa where your stress is massaged away until it’s just a distant memory, the Four Seasons Bangkok doesn’t skimp on pampering. The dining options are a gastronomic delight, offering everything from street-food-inspired dishes to haute cuisine, because why have one when you can afford both?

Located on the banks of the iconic Chao Phraya River, the resort’s location offers a picturesque escape from the city’s frenzied pace. It’s like stepping into a postcard, except the postcard has a 24-hour concierge and room service.