{"id":21837,"date":"2023-02-01T14:05:09","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T14:05:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/?p=21837"},"modified":"2023-02-20T16:46:08","modified_gmt":"2023-02-20T16:46:08","slug":"seven-extraordinary-hotels-in-asia-with-a-surprising-twist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/seven-extraordinary-hotels-in-asia-with-a-surprising-twist\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven Extraordinary Hotels in Asia with a Surprising Twist"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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. Even the most fervent exhortations of friends or glowing recommendations from travel guides will fail to do justice to the glories of these one-in-a-million hideaways. Whether it\u2019s an oasis of calm in the heart of a hectic city, a unique boutique lodge on a well-worn tourist route or a haven of luxury blushing behind a modest exterior, these seven wonders of Asian accommodation will surprise and thrill you. But don\u2019t just take our word for it \u2013 book a trip and see for yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Serene city living<\/span>:<\/span> Ariyasom<\/span> Villa, Bangkok, Thailand<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Built in 1941 by the grandparents of one of the current owners, Ariyasom Villa<\/a> is everything you don\u2019t expect to find in Bangkok. Located in the heart of the city off thrumming Sukhumvit Road, it\u2019s the essence of elegant domestic bliss. With just 24 guest rooms, the atmosphere of a private residence is preserved, heightened by outside dining beside the pool, surrounded by the tropical courtyard garden. Continuing the traditional Thai theme, the restaurant serves only vegetarian and seafood dishes \u2013 and even the most committed carnivore can\u2019t help but be rejuvenated by the bright, fresh flavours. To experience the contrast between this sanctuary of calm and Bangkok\u2019s hustle and bustle, take a boat along the canal that runs past the back of the garden and view the neon-lit Sukhumvit skyscrapers from a restful distance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21851″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

An uplifting experience: Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan<\/h2>\n

Gangtey Lodge<\/a> lists its address as \u201cjust by the monastery\u201d above the Phobjikha Valley, giving an early indication of the enlightening stay its guests can enjoy. Overlooking the outrageously beautiful vale below, it\u2019s easy to understand why the founders chose to site a hotel in this pristine location. What\u2019s less apparent is that they came here for an alternative uplifting experience than that sought by the monks \u2013 hot air ballooning. While building accommodations for the pilots, they got sidetracked into creating Gangtey Lodge<\/a>. Their ballooning permit expired, but you can still find the giant canopy lurking in a garage. Immerse yourself in the spiritual or channel the adventurous spirit of the flying founders. Either way, it will be an unforgettable stay. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21821″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Timeless elegance: Glenburn Penthouse, Calcutta, India<\/h2>\n

\u2018Frenetic\u2019 doesn\u2019t begin to describe Kolkata. West Bengal\u2019s 300-year-old capital fuses the historic legacy of India with the remnants of a British colonial past into a buzzing architectural, artistic and cultural melange. The vibrance and creativity of the city are central to its charm, but it\u2019s nonetheless refreshing to step beneath the cool white arches and across the monochrome tiles of the Glenburn Penthouse.<\/a> Paneled rooms, carved balconies, and antique furniture speak of a sophisticated, muted luxury and assured elegance. A sundowner sipped on the terrace will spirit you back into old-world Calcutta, while you take in the spectacular views of the modern-day Kolkata landmarks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Traditional with a twist: Rachamankha Boutique Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand<\/h2>\n

Truly a hidden gem, you\u2019d be forgiven for walking past Rachamankha Boutique Hotel<\/a> on the street without giving it a second glance. Not least because its next-door neighbour is Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai\u2019s best-known temple. But cross through the colonnaded courtyards within, and you\u2019re transported into an aesthetic masterpiece of architectural serenity. Designed in the style of traditional northern Thai housing, using the same lime plaster and handmade bricks as the local temples, the hotel has a delightful simplicity that belies the luxury within. Hidden quadrangles and secret gardens are designed to enchant, and antiques from across Europe, Asia, and Africa abound, while the library is home to 2,000 books. Surrounded by the remains of the old city walls and moat, this is a fortress of solitude in the best possible way. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Your own<\/span> private <\/span>island<\/span>: <\/span>Azerai<\/span>, <\/span>Can <\/span>Tho<\/span>,<\/span> Vietnam<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

From the bustling city of Can Tho, take a boat ride across the Hau River in the Mekong Delta to discover Azerai<\/a>, set on the secluded Con Au Islet, a literal private island. The lush gardens and banyan trees lend a sense of privacy and opulence, and it\u2019s easy to imagine yourself a movie star rejuvenating in their secret retreat. The contemporary design is balanced by traditional Vietnamese wooden furniture, creating a soothing, tranquil ambiance. A drink on the deck surrounded by floating lily pads precedes an informal, but ideal, meal at the all-day caf\u00e9 or grill. The vibe is small plates and platters for sharing while lounging by the pool or in the gardens. Totally A-list, totally fabulous.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21858″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_separator][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Back to the beach: Koh Jum Villas, Krabi, Thailand<\/h2>\n

A retro Thai beach experience, at Koh Jum Villas<\/a> you\u2019ll find yourself time travelling back to those heady days when visitors first discovered the magic of this country\u2019s white sands and turquoise waters. Sustainable luxury in individually designed villas awaits, set along the 700-metre-long beach or in the tropical gardens. This is the untouched Thailand that you hoped for, but couldn\u2019t believe, still existed. The seclusion and sense of separation are a rarity, and you\u2019ll feel more like a castaway than a tourist when you take to the beach. If you can tear yourself away from the soft sands, you can re-energize by going mountain biking or climbing, diving, island hopping via speedboat, or exploring the nearby Phi Phi National Marine Park.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sustainability, tranquillity, all guilt-free: The Barefoot Eco Hotel, Hanimaadhoo, Maldives<\/h2>\n

For anyone who\u2019s experienced the Maldives before, The Barefoot Eco Hotel<\/a> will come as something of a surprise. Rather than a clutch of luxury villas plonked on a paradise island will little regard for the local environment or community, the resort on Hanimaadhoo is embedded in the island\u2019s culture, and built entirely on eco-tourism principles. Side projects include a fish market, sewage system, and waste management programme, and the immersive nature of the hotel means you\u2019re welcome to tour these fascinating endeavours. But if you\u2019d rather spend your time lazing on the private beach, browsing the boutique, dining on freshly caught seafood, or diving one of 30 divine sites, you can have endless fun with a clear conscience, knowing you\u2019re integral to the success of this one-off social enterprise.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_single_image image=”21856″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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CURIOUS ABOUT TRAVEL?<\/h2>\n

Head to our website for more ideas and information about travelling to Asia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can get in touch on 020 7924 7133<\/span>\r\n \t.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, fill out an online enquiry form to start your journey<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":21857,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1348,1301,62,13,14,12],"tags":[1426,1356],"coauthors":[923],"class_list":["post-21837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-across-asia","category-bhutan","category-india","category-thailand","category-the-maldives","category-vietnam","tag-boutique-hotels","tag-luxury-hotels"],"aioseo_notices":[],"views":3970,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21837"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21837\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21837"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=21837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}