Explore the height of luxury in Southeast, from Thailand’s lush retreats to Indonesia’s exotic escapes. These hotels are the go-to for relaxation in the region.

Luxury, you say? Southeast Asia has it in spades. But it’s not the stuffy, gilded version your grandparents might have dreamt of. This is a more evolved kind of indulgence. One that’s equal parts aspirational and accessible, where you can sip cocktails in a rooftop infinity pool or trek through untamed wilderness without ever being too far from your next massage. It’s what the new wave of luxury travellers want: high-end escapism with a dash of eco-consciousness and local flavour. This is where the moneyed set go to lose themselves, and yes, it’s every bit as fabulous as it sounds. Shall we?

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Barefoot Luxury with a Conscience

Song Saa is what happens when luxury gets a conscience. Set in the untouched Koh Rong Archipelago of Cambodia, this private island resort is a polished lesson in how to do the eco-friendly thing without sacrificing an ounce of glamour. Now, let’s not kid ourselves—this is still very much a place for those with deep pockets. But there’s something refreshing about the way Song Saa does it. The villas are all raw wood and understated elegance, the sort of place where you feel fabulous even when you’re walking around barefoot.

The Golden Week package (October 1st to 10th, 2024) is the sort of thing that will make your friends back home sick with envy: think floating breakfasts, bottles of sparkling wine, and a villa upgrade to ensure maximum bragging rights. But what truly sets Song Saa apart is that it’s not all about luxury. The resort has its own foundation, funding everything from marine conservation to local school projects. You could be forgiven for thinking your stay is as good for the planet as it is for your Instagram feed. And frankly, isn’t that the sweet spot we’re all after these days?

Rayavadee, Thailand

Nature’s Own Luxury Resort

Rayavadee in Krabi is one of those places that could’ve been designed by Mother Nature herself, if she were partial to five-star resorts. Perched between the limestone cliffs and cerulean waters of the Andaman Sea, this hotel takes the idea of eco-luxury seriously. You’ll be pleased to know they didn’t cut down a single tree to build it, and the whole thing feels as though it has grown organically out of the jungle.

But don’t mistake the eco bits for a lack of indulgence. There are private speedboat trips to Phi Phi Island, rock climbing for the brave (or foolhardy), and sunset yoga sessions for those who want a zen moment. If you’re into food, they’ll teach you how to carve fruit like a Thai master. And let’s not forget the personalised service. Want a private dinner set against the backdrop of Krabi’s limestone peaks? Consider it done. Rayavadee strikes the perfect balance between “getting away from it all” and “having it all”.

Four Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

High-Rise and Beehive Initiative

Kuala Lumpur may not scream “luxury destination” to everyone, but the Four Seasons is doing its best to change that perception. Situated in the heart of the city, this towering behemoth manages to pull off the trick of offering both high-rise glamour and a sense of local identity. Step into Bar Trigona, the hotel’s much-lauded cocktail den, and you’ll be treated to drinks made with locally-sourced ingredients like nutmeg and torch ginger. It’s chic, it’s sustainable, and yes, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a place that prides itself on pushing boundaries.

They’ve even thrown in an “Adopt a Hive” programme, where you can sponsor a local bee colony. And when you’re done with all that do-goodery, the spa awaits. It’s the perfect antidote to KL’s hustle—offering treatments that will have you back in tip-top condition before you dive into the city’s gleaming shopping malls and swanky restaurants.

BVLGARI Resort Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s Culture, BVLGARI’s Activities

At BVLGARI Resort Bali, luxury and local culture go hand-in-hand—because why just sunbathe when you can have your soul cleansed too? Kick things off with the Melukat Purifying Ceremony, where you’ll swap your designer resort wear for traditional Balinese garb, and let a local priest give you a spiritual detox. It’s like a spa day for your soul.

Fancy a stroll? The Banjar Walk takes you beyond the infinity pools and into the heart of a real Balinese village. Markets, temples, and a quick lesson in weaving fishing nets—all before lunch. Oh, and don’t forget to make your own Canang Sari offering, because what’s a holiday without a little cultural immersion?

For the budding master chefs, the Balinese Cooking Class has you covered. Learn to create three iconic Indonesian dishes under the watchful eye of BVLGARI’s award-winning chefs, with your very own Bvlgari apron as a souvenir—because nothing says ‘I cooked this’ quite like designer kitchenware.

And for those artistically inclined, why not try your hand at Kamasan Painting? With bamboo sticks and natural pigments, you’ll be channelling your inner Picasso—Balinese style. The program ensures you’ll leave not just as a guest, but as a connoisseur of Balinese life, all wrapped in BVLGARI’s unmistakable touch of luxury.

Amanoi, Vietnam

Wellness Wrapped in Wilderness

Vietnam may not have been on your wellness radar before, but Amanoi is about to change all that. Perched on the cliffs of Nui Chua National Park, this resort is where the wellness crowd go to truly disconnect. Think of it as the anti-Marina Bay Sands. Here, it’s all about meditative stillness, with views that stretch out over Vinh Hy Bay and treatments that cater to both body and mind. The lakeside spa is the stuff of dreams.

But it’s not just about massages and yoga (though you’ll want plenty of both). Try snorkelling in the protected waters of the bay, guided hikes through the surrounding UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and even family packages. Amanoi is for the traveller who wants to balance luxury with wilderness, where you can walk barefoot on the beach one minute and be pampered like royalty the next.

Each of these hotels offers its own unique version of luxury. Whether you’re after eco-conscious indulgence on a private island or high-rise glamour in one of Southeast Asia’s bustling metropolises, these destinations are for those who expect more from their holidays than just a fancy room. They’re experiences in themselves—crafted for travellers who want luxury to be meaningful, aspirational, and, most importantly, unforgettable. If you’ve got the budget and the taste for the finer things, why settle for anything less?