Asia’s Top 10 Hotels, Ryokans & Resorts

Luxury travel firm Kipling & Clark have issued a list of their favourite hotels in Asia based on their 6-8 weeks of Asia travel a year.

A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese hotel dating from the Edo period (1603–1868), when they served travelers along Japan’s highways. They typically featured tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner.

1. Hiiragiya Ryokan & Tawaraya Ryokan – Kyoto, Japan

Two of the most famous ryokans in Kyoto are located directly across the alleyway from each other. They both represent the very highest levels of high-touch service. A big part of Japan’s uniqueness is its wabi-sabi aesthetic, a Japanese state-of-mind emphasizing simplicity and purity.

2. Four Seasons – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Smaller in scale and more affordable than the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai, the Four Seasons projects a more understated sense of luxury, thus engendering an intimate, Zen-like feel. Similar to the Mandarin, the Four Seasons staff is truly sincere and unbelievably kind. The spa and cooking class here are extraordinary.

3. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong & Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The Mandarin Hong Kong has a slight edge over the Four Seasons, the Peninsula, and the Intercontinental as the place truly represents understated luxury. The renovation has resulted in the Mandarin’s former balconies being converted to lounge/study area extensions, with stunning Victoria Harbor views. Kipling & Clark particularly recommend the bathroom/amenities, including the vertical, swivel plasma TV/mirrors. The Mandarin offers a luxurious, peaceful oasis from the noisy, frenetic city outside.

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok boasts a 130 year history of tradition and the highest level of service making this place a truly unique luxury property. Unpretentious, understated, attentive. The Oriental Spa is particularly impressive, located just across the river from the hotel, designed in a traditional Thai-style house of beautiful teak wood. The Oriental Bangkok may have the largest, most varied breakfast buffet in all of Asia.

4. Gora Kadan Ryokan – Hakone, Japan

A short 45-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, the Gora Kadan is a quiet, Shinto-Buddhistque oasis from the big city, offering its rejuvenating onsen (hot mineral springs). Proprietress Mikawako, the third generation of Fujimotos to run Gora Kadan, has blended traditional Japanese ryokan hospitality with modern Western design in creating a luxurious ryokan spa experience. The Gora Kadan’s original building dates back to 300 years and was the summer home of the Kan’in-No-Miya imperial family.

5. Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor & Amansara – Siem Reap, Cambodia

The staff at the Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor feel almost like family.  This early 20th Century French colonial style property is among Kipling & Clark’s absolute favourites in Southeast Asia – and they highly recommend the Personality Suites.

Formerly the guesthouse of Cambodia’s King Sihanouk, Amansara represents the highest elite level of luxury accommodations. The service here is singular, extremely high-touch, personal and custom. In contrast to the friendly, airy Raffles where guests have the opportunity to mingle with others, we feel almost ensconced at the Amansara. Everything is managed insularly with little incentive to go outside the room. Amansara may be better for couples and high-profile travelers wishing privacy, while the Grand Hotel D’Angkor is better suited for families and those wishing a more group dynamic environment.

6. Peninsula – Tokyo

The 24-story Peninsula has the best luxury hotel location in Tokyo, directly across from lovely Hibiya Park, Imperial grounds, and adjacent to the amazing Ginza shopping district. Envisioned by architect Kuzukiyo Sato to look like a giant Japanese lantern, the Peninsula combines subtle, Japanese hospitality with the Peninsula tradition of understated luxury.

7. Banyan Tree – Lijiang (Yunnan, China)

Located just outside UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang, the Banyan Tree – Lijiang has created the perfect harmony of the local matriarchal Naxi culture and Banyan Tree’s predictably friendly customer service. With all 55 of its villas looking out at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this place has a spiritual soul-searching feel. Notwithstanding the Banyan Tree’s 6,500 ft location, the spa offers wonderful massage service from their Phuket-trained Thai staff.

8. Hotel of Modern Art (HOMA) – Guilin, China

Founded by a Taiwanese business entrepreneur in 1997, HOMA represents a lovely balance of world class sculpture, architecture, and art set against the backdrop of the natural beauty of the lush grounds. The genuine kindness and warmth delivered here is truly heartwarming, with each guest room assigned a personal attendant. HOMA’s art workshop for kids is hands-on and fun. All 46 rooms here are individually designed with hip, funky decorations/artwork, along with flat-screen TVs, modern amenities, and an attractive design aesthetic.

9. Sofitel Metropole – Hanoi, Vietnam

Conceived in 1901, the Metropole combines wonderful French colonial architecture/history with Vietnam’s cultural traditions of hospitality and services. The hotel features fabulous Vietnam art work displayed throughout the first floor from local artists. Although there are really no bad rooms at the Metropole, the Opera Suite is a major treat.

10. Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel – Luang Prabang, Laos

Formerly the residence of Prince Souvannaphouma, the small, Maison Souvannaphoum is a boutique French-colonial inspired property that is the perfect place to immerse oneself in the local Laotian culture and the Laotian sense of openheartedness. The friendly, intimate service here is like staying with close relatives. An added bonus staying here is that the Maison is located on the street for the daily early morning Buddhist monks’ rice offering (alms).