I WAS BORN ON Valentine’s Day, so I’ve always had a soft spot for red roses, heart-shaped chocolate boxes and the romance of a day that most chalk up to a greeting card invention. For me, it was always like, everyone sharing the love on my special day. Sure, we can all agree there’s some cheese factor there, but when romance is done right, it’s spectacular.
After traveling the globe full-time for more than half a decade, staying in more than 100 hotels a year, I can safely say that when it comes to romance, Asia’s hotels have got serious game. From floating Champagne breakfasts to riding horseback across shorebreaks, I’ve done a lot of cupid-approved activities in this region. So, my editor has decided that makes me an expert to share my personal favorite 10 most romantic hotels in Asia, great picks for significant-other splurges, whether you’re celebrating my birthday – err, I mean this Valentine’s Day – or carving out couple-time elsewhere in the calendar.
Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan
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Courtesy of Gangtey Lodge
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Stone Bath House. Courtesy of Gangtey Lodge
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Stone Bath House. Courtesy of Gangtey Lodge
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Stone Bath House. Courtesy of Gangtey Lodge
They say mystery and romance go hand-in-hand, and few countries pique people’s curiosity like Bhutan. On a hilltop overlooking Gangtey Valley is the beautifully bespoke Gangtey Lodge. Each of its 12 identical suites has a soaking tub overlooking the serene valley, heated floors and a wood-burning stove. Rooms here are so cozy you won’t want to leave, and luckily, you don’t have to. Couples massages are done in-room, but the hotel’s traditional hot stone bath, made to fit two, is worth throwing on your bathrobe and venturing down for.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam
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Views from Heaven. Courtesy of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
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A 700-meter private beach. Courtesy of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
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Soaring views from the Non-La tables at Citron Restaurant. Courtesy of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
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Terrace Suites offer ample living space. Courtesy of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
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Romantic beach dining at sunset. Courtesy of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
On the outskirts of DaNang, the InterContinental sits on one of Vietnam’s most pristine stretches of sugar-white sand. The Bill Bensley-designed rooms and suites are scattered on various levels of Monkey Mountain, so guests navigate the dreamy resort via funicular going from Heaven down to Sea. There’s the gorgeous La Maison 1888 by Pierre Gaignaire, whose restaurant in Paris has three Michelin stars. But at the resort’s Heaven level is Citron, home to what just may be Asia’s most romantic dining setup. Here, a handful of tables jut out from the side of the building, suspended in the air with unobstructed views of the emerald bay below.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, Maldives
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Courtesy of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
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Courtesy of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
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Courtesy of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
This tropical Raffles outpost is at the southern tip of the Maldives, where privacy and sea life are abundant. The resort’s 21 beach villas are surrounded by sands that match the color of the clotted cream served with its signature scones. But for peak romance, opt for one of its 16 overwater villas, reachable only by boat. A personal pool, soaking tub, glass bottom deck and the largest bed in the Maldives mean you can do as much or as little snuggling as you like during your private island fantasy.
The Upper House, Hong Kong
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Sky Lounge. Courtesy of The Upper House
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Andre Fu Suite: Living Room (left) and Bathroom (right). Courtesy of The Upper House
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Andre Fu Suite Massage bed. Courtesy of The Upper House
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Salisterra Main Dining Room. Courtesy of The Upper House
Sexy and sultry come to mind when you step inside this André Fu-designed hotel. Located on the upper floors of Pacific Palace’s JW Marriott building, its 117 rooms channel sleek Japanese minimalism with light timber, neutral tones and low furniture. On the 49th floor, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Salisterra, is a flawless locale for sunset cocktails and a Mediterranean feast. Floor-to-ceiling windows in both the restaurant and rooms show off views of The Peak and the city’s skyscrapers, creating the perfect backdrop for a luxurious stay in Hong Kong’s most seductive hideaway.
thehousecollective.com/en/the-upper-house
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
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Courtesy of Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
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Courtesy of Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
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Courtesy of Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
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Courtesy of Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
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Courtesy of Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Safari seclusion in Thailand’s Golden Triangle screams special occasion. The hotel’s camp aesthetic features 15 tents (also Bill Bensley creations) tucked into the trees to provide maximum privacy, while you admire the three-country view of Burma, Laos and Thailand like something out of an old spy novel. Inside, a custom-made soaking tub, hanging mosquito netting and a wooden hot tub overlooking elephants roaming add an ethereal feel. Couples can also get up close and personal with these gentle giants on an excursion to watch them in their natural habitat as they bathe, eat and roam freely.
fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang, Laos
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Courtesy of La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel
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Courtesy of La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel
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Courtesy of La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel
Few tourist towns in Southeast Asia are still frozen in time like Luang Prabang. Its French colonial architecture stands along the Mekong River, punctuated by golden stupas and saffron-robed monks. On the fringes of this UNESCO World Heritage Town is the La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel. Overlooking Mount Phousi, the bougainvillea-lined infinity pool is a prime place to escape the hot Laotian sun. The hotel’s teak furniture, balconies with opium beds and swaying palm tree views add extra appeal to one of Asia’s most romantic destinations.
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, Singapore
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Courtesy of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel
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Courtesy of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel
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Courtesy of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel
History and luxury marry like the perfect couple at this five-star Singapore getaway. An oasis from the city center right outside, the Capitol Kempinski celebrates its heritage inside the two historic buildings in which it dwells with touches like original wood flooring combined with contemporary Italian marble. Laid out like a luxury residence, the hotel’s plush beds and robes are made for staying in and ordering room service like Hainanese chicken rice or black truffle pasta from its restaurant, 15 Stamford. And the all-marble bathrooms with rain showers and soaking tubs are among the best in Singapore.
kempinski.com/en/the-capitol-singapore
Zaborin, Japan
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Courtesy of Zaborin
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Courtesy of Zaborin
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Courtesy of Zaborin
In the skiing capital of Japan, Zaborin is an ultra-stylish ryokan with Mount Yōtei volcano views. A stay here is supremely private; in fact, you might not see another soul besides your partner. Each of its 15 standalone villas is designed for relaxation, with the option for a traditional tatami mat bed or a pillow-like Western one. But what makes this ryokan so enticing is the indoor and outdoor onsens in each room, heated with geothermal water and plenty of space for two.
Taj Lake Palace, India
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Tub on Jiva Spa Boat. Courtesy of Taj Lake Palace
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Taj Lake Palace, on Lake Pichola. Courtesy of Taj Lake Palace
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Jawan Burj Ghat Entry Jetty. Courtesy of Taj Lake Palace
Like a white marble mirage, the Taj Lake Palace floats in the waters of Lake Pichola with 360-degree views of Udaipur. Dating back to 1746, history permeates this enchanting royal summer retreat turned hotel, truly making it one of the most romantic in Asia. Walk hand in hand in its ornate interior garden or book an Ayurvedic couple’s massage at its spa boat. Traditional Indian patterns and textiles decorate its 83 colorful rooms and suites, where your personal butler will ensure that you’re treated like a maharaja and a maharani.
tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-lake-palace-udaipur
Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
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Marangga - Cliff side Bale Evening. Courtesy of Nihi Sumba
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Courtesy of Nihi Sumba/photo by Read McKendree
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Courtesy of Nihi Sumba/photo by Further East 2019
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Courtesy of Nihi Sumba/photo by Georg Schorschal
On the Indonesian island of Sumba, Nihi has been redefining sustainable luxury for more than a decade years. The resort’s 27 standalone villas are Robinson Crusoe chic with private pools, Indian Ocean views, and design touches as unique as each guest’s bespoke itinerary. But what may sound just like another incredible tropical retreat really ramps up the romance with its 26 on-site horses. Each day, Nihi’s sandalwood horses are freed from the stable to run down to the beach, where your butler can arrange a blissful sunset ride or swim with your perfect equine match.
Lede and hero image courtesy of Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Katie Lockhart
Katie Lockhart is a travel & food journalist and copywriter traveling full-time around Asia. She writes ..Read More
