Forbes Travel Guide’s inspectors visited more than 1,000 hotels in 60 countries to determine the 2018 Star Award winners announced in February — those Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended hotels that deliver superior service and facilities.
The company gathers up to 900 data points from every one of those inspections. Today, for the first time, Forbes Travel Guide is revealing details from its trove of data, unveiling its first Verified Lists, which recognize the World’s Most Luxurious Hotels and Spas.
The Most Luxurious hotel winners are the top performers in the standards that focus on sumptuous comfort, as well as extravagant choices and conveniences afforded to guests.
Fifty-eight hotels in 17 countries earned the coveted designation, representing the top 6 percent of 1,017 Star Rated hotels in luxury-related standards. The honorees include 52 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and six Four-Star properties.
In Southeast Asia, herewith is the full list among the world's most luxurious hotels:
Banyan Tree Ungasan Bali - INDONESIA
Surrounded by the shimmering cerulean blue waters of the Indian Ocean, white sand beaches and thriving tropical gardens, Bayan Tree Uganasa Bali fits right into the Indonesian isle’s reputation as the “Island of the Gods.”
Perched on a staggered cliff in Southern Bali overlooking the ocean, the resort has authentic Balinese touches all around, from the dishes served in Bambu Restaurant to the unique decorative touches that manage to seamlessly blend the island’s heritage and modern hospitality.
Plus, the hotel’s proximity to Bali’s famous Uluwatu Temple and the airport (a 35-minute drive) make it an elegant starting out point for exploring much of the island.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan - INDONESIA
With just 60 guest rooms, this Bali village resort is small by Four Seasons standards, which is exactly what makes Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan so appealing.
The public spaces are designed to feel intimate — restaurants that seat 30, a long, bi-level pool that follows the curve of the river, and two smaller spas rather than one large space. The resort’s grounds cover 18 verdant acres across hills that slope down to the Ayung River.
As you take a walk or a ride in one of the resort’s electric carts, you’ll see eggplant, limes, garlic, chili peppers, lemongrass and assorted herbs growing, all of which are used in the hotel’s restaurants.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel - SINGAPORE
From the stunning views of the bay to the interior design, the waterfront Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore is the definition of chic. Guest rooms are sleek and modern with high ceilings, marble-topped furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows, again to give you access to that amazing view.
However, a sweet view isn't the only perk in your room. Techies will love that everything in the room can be controlled with the bedside panel, and you can charge up with the iPod docking station.
The tech extras continue in the bathrooms, where a television built into the wall near the tub can be positioned for ideal viewing while soaking in a bubble bath. An electronic privacy screen covers the clear glass to separate the bathroom from the bedroom with a touch of a button.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL - BANGKOK
Perched on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is a long-standing landmark of traditional Thai-style luxury and a favorite among discerning travelers, celebrities, foreign dignitaries and even members of the Thai royal family.
Here, immaculately manicured grounds flush with tropical plants and flowers foster a lasting sense of place, one further nurtured by elegant public spaces adorned with teak furnishings, chic marble surfaces and 393 guest rooms and suites dressed in splendid Thai-style furnishings and décor.
Personal butlers are available to assist throughout your stay. The hotel’s award-winning Oriental Spa features 14 private treatment rooms and a long list of pampering body treatments, while other facilities include two landscaped swimming pools — one surrounded by private cabanas — two outdoor tennis courts and a fully equipped fitness center. Looking to experience Thai-style opulence at its most refined? You’ve come to the right place.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL - SINGAPORE
Contemporary Asian style and a stunning outdoor pool make Mandarin Oriental, Singapore stand out among the city’s Marina Bay hotels. The atrium-style lobby is impressive, allowing a soaring view to the top floor.
Take the pod-like glass elevators to the open corridors and the sophisticated guest rooms, where oriental influences and motifs complement the silk accents, streamlined furniture and views of the city, bay and ocean.
One of the best ways to take in the hotel’s skyline views is from the hotel’s pool, a modern oasis surrounded by private cabanas, which come with dimmer lighting, an iPod dock, Wi-Fi and an on-call button for refreshments.
After you work up an appetite doing laps in the lovely pool, head to the hotel’s ornate Cherry Garden restaurant, which serves authentic Cantonese cuisine, or Dolce Vita, which offers authentic Italian specialties with contemporary indoor or alfresco dining. No matter what you choose to do at the luxe hotel, from check-in to checkout, service is friendly and attentive.
THE MULIA, NUSA DUA, BALI - INDONESIA
As far as memorable first impressions go, The Mulia – Nusa Dua, Bali dazzles. After going through the grand entrance and past the magnificent Eternity Chapel surrounded by reflecting pools, the dramatic view of hills blanketed with more than a hundred elegant villas looks like a secret desert oasis.
The Mulia is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, as one would expect from a property whose name means “noble” in the Indonesian language. Located in the tropical haven of Bali and within 74 acres of land shared with sister properties Mulia Resort and Mulia Villas, the all-suite Mulia gives you access to four exquisite restaurants, five bars and six pools across the three resorts.
Add to that the ultra-luxurious accommodations and 24-hour butler service, and don’t be surprised if you want to spend the majority of your stay in Bali within the confines of this beachfront escape.
NUWA MANILA - PHILIPPINES
Nestled in the progressive Entertainment City in Parañaque, and near the picturesque Manila Bay — home to thousands of glorious sunsets — Nüwa Manila is one of the newest and most sought-after luxury hotels in the Philippines. Just a few minutes away from the international and domestic airports, this elegant property is in close proximity to bustling cities of Pasay, Makati, and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig via the NAIA expressway.
Officially opened in December 2015, the hotel is part of City of Dreams Manila, an impressive integrated resort complex, which houses three hotels (Nobu Hotel and Hyatt are the other two).
Nüwa Manila is all about sophistication and luxury, down to the finest detail, from the gold-laden entrance to the custom wallpaper inside guest rooms. Designed by world-renowned architect Michael Fiebrich, every nook and cranny exudes elegance.
SKY TOWER AT SOLAIRE RESORT & CASINO - PHILIPPINES
The gleaming 17-story Sky Tower, located within Solaire Resort & Casino, is the most recent addition to the resort company’s growing gaming complex along the picturesque Manila Bay in the Philippines. Considered a VIP extension of the Solaire Bay Tower, Sky Tower exudes luxury without compromising utility — from the main entrance adorned with a glamorous Swarovski chandelier to the exquisitely decorated suites.
Renowned hotel and casino architect Paul Steelman (famous for designing numerous high-end leisure properties in Las Vegas and Macau) headed up the sleek, dynamic design.
Sky Tower’s courteous and well-trained staff — clad in outfits designed by celebrated local fashion designer and innovator Rajo Laurel — represents fine Filipino hospitality, adding a whole new level of satisfaction to the all-suite Manila hotel.
Source : Forbes Travel Guide
