10 unique and adventurous luxury hotels to explore in Asia: from zip-lining to Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia to staying in a ‘jungle bubble’ with elephants at Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand
Ever wanted to take a zip line to your resort? Or sleep next to elephants in a bubble-domed accommodation? Or book a stay in an art-gallery-slash-hotel?
Asia is home to plenty of unique and adventurous hotels that offer memorable activities in cool settings – all while promising five-star service and luxurious amenities.
Here are 10 bucket-list-worthy experiences in Asia that you can book right now.
1. Zip-line into Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia
Begin your adventure at Shinta Mani Wild by zip-lining into the “Landing Zone Bar” of the hotel.
This luxury eco-camp in Cambodia takes wilderness travel to the next level and is the brainchild of sustainable hospitality savant Bill Bensley. With conservation at the heart of its design, this Bensley Collection resort is located in the Cardamom Rainforest and features 15 unique tents, with themes inspired by King Sihanouk and Jackie Kennedy’s 1967 Cambodian travels.
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2. Sleep next to elephants in “jungle bubbles” with Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand
Watch majestic elephants from your “jungle bubble” accommodation in Thailand’s Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort for the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s also a “jungle bubble lodge” option that can house up to four persons and includes private chef service, making it a hit among families.
3. Sleep and dine under the sea at Conrad Maldives
Conrad Maldives’ Muraka underwater suite is a luxury two-level residence submerged about five metres below sea level in the Indian Ocean. The master bedroom has a 180-degree curved acrylic dome, meaning you can watch sea life swimming from all around you as you drift to sleep and wake up on the plush bed.
But it’s not just the accommodation at Conrad that allows for such an experience. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant also takes you beneath the surface of the ocean to watch panoramic coral garden views, all while enjoying some fine dining and exquisite wine.
4. Live out your fairy tale dreams at The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Dalian, China
Located atop Lotus Mountain with views of Xinghai Bay and the Yellow Sea, the Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, looks like it’s come straight out of the pages of a fairy tale.
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5. Swim with horses at Nihi in Indonesia
Horses are the soul of Sumba, which is why Nihi’s Sandalwood Stables is a popular reason to visit Nihi wellness retreat in Indonesia.
Guests can book a trail ride on the beach at sunset and meander through local villages, and visit neighbouring Coconut Cove for a gallop with the majestic creatures during their stay. When the swell is low and high tide is waning, travellers can even go swimming with the horses on Nihiwatu beach.
6. Enjoy breathtaking views from the floating Taj Lake Palace in India
Initially constructed in the 1700s, the Taj Lake Palace was used as a summer retreat by the Mewar royal family until it was converted into a heritage hotel in 1963.
7. Experience “no walls, no doors” at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Indonesia
Tucked away in the lush, thick jungles of Ubud, Bali, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape uniquely incorporates a “no walls, no doors” concept, meaning guests are fully immersed in nature.
With just 16 villas, each with private infinity pools, the retreat is ideal for those looking to truly get away from the hustle and bustle of city life while embracing a “genuinely naked experience”, according to Accor.
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8. Appreciate artwork in Benesse House, a hotel located within a museum in Japan
Serving as both a hotel and museum, this rare site combines art, nature and architecture in Naoshima Island, Japan. With a minimal design construed by Tadao Ando, the property states that it’s “not just about looking at art, it’s about what you can see through art”, according to its website. The island is known for being a creative hub, meaning visitors can explore even more art displays and museums near Benesse House.
9. Look at three countries from one spot: Laos, Myanmar and Thailand at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Want to tick off three countries in one go? At Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, guests can soak in the views of three countries – Thailand, Myanmar and Laos – while having the chance to interact with rescued elephants, hike in the bamboo jungles and sit back and relax at the luxurious tents and lodges.
10. Stay in a treehouse at Keemala in Thailand
Inspired by the We-Ha (Sky) clan and way of life, Keemala’s Tree Pool Houses come with two floors and a private pool with cocoon-shaped beds and lounges.
Located in Phuket, this fun and picturesque accommodation is nestled in nature, with panoramic rainforest and resort views.
- Asia boasts some of the most incredible luxury hotels with a sense of adventure, like making an entrance at Bill Bensley’s Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia or sleeping amid sea life at Conrad Maldives
- The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in China is inspired by the same place Walt Disney referenced in Sleeping Beauty, while Keemala offers the chance to stay in a treehouse in Phuket