Despite the time it takes to get to many of the best Asian resorts, making the journey is totally worth it to T+L readers. The properties that travelers voted onto this year’s list of best resorts in Asia are notable for their distinct settings, which include an 18th-century royal palace on its own island, a modern beachside compound in Bali, and a secluded jungle camp in Thailand, where elephants roam the grounds.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
In Bali, the Mulia earned its No. 3 spot with an ideal Indian Ocean location in the resort enclave of Nusa Dua. “A sanctuary to relax and rejuvenate,” is how one reader described it, also noting that the 20-room spa was especially “amazing.” Plus, with six swimming pools, nine food and beverage options, and activities that range from yoga and meditation to stand-up paddleboarding, some readers found hardly any reason to leave the property.
Elsewhere in Indonesia, Nihi Sumba (No. 7) impressed with a staff that “seemed to anticipate my needs before I did,” wrote one reader, who experienced a “spectacular feeling of warmth and welcome I haven’t found anywhere else.” The lush tropical environs of the resort are a draw for surfers and nature lovers, with a special emphasis on sustainability. “It’s a very chill, relaxing spot where the focus is all on the outdoors,” remarked another reader. “A perfect mix of luxury and social consciousness.”
15. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula, Danang, Vietnam
Score: 95.66
More information: danang.intercontinental.com
14. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India
Score: 95.71
More information: oberoihotels.com
13. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Bali, Indonesia
Score: 95.83
More information: fourseasons.com/sayan
12. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India
Score: 96.08
11. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Score: 96.13
More information: anantara.com
10. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
Score: 96.20
9. Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand
Score: 96.24
8. Nihi Sumba Indonesia
Score: 96.46
More information: nihi.com
7. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
Score: 96.48
More information: tajhotels.com
6. Six Senses Laamu, Olhuveli Island, Maldives
Score: 96.50
More information: sixsenses.com
5. Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
Score: 97.18
More information: gangteylodge.com
4. Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand
Score: 97.74
3. The Mulia, Bali, Indonesia
Score: 98.25
More information: themulia.com/mulia-bali
2. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Vietnam
Score: 98.56
More information: marriott.com
1. The Leela Palace Udaipur, India
Score: 98.89
More information: theleela.com
This year’s winner, the Leela Palace Udaipur, is one of Rajasthan’s most revered hotels. Perched on Lake Pichola with views of the Aravali Mountains, guests cited its superlative service and spa among the highlights. “The staff was exceptional,” said one, and visitors are given a welcome fit for royalty, complete with local musicians and a shower of rose petals. All 80 rooms in the lavish, Mughal-inspired building come with lake views, and its six acres are dotted with dozens of varieties of palm trees, as well as shady manicured lawns and gardens.
See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards for 2019.
