The UrbanJourney team has already decided that 2015 is going to be a year filled with travel, and when we travel we like to stay in spots that are unique, intimate, and veering on quality over quantity. For us it’s all about the boutique hotels, and we’ve already pinpointed a few new spots around Asia that we want to check out. From beautiful beachfront escapes to chic city breaks, these up and coming boutique hotels are at the top of our bucket list.
Adonis-Hotel
Singapore
Adonis-Hotel is a bouqitue hotel located in a heritage building along Purvis Street. The hotel boasts 19 exclusive rooms and themed suites which offer contemporary luxuries combined with Classical elements. Their vision is to be ‘connected’ to their guests, so expect highly personalised service The location of the hotel gives you quick access to interesting culture, historical architecture as well as shopping vicinities, local eateries and more, but if you prefer to escape the hustle and bustle, you can still enjoy a tranquil escape within.
13 Purvis Street
Singapore
Tel:+65 6338 0013
Bisma Eight
Ubud, Bali
Bisma Eight is a boutique hotel experience set within the natural and cultural heart of Ubud. With 38 suites, each a mix of modern design and traditional Balinese craftsmanship, Bisma Eight adds something new to the landscape of central Bali by revisiting what it is that defines Ubud. Touches like handcrafted Japanese onsen soaking tubs, a large living area, and nods to Balinese art and architecture make a stay at Bisma Eight feel indulgent yet effortlessly comfortable. Amenities include a heated pool delicately balanced over lush Balinese jungle, a fully equipped gymnasium, an organic farm, and a rooftop garden.
Jalan Bisma, Ubud
Tel:+62 361 4792888
AKARYN Retreat
Koh Krabeay, Cambodia
Situated on a private island just a 20-minute boat ride from the popular beach destination of Sihanoukville, AKARYN Retreat at Koh Krabeay will open this year with 35 spacious private pool villas and a slew of holistic wellness facilities like a meditation cave, water therapy suites and advanced anti-aging spa treatments. Each villa has been built to blend seamlessly into the tropical environment, and the resort plans to only allow a select number of guests at a time to ensure that visitors get the ultimate peace, privacy and personal paradise.
Visit AKARYN Retreat’s website
GLAD Hotel Yeouido
Seoul, South Korea
As the name suggests, the vibe at GLAD is happy and cheerful, and the design features walls of stacked bricks both inside and out, which creates a warm and homey feeling. Other unique touches include street signs and park benches in the hallways, cosy but cool rooms with streamlined shelving and comfy lounge sofas, and power from a geothermal energy system. Although the subway is just steps away, you may just want to stay in and grab a single malt whisky at Bar Mark T downstairs before digging into some hearty Korean BBQ at Greets restaurant and cafe.
16, Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 2 6222 5000
Visit GLAD Hotel Yeouido’s website
Humble House Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan
Art is the main focus at this modern urban retreat in Taipei, as Humble House boasts a collection of over 600 paintings, sculptures and installations curated by renowned collector Ellie Lai. The minimalist design allows you to appreciate the pieces in each room, and the huge floor to ceiling windows let natural light flow in. You can also enjoy daily tea ceremonies, fine Italian fare at La Farfalla, soothing spa treatments, and afternoon drinks in the lush garden at The Terrace Lounge.
18, Songgao Rd., Xinyi Dist.
Taipei 110, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 6631 8000
Suiran
Kyoto, Japan
Another boutique hotel opening later this year, Suiran will be Starwood Hotels & Resorts first Luxury Collection property in Japan. The resort is set on the grounds of the Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, and it will include 39 rooms designed in the ‘ryoken’ style with traditional Japanese motifs, a gorgeous spa, and a cafe and restaurant housed in two original century old buildings. In addition, the hotel will offer fabulous views of the Hozugawa River backed by a tranquil bamboo grove.
Visit Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ website
Sanctum Inle Resort
Come March visitors to Inle Lake will have a new elegant hideaway to make their base at Sanctum Inle Resort. This 95-room boutique hotel was inspired by the monastic life, so the design includes plenty of arches that allude to temple architecture, as well as quiet spots where you can snag a bit of solitude and serenity. Also on site is Burmese restaurant The Refectory, The Cloister Bar, The Sanctuary Spa and The Workshop Boutique.
Maing Thauk Village, Inle Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township
Shan State, Myanmar
Tel: + 95 (0) 1 860 4945
