Our Favourite Properties Across Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, a region renowned for its vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes and diverse experiences, offers some of the most beautiful and luxurious properties in the world. Whether you're dreaming of a beach break, mountain retreat or a peaceful eco-escape, Southeast Asia has it all.

In this blog, we explore our favourite properties across this region that all promise a unique and unforgettable experience.

Vietnam

Avana Retreat in Mai Chau, Vietnam

Located among the villages of three ethnic groups, Avana Retreat is a luxury mountain retreat in the lush rural region of Mai Chau. Nestled on the mountainside, 36 stunning villas have been thoughtfully designed with rattan ceilings, earth walls and thatched roofs to blend into the surrounding forest. Avana offers a range of experiences and activities that can be enjoyed by all the family, including ceramic workshops, jungle treks, cookery lessons and rattan making, whilst the Orchid Spa offers a varied range of holistic treatments. One of the retreat highlights is the Cloud Pool - a stunning three-layer heated pool that was built to resemble the terraced rice fields and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the breath-taking views of the vast Mai Chau valley.

Bãi San Hô in Quy Nhon, Vietnam

Part of the Zannier Hotels group, Bãi San Hô is a luxury beach resort located on the secluded Phu Yen peninsula in Vietnam. Featuring 73 free-standing villas, guests can choose to stay in the cosy Paddy Field Villas, the Hill Pool Villas or the Beach Pool Villa. Hotel facilities include a gym, yoga studio, tennis and badminton courts, beach volleyball and a range of watersports including surfing, wakeboarding and kayaking. If you're after relaxation, the Hoa Sen Spa offers treatments designed around five spiritual elements: air, fire, water, earth and spirit, alongside saunas and hammams. A mix of Southeast Asian and international cuisine can be enjoyed across three restaurants. Our favourite is the Lang Chai grill restaurant which serves freshly caught fish on the beach.

Cambodia

Shinta Mani Wild in Cardamom National Park, Cambodia

Deep in the heart of the Cambodian rainforest, Shinta Mani Wild (part of the Bensley Collection), comprises 15 luxury tents with outdoor bathtubs and breathtaking views along the riverbank. Sustainability is at the heart of Shinta Mani Wild and thanks to collaborations with the Wildlife Alliance, guests are invited to join the rangers in their work protecting the valley and its wildlife from poaching, mining and logging. After an action-packed day hiking, mountain biking, kayaking (just some of the activities on offer here), guests can enjoy complimentary spa treatments at the Khmer Tonics Spa, followed by a delicious Khmer meal at the open-air restaurant. All of the dishes are made using fresh seasonal ingredients, many of which have been foraged from the surrounding Cardamom Forest.

Phum Baitang in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, also known as the “Green Village”, is a luxury 5-star resort located on the edge of Siem Reap, just a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away from the incredible Angkor Wat. Inspired by Khmer architecture, this elegant hideaway lies within rural paddy fields and comprises 45 traditional stilted villas that have been sustainably designed using woven bamboo walls and banana leaf shutters. The Spa Temple offers holistic treatments inspired by ancient Khmer therapies, as well as a sauna, steam room and yoga pavilion. During the day, light meals and homemade juices are served at the pool bar, whilst in the evening, guests can choose between two fine dining options – one restaurant is locally inspired, the other offers international cuisine. Phum Baitang is well suited for both families and couples, with cooking classes and a kids club to keep guests of all ages entertained.

Laos

Satri House in Luang Prabang, Laos

Satri House was originally built as a residence for a branch of the Laos royal family in the late 1900s. Now a beautiful boutique hotel, the 28 rooms and 3 suites are furnished with crafted wood furniture inspired by Laos culture, and feature a balcony with garden views. The open-air restaurant serves delicious local Laos cuisine alongside a combination of Western & Asian specialties. Other facilities include a garden bar, library, two outdoor swimming pools and a beautiful spa that offers massages, body scrubs and facial treatments, as well as a large Jacuzzi, plunge pool and steam room. For the ultimate Mekong River experience, guests can hire the hotel’s Satri Boat for a private sunset cruise, seated dinner (up to 60 guests) or an overnight cruise (up to 10 guests).

The River Resort in Champasak (4,000 Islands), Laos

Located on the banks of the Mekong river, The River Resort is an eco-friendly hotel that offers 5 star service whilst remaining embedded within its environment and local community. Set within 3 hectares of tropical gardens and paddy fields, guests are able to choose between Riverfront Villas or Garden Villas, all of which are modern and spacious with large private terraces to enjoy the surrounding views. For relaxation, guests can enjoy the resort’s two infinity pools, or have a traditional Lao or Thai massage in the spa. Daytime and sunset river cruises are organised on the hotel’s custom-made Riverboat and bicycles are available to those who wish to explore the surrounding villages, or visit the charming old Champasak town, just 8km away. The hotel can also organise excursions to the Pakse wet market, the Wat Phou UNESCO World Heritage Site, an elephant trek or a day trip to the spectacular 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don).

For more tips on the best places to stay in Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, browse our website or speak to one of our Southeast Asia destination experts on +44(0) 207 81 99 770.