Park Hyatt Busan
Busan

Designed to look like a billowing sail, the 33 story Park Hyatt Busan sits amidst the skyscrapers of Busan’s Haeundae district around the city’s marina. Offering unparalleled views of the bay and the bustling harbour, multiple excellent dining options and an impressive spa and indoor pool, we think this is Busan’s standout hotel.

Anchoring the waterfront of Busan’s upscale Marine City district, the Park Hyatt is a sleek glass and steel tower that echoes the curves of the yachts docked just outside in the marina. With stunning views over Haeundae Beach and the Gwangan Bridge, it’s one of Korea’s most stylish urban resorts and offers a beautifully tranquil counterpoint to the energy of Korea’s bustling port city.

The hotel’s 269 rooms and suites are among the biggest in the city. All offer floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the views. The room aesthetic is resolutely minimalist, while the polished granite bathrooms are sleek and comfortably luxurious, all with soaking tubs, rain showers and their own TV’s. Technical connectivity is also a strong feature of the rooms, a must-have for the hotel’s many business guests.

The hotel’s 269 rooms and suites are bright, spacious, and designed in warm natural woods and soft fabrics that bring a sense of calm. Floor-to-ceiling windows take full advantage of the dramatic ocean and harbour views. Bathrooms are a particular highlight, many feature oversized soaking tubs positioned right beside the windows, ideal for sunset contemplation with a glass of something chilled. The overall aesthetic is minimal but luxurious, with a soft palette that mirrors sand, stone and sea.

The 20th-floor wellness floor is a standout, with a sleek indoor pool offering panoramic views, a serene spa and a well-equipped gym. Everything has been designed to let the light in and keep the sea always in view.

Dining is also a pleasure here; Dining Room serves modern French and Korean cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood and views to match. Living Room is an elegant space for cocktails, light bites or afternoon tea, while Lounge on the 30th floor is a favourite for guests and locals alike, with its signature views over the bridge lit up at night.

This is an ideal base for exploring the culture and coastline of Busan, whether it’s the buzzing Haeundae beach scene, the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, or a trip to the seafood stalls of Jagalchi Market. Or simply check in, unwind and watch the light move over the water.

The top three floors of the hotel are home to the dining options, the lounge and bar. The Dining Room is the hotel’s main restaurant serving grilled steaks and seafood. It offers an open kitchen concept to watch the chefs at work, if you can spare time from the spectacular views of the bay and harbour. The Living Room offers more casual Italian fare, but equally impressive views. The hotel’s spa, pool and well-equipped fitness centre each occupy their own floor and are a lovely retreat after a day’s sightseeing.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson