If you think rolling up in a Bentley is a grand entrance, then you’re in for a surprise at Shinta Mani Wild. Here, brave guests undertake a Mission Impossible-style arrival: strapping themselves to Southeast Asia’s longest zipline to check into this luxury tented camp in Cambodia’s rich rainforest. This exhilarating ride is one of many creative elements found in this Bensley Collection hotel, from the hospitality company of acclaimed designer Bill Bensley.

Nestled between Kirirom, Cardamom and Bokor National Parks, Shinta Mani Wild is Bensley’s personal vision of a chic jungle retreat, specifically the concept of “Jackie Onassis on a luxury safari”. Each of the 15 tents features his trademark touches: teak furniture, eclectic textiles and hand-picked objets d’art. Though it’s tempting to lounge in the tent, Shinta Mani Wild is best experienced through nature activities ranging from birdwatching to forest foraging to river tubing. After all that hard work, end the day with a sumptuous cocktail at Waterfall Bar or soak in your private outdoor bathtub floating above the lush foliage.

Bangkok is brimming with luxury hotels, but few are able to showcase a different side of this bustling city. Situated in the capital’s historic district of Dusit, The Siam Hotel introduces a less-trodden area to its guests while proving that the idea of an urban resort isn’t an oxymoron. Built following the vision of founder and creative director Krissada Sukosol Clapp, The Siam is a glorious tribute to tropical style brought to life in collaboration with the inimitable Bill Bensley.

The hotel transports you to a time of grandeur in Bangkok, the era of King Rama V (1868-1910), replete with art deco flourishes mixed with verdant touches. The monochromatic interiors serve as the perfect foil for the thousands of antiques peppered around the space, taking pride of place in alcoves in the lobby and contemporary restaurant The Story House. Design aside, its opulent Opium spa, dedicated Muay Thai gym and lap pool make it a wellness haven, too. Our favourite amenity, however, is its easy access to the Chao Phraya River. It’s one of the few hotels with its own pier and boat, meaning you’re able to skip the traffic and cruise down the iconic river anytime you feel like it. Talk about getting around in style.

The imposing kajimiya gate that once stood at the Imperial Palace greets guests at Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, ushering them into this serene property that opened in 2020. Built on land owned by the Mitsui family for over 250 years, the hotel is a modern reimagining of a teahouse, courtesy of renowned interior architect André Fu. It feels intimate, despite having 161 spacious rooms, thanks to the delightful courtyard garden laced with momiji trees, stone lanterns and garden rocks, emanating a sense of calm throughout.

Located adjacent to Nijo Castle, the hotel is well-placed to showcase Kyoto’s rich history to guests, who are offered private access to the city’s treasured landmarks and festivals. But it’s not content to dwell on the past, and offers innovative cultural experiences such as an exclusive partnership with Hibiki whisky as well as an upcoming workshop with the hip Tokinoha ceramics studio, which crafted the plates for its superb Japanese restaurant Toki. After seeing Kyoto’s old and new faces, don’t forget to set aside some time for self-care at the property’s stunning thermal spring and unparalleled private onsen.

Good things come to those who wait, and this majestic property in the well-loved region of Rajasthan is a good example. It took almost a decade to transform this 700-year- old fort into Six Senses Fort Barwara—a 48-suite hotel and the brand’s first outpost in India. It’s impossible not to be bowled over by the setting alone. The ancient fort and the desert landscapes look like an “Incredible India” ad, and being only 30 minutes from Ranthambore National Park means a day spotting wild tigers is within easy reach.

To stay here is to experience what it’s like to be Rajasthani royalty—it was a royal home, after all—and the site incorporates not one but two palaces, as well as two temples. The herculean effort put into conservation is also applied to ensuring it has a strong sense of place: local artisans are given the chance to shine, while the allure of Indian cuisine is embraced everywhere.

The rolling green mountains and impossibly blue waters you see on the 70-minute flight to Amanpulo are only a taster of the beauty you’ll witness up close when you arrive at Pamalican Island in the Philippines. Many resorts describe their beaches as “paradise on Earth” but few really deserve to be called so; Amanpulo—which translates to “peaceful island” in Sanskrit—is one of them.

Established 30 years ago by luxury hotel brand Aman, the resort’s enduring appeal comes from the natural assets of this island in the Cuyo Archipelago and the incomparable hospitality of Filipinos. The ideal way to enjoy Amanpulo is to go with the flow and do very little: read your book while lounging on the casita’s hammock, join the daily snorkelling expeditions to see the resident sea turtles, saunter on the powder-white sand that feels like velvet between your toes, or enjoy a beachside barbeque with your crew. If there’s one activity you should plan ahead for, however, it’s the sunset session at the Kawayan Bar. This decked- out floating bamboo bar in the middle of the sea is the best place to catch the gorgeous fiery sunsets.

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