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Best luxury destinations in Asia

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Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
9.2
Like a city from the future built in the desert, Dubai has the Burj Khalifa, which rises 2,717 feet above the streets. Desert camps outside the city serve dinner under the stars after dune drives while Palm Jumeirah has beach resorts on an artificial island shaped like a palm tree.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Take a desert safari and ride camels over golden dunes
  • ⛷️ Shop and ski inside the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai
  • 🏙️ Ascend the Burj Khalifa and watch the city from above
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
From November to April the dry season has calm clear water and sunny days near 86 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the busy season for overwater villas on private resort islands. Whale sharks swim in South Ari Atoll through the year, so snorkellers often see them on a morning boat trip.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • 🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
Like a garden city with skyscrapers, the island has the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, steel tree like towers up to 160 feet tall that light up at night. Luxury hotels are close to hawker centres, open air food courts where a plate of chicken rice costs a few dollars.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
Ginza is a district of flagship stores and sushi counters with only a handful of seats, where chefs serve each piece by hand. The city has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other in the world while skyscraper hotels in Shinjuku have views of Mount Fuji on clear winter days.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savour sushi at a local eatery
Shanghai
A dazzling mix of modernity and tradition
9.0
Shanghainese take evening walks on the Bund, a riverfront promenade lined with 1920s Art Deco banks and hotels, to watch the lights of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Old jazz bars stay open late while designer boutiques and cafes fill the leafy streets of the French Concession.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Wander through Yu Garden and explore its traditional pavilions
  • 🏙️ Take the world’s fastest elevator to Shanghai Tower’s observation deck
  • 🌃 Admire Shanghai’s skyline from The Bund promenade at night
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
Between Java and Lombok in Indonesia, the island has cliffside resorts above the Indian Ocean with private pool villas and spas, while Uluwatu Temple stands on a cliff about 230 feet above the waves. Dinner on the beach in Jimbaran is grilled seafood at tables in the sand.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Doha
Where modern luxury meets tradition
8.4
Falconry is a Qatari tradition while Souq Waqif, an old market rebuilt in traditional style, has shops selling falcons wearing leather hoods next to a falcon hospital. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I. M. Pei, stands on its own island at the end of the waterfront promenade.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Relax and stroll along the scenic Doha Corniche
  • 🏛️ Marvel at the Museum of Islamic Art’s collections
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Souq Waqif and shop traditional goods
Macau
Where East meets West in style
8.3
On the Pearl River Delta about 40 miles west of Hong Kong, Macau has the Cotai Strip, a row of giant casino resorts with spas and fine restaurants. In the old town, Portuguese churches and tiled squares are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site while egg tarts are sold at nearby bakeries.
Highlights:
  • 🗼 Admire views from the towering Macau Tower
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Senado Square and its shops
  • 🏛️ Visit the historic Ruins of St. Paul's
Qatar
Desert luxury meets coastal charm
8.2
On a small peninsula in the Persian Gulf, the country has the Inland Sea, a tidal lagoon ringed by tall sand dunes near the border with Saudi Arabia. Desert camps nearby have dune drives and dinners in tents under the stars, while camel races take place near Doha in winter.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Take a desert safari across the golden dunes of Khor Al Adaid
  • 🛍️ Wander through Souq Waqif’s bustling lanes and shop for spices
  • 🏛️ Admire the architectural marvel of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
9.3
Victoria Peak, 1,811 feet high, has views over the skyscrapers and harbour, reached by a steep tram that has run since 1888. In the evening the city has dozens of Michelin starred restaurants and rooftop bars while tailors in Central make suits in a few days.
Highlights:
  • 🥢 Shop and eat street food in Mong Kok’s bustling markets
  • ⛴️ Sail across Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry
  • 🌇 Ride the Peak Tram and admire skyline views from Victoria Peak
Abu Dhabi
Modern luxury meets rich traditions
8.8
Cool marble underfoot and a hushed courtyard are part of a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which has 82 white domes that glow gold at sunset. On nearby Saadiyat Island, beach resorts have private villas and a museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, sits under a huge dome of light.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Admire world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
  • 🏜️ Take a thrilling desert safari at sunset
  • 🕌 Marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Nusa Dua
Bali’s Luxe Beaches and Calm Waters
7.4
The Indonesian government planned this gated resort area in the 1970s while today it has beach hotels, golf courses and spas beside calm water inside a protective reef. Visitors gather at Water Blow, where waves hit the rocks and spray shoots high into the air.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Explore art at Museum Pasifika's diverse collection
  • 🌊 Watch powerful waves at the dramatic Water Blow
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Nusa Dua Beach
Niseko
Hokkaido powder snow and four linked resorts
8.2
Mount Yotei, a cone shaped volcano 6,227 feet high, rises over Niseko, where more than 500 inches of light powder snow falls each winter. Skiers finish the day in outdoor onsen hot spring baths while luxury chalets in Hirafu have fireplaces and ski in ski out access.
Highlights:
  • 🚵‍♀️ Explore mountain biking trails in Twin Peaks Bike Park
  • 🧗‍♂️ Take a thrilling zipline ride at Hanazono Resort
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard on world-class powder snow
Muscat
Where mountains meet Arabian sea
7.0
Compared with the glass towers of other Gulf cities, Muscat has low white buildings between rocky mountains and the Gulf of Oman, with the Royal Opera House and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Beach resorts to the south have private coves while Mutrah Souq sells frankincense, a sweet smelling tree resin.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Stroll along the scenic Mutrah Corniche waterfront
  • 🛍️ Explore the bustling Mutrah Souq market
  • 🕌 Visit the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Phuket
Beaches, Culture and Nightlife
8.1
The smell of grilled seafood and lemongrass is in the air at beach restaurants on Kamala Bay at sunset. Private yachts leave from the island's marinas for day trips to Phang Nga Bay, where limestone cliffs rise from green water, while spa resorts have villas with private pools.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore colorful streets of Phuket Old Town
  • 🗿 Climb to the serene Big Buddha viewpoint
  • 🏖️ Relax on Patong Beach and enjoy vibrant nightlife
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 so the old city still has ryokan, traditional inns with tatami rooms and private gardens. Dinner is kaiseki, a multi course meal of tiny seasonal dishes, while geiko, as geisha are called in Kyoto, perform in the teahouses of Gion.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Moscow
A grand city of history and power
8.2
Muscovites dress up for an evening at the Bolshoi Theatre, a red and gold hall with six tiers of seats that opened in 1825 and still stages ballet and opera. Across Red Square, GUM is a department store under a glass roof from 1893 with designer boutiques.
Highlights:
  • 🪆 See Lenin’s Mausoleum and explore Soviet history
  • 🕍 Tour the Kremlin and its impressive cathedrals
  • 🏰 Admire St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square
Ubud
Bali's Cultural and Spiritual Heart
7.9
Painters such as the German artist Walter Spies and the Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet moved to Ubud in the 1920s and 1930s, starting an art tradition that continues in the Neka Museum and village galleries. Luxury villas in the jungle have private pools above the Ayung River gorge.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Explore the historic Ubud Palace and gardens
  • 🌿 Walk the scenic Campuhan Ridge for nature views
  • 🐒 Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
Sanya
Tropical Beaches and Island Vibes
7.5
Sanya has warm sunny days near 80 degrees Fahrenheit from November to March when northern China is freezing. Winter guests fill the resorts of Yalong Bay, a crescent of white sand about 4.5 miles long with private villas, spas and palm lined paths along the water.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Wuzhizhou Island
  • 🛕 Explore the serene Nanshan Temple and giant Guanyin statue
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Yalong Bay
Luang Prabang
Laid-back charm by the Mekong River
7.5
Temple gongs and the quiet shuffle of barefoot monks are part of dawn on the old streets, where alms are given and boutique hotels in French colonial villas serve breakfast on shaded terraces. A short drive away the Kuang Si Falls drop through turquoise pools where swimmers cool off.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Climb Phousi Hill for panoramic sunset views
  • 🏛️ Explore the historical Royal Palace Museum grounds
  • 💦 Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls and swim
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
8.5
Spring and autumn have clear skies and mild days, which is when Paro Tsechu is held, a festival with masked dances at the Rinpung Dzong fortress in March or April. The trail to Tiger's Nest monastery climbs to about 10,200 feet while a daily visitor fee keeps the number of travellers low.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Admire Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass’ 108 chortens
  • 🎉 Join a colorful Buddhist festival at Punakha Dzong
  • 🏔️ Hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
Sentosa Island
Singapore’s Premier Island Resort
Sentosa Cove is a waterfront neighbourhood on the island with a marina where superyachts dock beside villas and restaurants. Golfers play the Serapong course, which has hosted professional tournaments, while beach clubs and spa resorts are a short drive across the causeway from the city centre.
Highlights:
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Luge and enjoy panoramic island views
  • 🏖️ Relax on the sandy shores of Palawan and Siloso Beaches
  • 🎢 Experience thrilling rides at Universal Studios Singapore
Orchard Road
Singapore's Shopping and Cultural Hub
Orchard Road got its name from the fruit orchards and nutmeg plantations that grew here in the 1800s. Today the 1.4 mile boulevard has luxury malls, designer flagship stores and rooftop bars, while the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a short walk away.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Stroll along Emerald Hill Road’s charming heritage houses
  • 🏷️ Explore vintage finds and bargains at Far East Plaza
  • 🛍️ Shop luxury brands and local designers at ION Orchard
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