JW Marriott Spa & Resort, Phuket, Thailand

There are some hotel experiences which are quite simply unforgettable. I recently stumbled across a box filled with some old photographs of my numerous trips taken whilst living all those years in Asia. Here are a few insider tips for top hotels that will make all the difference to your journey.

If you’re heading to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang in Laos, La Résidence Phou Vao is the place to be. Nestled atop a leafy hill with spectacular views across the surrounding landscape, this intimate luxury spa hotel is perfect for escaping the bustle of tourists below whilst remaining close to all the main, must-see sights. The rooms are airy and impeccably clean, but it is the bathroom which did it for me: with it’s large floor-to-ceiling curtainless window overlooking the verdant rainforest, taking a shower in the morning was an experience in itself.

Next up is the JW Marriott Spa and Resort in Phuket, Thailand. Located on the island’s north-west coast, far from the chaos of the more commercial beaches such as Patong or Karon Bay, this idyllic retreat lies right next to the Sirinath Marine National Park and protected sea turtle nesting areas. With its polished wood floors and Thai silk details, each room comes with its own indoor-outdoor ’sala’ (a typical Thai raised platform) from which you can relax and soak up the atmosphere. If you happen to visit sometime between November and February, you may be lucky enough to watch the spectacular sea turtles lay eggs on the beach, otherwise make sure you book a to-die-for Thai massage at the lush Mandara Spa.

One hotel which I will most definitely never forget is the Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort on Inle Lake, Burma. Its 37 cottages are built directly upon the lake in the style of the local houses of the floating villages nearby, so be aware that once you arrive, you will not be doing very much walking. Regardless, it is quite an experience to have breakfast in the morning to the sound of lapping water as local fisherman paddle by. The food is absolutely scrumptious, and their traditional fried fish is the best I have ever eaten anywhere. Seriously.

Finally, The Raffles Grand Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia was an unforgettable stay that brought me back to the town’s French colonial past. Originally built in 1932, this tastefully refurbished gem of a hotel hints at its historical origins with its art deco country interiors. A mere 8kms from the infamous Angkor Temples (which I highly recommend you try to visit at least once in your lifetime), its Café d’Angkor serves delectable light lunches perfect for taking a break from the all that sightseeing and the humid heat.

Images courtesy of JW Marriott Spa & Resort, La Residence Phou Vao, Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort and The Raffles Grand Hotel

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