Every so often, new luxurious hotels and resorts are constructed and revamped to join an already diverse list of ‘things to do’, and ‘places to see’. While destination-style vacations may seem like a thing of the past – especially in light of what feels like a never-ending global pandemic – the news of vaccines being steadily distributed, has sparked hope that eventually the future will look brighter than it did before. As such, here is a list of unforgettable hotels and resorts worth revisiting once the Covid-19 storm has passed.

Capella Bangkok

Designed by former Fosters + Partners duo, Andy Miller and Richard Scott Wilson, Capella Bangkok showcases over 101 guestrooms, suites and villas, with interiors crafted by the esteemed tastemakers BAMO. Boasting uninterrupted views of the Chao Phraya river, alongside world-class gastronomy, and revitalising wellness, Capella Bangkok is dedicated to providing authentic, cultural experiences for its guests. Underpinned by the highest levels of personalised service, this hotel maintains a legacy of thoughtful design and unparalleled sophistication.

Branding itself as a unique melting pot for world flavour, this resort is home to ‘Côte‘ the first Southeast Asian outpost for Chef Mauro, the Italo-Argentinian three Michelin-starred restaurant in France, Mirazur, and Phra Nakhorn, the enchanting alfresco riverside dining destination that showcases the time-honoured Thai recipes of this storied district.

Capella Bangkok, (tel: 02 098 3878 / email: reservations.bangkok@capellahotels.com)

Joali Maldives

Embark on the journey to one of South Asia and the Arabian Sea’s tiny island nations. Boasting some of the best beaches in the world, the Joali Maldives is a gorgeous resort surrounded by tranquil lagoons, pristine white-sand beaches, lush landscapes of coconut palm trees and translucent turquoise water.

With over 73 private beaches and over-water villas, guests are treated to private infinity pools, butler services, buggy rental, personal drivers, bicycles, curated in-villa libraries and an array of handpicked interactive and experiential art pieces.

Whether you’re diving into open water for a swim amongst sea turtles with the resort’s dedicated marine biologist, sipping champagne at artist Porky Hefer’s Manta Ray Tree House bar or digging into Table of Joy’s specially curated menu, Joali Maldives is the epitome of all natural and luxurious travel experiences.

Joali Maldives, Muravandhoo Island Raa Atoll, Maldives

Capella Ubud

This 22-tent retreat is Indonesia’s ultimate upscale sanctuary in Bali. The Capella Ubud, designed by Asia’s wackiest luxury hotel designer, Bill Bensley, is inspired by the nation’s early European settlers. Notably, not a single tree was felled during The Capella Ubud’s construction.

Nestled amongst a jungle of the neighbouring Keliki village’s rice paddy fields, the Capella Ubud rests in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature with a strikingly eco-conscious design and is albeit with modern amenities such as old-fashioned copper, stand-alone baths, and a plethora of handpicked antique artefacts, books, drawings and furniture.

While each room represents a unique theme based on the characters and professions of early explorers, Capella Ubud’s five terrace tents feature sizeable outdoor decks with daybeds and poolside sun loungers and a salt-water plunge pool – all of which overlook the surrounding luscious rainforest.

Showcasing one-of-a-kind items from Jakarta-based businessman and owner, Suwito Gunawan’s private collection, the hotel’s other recreational facilities include an innovative spa with treatments which represent each phase of the moon, and a tented gym.

Capella Ubud, Jl. RY Dalem, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia 

DenPaku MIJORA

Dedicated to passing down the traditional ethos and culture of the Amamian people, through preserving nature, architecture and villages, DenPaku offers a variety of tourist accommodation across the Japanese islands of Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima and Tokunoshima.

Ranging from resorts to boutique hotels, the first two DenPaku inns were established in the northern region of Amami Oshima in 2016. Conceptualized and designed by Atelier TEKUTO’s principal architect Yasuhiro “Hiro” Yamashita, DenPaku inns are a product of the restoration and conversion of abandoned houses. Complete with congenial furnishings, DenPaku strives to maintain each home’s original build and provide guests with an air of familiarity, warmth and comfort through well-equipped bathroom and kitchen facilities.

With thirteen villas stretched across the west coasts of north Amami and seven villas situated at south Kamesaki, each home features a modern interpretation of Amamian traditional wood roofs, origami-like concrete structures, four distinct floor patterns, and an enormous floor-to ceiling connecting window.

DenPaku MIJORA, 861-4 Kasaricho Oaza Sotoganeku, Amami, Kagoshima 894-0513, Japan

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Offering portals into three of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites such as the ancient Hindu temples, open-air museums of the former imperial capital the Perfume River – The Nam Hai is a supremely luxurious Four Seasons property located on Vietnam’s most celebrated central coast beach.

Once the largest harbour and trading port in Southeast Asia, Hoi An was known for its stoneware kilns, Christianity and Buddhism – which have become part of the island’s ever-present heritage. With an eclectic collection of over 87 pagodas, temples and communal houses, plus 82 ancient and unaltered tube-shaped houses – spirituality, architecture and an appreciation for the past have played an immense role in the evolution of Hoi An.

Featuring oceanic sights and sounds, The Nam Hai boasts private villa pools, bedside eggshell lacquer bathtubs and a 360-degree meditative, mindfulness experience. Grounded in stability and creativity, the resort is a judgement-free space with amenities such as the Heart of the Earth Spa. The spa offers guests “interbeing” in-villa wellness kits which include the small singing bowl used by Vietnamese monks known as the “bell of mindfulness”, mindful meditation tracks accessible through in-room iPods, bespoke bathing rituals for a sensory soak, prerequisite mindfulness and meditation classes, AntiGravity Yoga, plus routine visits from well-being experts.

Block Ha My Dong B, Điện Bàn, Vietnam

Dhoni Loft Water Villas

In the heart of a year-round destination with a near constant temperature of 86°F (30°C), the Dhoni Loft Water Villas of Como Coacoa Island, Maldives, present a tropical paradise ideal for adventure and rejuvenation. From its personalised service and sophisticated cuisine, to the resort’s distinctive design, authentic culture, orchestrated cruise trips and innumerable out-and-indoor activities, Como Coacoa Island maintains exceptional luxury standards.

Showcasing 34 overwater accommodations, Como Coacoa Island is revered for its most notable Dhoni Loft Water Villas. Shaped like a traditional ‘dhoni’ fishing boat, this 1184 sq ft floating residency features an expansive lower level living area and a master bedroom on the mezzanine, making it an ideal dwelling for families. Enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace, which overlook the ocean, each Dhoni Loft Water Villa comes complete with a private sundeck, loungers, a dining table, bathtub, separate shower stalls, air conditioning, antique colonial ceiling fans, a private bar with snacks, coffee and tea making facilities, a 42” LCD plasma satellite television, a DVD player, an in-room safe, international direct dial telephone, complimentary Wi-Fi, and iPod docks.

Topped only by the resort’s unique experiences which include, whale shark expeditions, UV night snorkelling, sunset fishing, sailing and windsurfing lessons, sandbank breakfast and dinner, sunset cruises, and local excursions – Como Coacoa Island provides an in-depth cultural and ecological experience, for an estimated $1050++ per night with breakfast.