Top New Resorts of Asia for 2020

To find out the top new hotels and resorts for Asia in 2020, I turned to Jack Ezon, founder and all-star travel guru of Embark Beyond.

Specializing in VIP experiences and celebrations – think a party for you an 100 friends at an estate in Tuscany, in this issue Ezon shares with you his recommendations for these resorts and hotels you should put on your agenda in this new decade.

1.   Six Senses Fort Barwara, India
2.   Orient Express Mahanakhon, Bangkok
3.   Rosewood Yangon, Myanmar
4.   The Legian Sire, Lombok, Indonesia
5.   Bai San Ho. Phu Yen, Vietnam
6.   Capella Bangkok
7.   Raffles Meradhoo, Maldives
8.   Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko Village, Hokkaido, Japan
9.   Aman Kyoto, Japan
10. The Mitsui Kyoto
11. Park Hyatt Kyoto
12. One&Only Desaru Coast
13. Mandarin Oriental Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

1.  Six Senses Fort Barwara, India

Three hours outside Jaipur, Six Senses Fort Barwara converted fort is the setting for one of India’s most spectacular resorts. Originally owned by the Rajasthani royal family, it overlooks the Chauthka Barwara Mandir temple.

The sensitive conservation effort has produced a 48-suite hotel incorporating a palace and two temples within a walled site that reinterprets the gracious and regal ambiance of a bygone era. 

The 30,000 square foot Six Senses Spa features an extensive Ayurveda and meditation program, making it a destination in and of itself (Summer, 2020).

2.  Orient Express Mahanakhon, Bangkok

This is the first property to be flagged with the newly acquired Orient- Express brand by Accor. Inspired by the ArtDeco glamor of the Venice Simplon- Orient Express train, the 154-room hotel is home to Bangkok’s highest observation deck, MahaNakhon SkyWalk. Set in Bangkok’s new Ole Scheeren twisting tower, its interior is designed by Tristan Auer.

3.  Rosewood Yangon, Myanmar

Housed in a restored 1927 historic building, the Rosewood Yangon sits in an enviable position just off the famous Strand Road. Its 205 residential-style guest rooms bring sensible luxury hospitality to this intriguing destination. (Spring, 2020)

Ayeyarwady House

Located on the 4th floor with city views, the 3,347 sq. ft. Ayeyarwady House has a spacious master bedroom with an adjoining guestroom. The suite offers two king beds with walk-in closets, spacious bathrooms, and a powder room. 

It has a tastefully decorated residential living room with a dining table, a bar counter and a well-equipped show kitchen. The suite offers ultimate privacy with a private elevator and additional security features. It can be joined to Executive Rooms upon request.

4.  The Legian Sire, Lombok, Indonesia

The Legian Sire adds Balinese luxury to neighboring island Lombok for those looking to escape the overcrowded scene across the straits. 

The resort’s 46 Suites, 6 Garden View Villas, 7 Beach View Villas and 1 Beach House provide a setting the screams romance.

The organic fruit and vegetable farm is used to fuel its vegetarian restaurant. Diving, watersports, surfing, trekking, golfing and sunset cruises provide for unforgettable memories. (Spring, 2020)

5.  Bai San Ho. Phu Yen, Vietnam

Set on a pristine beach midway between Nha Trang and Hoi An, Bãi San Hô will feature 71 suites and villas, built in three different styles, overlooking the beach and rice paddies. Set beside an incredible coral bay, on-site activities include snorkeling, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, and canoeing. (Spring, 2020)

6. Capella Bangkok

This sharp boutique hotel will anchor the newly revitalized Charoenkrung district, sharing a 14-acre Chao Phraya Estate riverfront resort space with the new Four Seasons Bangkok. 

The development is set to embrace a burgeoning local neighborhood with a vibrant art scene and the site of Bangkok’s new Biennale festival. Capella Bangkok will offer the city’s first waterfront villas and will feature a private boat dock. 

There will be, extensive event spaces highlighted by a waterfront ballroom and terrace, along with world-class culinary offerings. (2020).

7. Raffles Meradhoo, Maldives

Raffles returns to the Maldives with an uber-modern take on the overwater beach experience. With just 21 beach villas and 16 overwater ocean villas, Raffles Meradhoo aims to deliver exceptionally thoughtful service. A marine butler can offer advice on the property’s extraordinary snorkeling and diving opportunities, while, the Children’s’ Butlers help to enhance the family experience. (Early 2020)

Sunset Overwater Residence with Pool

The 3,229 sq. ft. Sunset Overwater Residence with Pool (above) offers a west-facing view with the horizon stretching out for miles. Look down into the flourishing house reef, the view is also mesmerizing. 

The villa comprises two separate bedrooms, a generous internal communal lounge, a grand bathroom, and a large pool and deck area. 

8. Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko Village, Hokkaido, Japan

Considered the skiing mecca of Asia, Niseko Village will welcome the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Niseko Village. The hotel will have all the best ski amenities with unobstructed views of Mount Yotei and a restaurant inspired by locally-sourced Hokkaido produce. (December 2020)

9.  Aman Kyoto, Japan

Joining Aman Tokyo and Amanemu, this 24-room darling sits outside of the city center on 80 acres overlooking the majestic Hidari Daimonji mountain. As is typical Aman style, all accommodations are set in stand-alone pavilions reflective of Japanese ryokans, with Western comforts and floor-to-ceiling windows. (January 2020)

Washigamine Pavilion

The 2,594 sq. ft., 2-bedroom Washigamine Pavilion is surrounded by nature in the highest and most secluded area of the resort, the east-facing pavilion pays homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan inn and looks over the entire garden and the Hieisan in the distance. 

A trekking path leads directly from the pavilion through the surrounding forest and various private meditation gardens can be found nearby. Your accommodation features a living room, a traditional Japanese Tatami room, a Western dining room, and a kitchen area. 

Two en-suite bedrooms feature natural woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, tatami flooring, and tokonoma alcoves, and are connected to the living-dining area. 

For guests who would like to experience a stay more similar to the traditional Japanese Ryokan Inn, futons can be provided in the Japanese Tatami room. 

10. The Mitsui Kyoto

Set in the center of Kyoto’s historical district, this 160-room hotel reimagines the Japanese Tea House with strong local design and an on-site thermal spring spa set against the 300-year-old Kaji-no-Miya Gate. (May 2020)

11. Park Hyatt Kyoto

Flanked by Kyoto’s most famous eatery, the 142-year old Japanese Kaiseki restaurant Kyoyamato, the Park Hyatt fuses the ancient traditions of its namesake gourmet haven with its blend of contemporary style. (2020)

Pagoda House

The Pagoda House sits atop the property, embedded in the gentle slopes of Higashiyama Hills. As Park Hyatt Kyoto’s signature suite, it boasts views of famed Yasaka Pagoda, Kyoto’s urban expanse and the dramatic sunset. 

The interior of this suite is subtle and inviting, following a design concept inspired by the mountains. Fragrant tamo wood and local materials anchor time-old tradition in a modern space.

12. One&Only Desaru Coast

Just a two-hour drive from Singapore lies the Desaru Coast, one of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. With just 42 suites plus an exclusive four-bedroom villa, this Malaysian haven is the perfect place to add on to a business trip or exploration of the wonders of Asia. (Spring, 2020).

Villa One

Set apart from the main resort, the 16,541 sq. Ft Villa One gives you complete privacy within our secluded retreat. This four-bedroom villa has beach access or lounge by your 85-foot private pool.

The interiors are large, airy and spacious, set over two floors, with four bedrooms and a home study, all deftly finished with Malaysian details and soft luxuries. 

Relax in the private spa room with a deeply therapeutic massage, party in the gardens, splash in the pool, have your butler prepare a torchlit dinner. 

13. Mandarin Oriental Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

Set above the iconic Union Square Saigon in the heart of this bustling city, the 277-room Mandarin Oriental will include six restaurants and a sprawling spa with an outdoor pool. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the Mandarin Oriental promises to embrace the history of the building and the storied city itself. (December 2020)