Taj Mahal Views From the Bathtub—Some of the World’s Most Lavish Hotel Suites Are in Asia
- Order Reprints
- Print Article
The Oberoi Amarvilas is just just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal.
Courtesy The Oberoi AmarvilasOpulent suites are a given at the upper echelon of luxury hotels around the world—the ones that surpass the usual five-star properties with their extravagance and amenities. Many of the very best of these accommodations, however, are located in hotels throughout Asia, according to Catherine Heald, the co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands, a luxury Asia travel company based in Bangkok and New York.
“You can find an over-the-top suite in many destinations, but Asia is different because it has the best service culture that exists anywhere and a staff-to-guest ratio that’s among the highest globally,” she says. “Locals pride themselves on their excellent service.”
Further, Heald adds that the continent tends to offer excellent value for money, with a stay in a suite usually running 30% less than a comparable room in Europe.
Striking suites in Asia are in no short supply, but with Heald’s help, we’ve picked seven of the most standout options.
Aman Suites, Aman Tokyo
Aman’s Tokyo property has four Aman suites that are close to 1,700 square feet each—practically a mansion when it comes to hotel rooms in a city where space is hard to come by. Situated in the corner of the 38-story Otemachi Tower, located in the business district, the one-bedroom suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Imperial Palace Gardens. While contemporary with light wood tones, they have Japanese design touches such as traditional deep soaking tubs in the primary bathrooms. Nightly rates from US$3,406.
Nine-Bedroom Private Reserve, Soneva Fushi – Maldives
Inspired by an idyllic deserted-island mansion, the nine-bedroom, 32,808-square-foot, private reserve is big enough for you and 15 of your closest friends. Design-wise, it has palm-frond roofs, tree branch banisters and woven ropes throughout. Amenities go on and include a lagoon-style swimming pool flanked by a massive deck, a primary suite with a private pool, spa with a treatment room and outdoor shower, a souped-up gym, direct beach access, numerous areas for lounging outdoors, and around-the-clock staff. Nightly rates from US$37,720.
The Kohinoor Suite, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India
Dubbed Kohinoor after the eponymous diamond, which is from India, the biggest selling point with this suite is the incomparable views it offers of the Taj Mahal from nearly every vantage point. Features include three terraces, a spacious dining room, a bathtub in the bathroom of the primary suite overlooking the Taj Mahal, and a decadent style that’s reminiscent of the décor in royal palaces during India’s Mughal era. That means vivid colors, rich upholstered fabrics, and golds. Nightly rates from US$14,750.
The Grand Residence at Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Thailand, is more like a huge home than a suite.
Courtesy Four Seasons Chiang Mai, ThailandThree-Bedroom Grand Residence, Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Thailand
Spanning 9,200 square feet and spacious enough to accommodate nine adults, the Grand Residence is more like a huge home than a suite. Features include lush gardens laden with native trees and plants, a large swimming pool with a whirlpool, and a pond. A butler is on hand to manage any needs, and interiors blend contemporary and classic Thai with elements such as teak rosewood furniture, local artwork, and accessories crafted from Thai silk. Nightly rates from US$7,036.
The Presidential Suite at Raffles Hotel Singapore
Courtesy of Raffles Hotel SingaporeThe Sarkies Suite + Sir Stamford Raffles Suite, Raffles Hotel Singapore
The storied Raffles Singapore offers two presidential suites: the Sarkies, named after the brothers who founded the hotel, and Sir Stamford Raffles, named after Singapore’s founder. They were redone as part of the hotel’s complete renovation that debuted in 2019 and are in the property’s historic main building. Both feature verandas overlooking the Palm Court and are decked out with original antiques and noteworthy artworks. A stay means amenities such as on-demand access to the hotel’s Mercedes-Benz fleet and 24-hour service from the famous Raffles butlers, who are known to spoil and surprise guests. Nightly rates from US$13,000.
Harbour House Suite, Rosewood Hong Kong
With Hong Kong once again open to the world, the island’s many posh hotels are getting ready to welcome guests with a bevy of new offerings. Rosewood Hong Kong, for one, recently unveiled its five-bedroom Harbor House suite. Located on the 57th floor, it measures in at 12,000 square feet and overlooks Victoria Harbour. The suite will leave guests wanting for nothing: Features include two outdoor lap pools, wraparound landscaped gardens, access via a private elevator, spacious living and dining rooms that are fit for parties, a gym, and design details such as contemporary art and lacquered cabinets. Nightly rates from US$63,695.
A private massage room at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, Japan
The Ritz-Carlton, NikkoThe Ritz-Carlton Suite, The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, Japan
Located in Nikko National Park on Lake Chuzenji, less than a three-hour drive from Tokyo, The Ritz-Carlton’s Nikko property offers an eponymous suite that features unobstructed lake views. The nearly 3,000-square-foot accommodation has a biophilic theme with its floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the outdoors in. Features include a gym, massage room, large porch, dining room, and huge primary bathroom that’s a retreat in and of itself with its roomy layout and bathtub with views. Nightly rates from US$6,900.