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10 of the most intimate boutique hotels in South East Asia

ThereÂ’s nothing quite like enjoying the exclusivity of being in a hotel that caters to just a select few – hotels that are small and intimate. The advantages are many – the best of them being that you are almost family during your stay. More often than not, you will find that the hotel staff is happy to go that extra mile to make your holiday unforgettable. Combine that with the warmth of the typical Southeast Asian hospitality and you will find yourself spoilt for choice. WhatÂ’s more, we offer you a choice that suits every pocket! Here are 10 of the most intimate boutique hotels you will find in Southeast Asia: Akatsuki, KohSamui, Thailand This intimate little hotel gives you 5 suites to choose from. With rates beginning from USD 1165, it is an amalgamation of Japanese culture with the freshness of the Thai tropics. The ambiance invites you to kick off your shoes and commune with nature. Akatsuki Kohsamui, Thailand To make the experience all that more exclusive, the resort limits itself just to one booking a day and each guest has a choice of 5 pavilions to choose from for a wonderful dining experience. And whatÂ’s more, you have a chef all to yourself, catering to your palate, all through your stay. A butler and driver are part of your personal staff. Talk about luxury! Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia Consisting of just 8 villas, this boutique hotel is built on a hundred year old coconut plantation, each villa is quaintly named and all of them afford you a delightful view of the lagoon. Each suite is equipped with every convenience to make you more than comfortable, right from slippers and sarong to WiFi! The rate for each suite starts around USD 300. Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia A word about the villas – these are actual old timber houses sourced from Kedah, brought to Langkawi, restored and rebuilt. Each one tastefully designed to recreate the ambiance of a village setting. Abaca Boutique Resort, Mactan Island, Philippines You will find the delightful Abaca Boutique Resort on the small island of Mactan in the Philippines. Built on the oceanfront, the hotel gives you the illusion of being practically on the water. This exclusive resort caters to only a few and has 6 suites and 3 expansive villas to choose from, and the rates offered are around USD 360. Each suite and villa is elegantly decorated with ethnic chic and large glass windows that afford you a view of the ocean, letting the morning light in to softly touch you into a luxurious wakefulness. Abaca Resort, Phillipines Eat at the Mediterranean style restaurant, or lounge around at bar where you can choose from a super selection of single malts. The ocean is irresistible to those who love adrenaline charged water activities like kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling and jet skiing. Or, you could just chill, out with some traditional treatments at the spa. Checking into this exclusively situated hotel promises to be a dream come true… One Eleven, Bali, Indonesia This unusual hotel is the last word in exclusivity. Arriving there surprises you with the view of high, fortress like walls that turn into vertical gardens when you step in. Its exclusiveness stretches to it being an adults only hotel, with nine private villas. The décor is modern and seductive. The service is personalized, with a butler assigned to each villa. Every villa becomes your own private world with its own tranquil little swimming pool, a spa, a kitchen and an outdoor living room, in addition to the bedroom and bathroom. If you are peckish, give the butler a call and he rustles up a delectable meal for you right in your kitchen. One Eleven Bali, Indonesia The Shiro offers you deliciously fresh sushi and sashimi that you can wash down with sake or a Japanese beer. With rates at around USD 490 during the low season, you will find that the hotel, although tucked away behind these high walls, is conveniently within walking distance of the busy Lakshmana Street, where you can get your dose of shopping and eating out. The Samar Villa & Spa Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia An exclusive and elegant hotel, it is tucked away not too far from the temples of Angkor. The hotel offers you just 8 Suites to choose from – with 2 villas, an apartment and 5 junior suites. This is an ideal place to get away and celebrate an intimate special occasion. Cambodia being rich in history and tradition, the library is open to anyone interested in learning more. For those gastronomically inclined the chef par excellence serves up the most delectable concoctions and will even stretch to inviting you to tastings and cookery lessons! If you choose to make this your holiday destination, you could pay USD 81 during the off-season, but more in high season for a suite of your choice. The Samar Siem Reap, Cambodia Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai, Thailand Located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, this hotel has 11 suites and was originally built as a destination for the family and friends of a real estate developer in Thailand. His focus was to have a place that was as welcoming as oneÂ’s home. The hotel is beautifully laid out and the uniqueness of the service is its unique selling point. Each guest is treated like a part of the family. Encouraged by the response of his family and friends, he threw the hotel open to the public, and within a year of its opening, and was duly awarded one of top ten boutique hotels in Asia. Their basic studio starts at around USD 280. Sireeampam, Chiang Mai, Thailand The piece de resistance of this lovely little hotel is the Piano Lounge. Sitting down at the end of the day over a glass of wine, entertained by the pianist playing the beautiful grand piano, is a perfect way to relax. And whatÂ’s more, he is there all through the week to entertain you. But should you feel the urge to sing, they have even provided for a Karaoke area! The Scent Hotel, KohSamui, Thailand Entering the Scent Hotel is like tripping into a secret world that stimulates the senses. The location, the décor, and yes, the fragrances, all meld together to take you back into the colonial world of ancient Indochina. With rates starting around USD 330, you are treated to the view of an expanse of water no matter where you stay. There are fourteen rooms to choose from. The décor in every room bears evidence of the colonial influence, enhancing the ambiance of old world charm, taking you back to a different era. The Scent Hotel, Samui, Thailand Dining at Le Jaroen or Le Petit Indochine is like embarking on an exquisite culinary journey. You will find yourself at the best tables on the island and every culinary offering is a treat to the senses. The Houben Hotel, Krabi, Thailand Built on the top of a cliff, the hotel overlooks the Andaman Sea and gives you access to one of the best little hidden beaches on the island, just a hop, skip and a jump away in the Kantieng Bay. There are 15 rooms to choose from, each one giving you a panoramic view of the sea. There are suites to suit every pocket with rates beginning from USD 260. A special instruction here though, they do not accommodate children below 12. So, do keep that in mind. The Houben, Thailand Although the resort is small, it lacks nothing in its completeness. A wonderful infinity pool, a spa and a Thai restaurant are all perfectly put together to make the whole experience delightfully relaxing. Understated in its elegance, there is nothing that jars the senses. Hotel Tugu, Bali, Indonesia This is one of the most unique boutique hotels you will ever find. Situated on Canggu beach in Bali, it was conceptualized and brought into being by a man whose passion was collecting the most exquisite antiques he could find all over Indonesia. The hotel has 20 suites and 1 villa; each one decorated dramatically and themed around a story. Nestled amidst fragrant gardens and lotus ponds, each suite is a little world on its own, affording you all the privacy you need. The hotel boasts four restaurants and really, you are spoilt for choice. Hotel Tugu Bali, Indonesia A complimentary massage sweetens your stay at this beautiful antique museum hotel. In addition, you will find every amenity you can think of to make your stay acquire a dream like quality. Rates begin at USD 410 and include free airport transfers and complimentary high tea during your stay. Hotel de la Paix, Luang Prabang, Laos The Hotel de la Paix used to be a French Colonial Fort, built way back in 1910. It metamorphosed over the years into being the GovernorÂ’s residence and at some point along the way, a town prison. After much restoration and renovation, it is turned into this beautiful boutique hotel, with stunning architecture and deservedly made a world heritage site by the UNESCO. The hotel has 23 suites with rates that begin with USD 235. Hotel de la Paix, Luang Prabang, Laos To add to the temptation of staying in this beautiful hotel, is the Spa Indochine. It is the most unique spa in Laos. Designed to look like a traditional Lao village and in keeping with the ambiance, only natural products are used in the spa treatments. Customized treatments are available too, on request. Carmen Anderson is Founder of Here and There Without a Care. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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15 Comments

  1. Hello Carmen,

    Thanks much for sharing these fabulous intimate boutique hotels! I’d love to stay at all of them.

    I’ve never yet had the experience of staying at a hotel offering my own private chef, butler and driver. I would just love to get pampered like that one day.

    Funnily, although I’ve spent many years traveling and living in SE Asia, particularly Thailand and Bali, I don’t know any of these beautiful resorts, save one…

    I have been to BonTon on Langkawi a few times. I can attest that it really is a unique, awe-inspiring retreat, with an amazing ambiance and superb gourmet food.

    On another note, it has been very interesting for me to watch the evolution of luxury hotels & resorts in Thailand over the past 15 years. What I’ve seen is the ‘importation’ of the distinctly Balinese style, like at Akatsuki, which I see blends both Thai and Balinese styles together. An added twist is the Japanese name!

    Thanks for the heads’ up about these other amazing retreats that I didn’t know about. I’ll try to get to a few of them.

  2. I would never have known the existence of these temptingly beautiful intimate destinations! Thanks Carmen, it’s lovely that you got to check these out and give us an insider’s point of view. You’ve made each hotel seem absolutely irresistible!

  3. Lash,

    After getting pampered with a private chef, butler and driver even for one day, I can guarantee you, you wouldnÂ’t ever want to stay at a big hotel ever again, hahaÂ… at least that is what happened to me. After staying at many boutique hotels and private villas, I really appreciate the coziness and the special care. This kind of service is hard to find at big hotels… I wouldnt trade it for anything…

    And I have to agree with you, I’ve also noticed the Balinese influence in some hotels across SE Asia.

    The reason you probably haven’t heard about these places is because most of them are small and not managed by big corporations – with the exception of one or two.

    Thanks again for the comment and I hope you get a chance to stay at all of them.
    Carmen

  4. Hi Carmen,

    I can just imagine! Wow, I envy you having the chance to stay at ALL these places!

    I do love small boutique resorts & hotels, especially because they each have their own unique designs & charms. IÂ’ve stayed at several amazing ones around SE Asia.

    I do know quite a few independent boutique & luxury hotels in the area, which is why IÂ’m a bit surprised I donÂ’t know any of these. Have you ever visited or stayed at Four Seasons Sayan in Bali? Wow, that is one of the most amazing buildings, let alone hotels, that IÂ’ve ever seen in my life. ItÂ’s crazy! Check it out if you get a chance.

    cheers, Lash

  5. Hi Lash,

    I haven’t stayed at the Four Seasons Sayan, yet. But after checking their website, I can’t wait to stay there. I just added a new hotel to my bucket list :)

    My last trip to Bali included boutique hotels and private villas. They were all amazing!

    I think it’s so cool that you lived in Southeast Asia for 15 years. We’ve been SE Asia a little over a year, and I really love the cultures and people!

  6. Hi again Carmen,

    So there you go- a new amazing hotel to check out in BAli! You’ll have to tell me your impressions after you visit.

    So we’ve both introduced each other to new lux hotels! Yeah!

    Where are you living in SE Asia? I’ve lived/worked in southern Thailand, Malaysia, Bali and otherwise traveling around.

    Nice to meet you!

    cheers, Lash

  7. Hi Carmen,

    Ah, so it sounds like you travel the same way I do – slowly and thoroughly through each country at a time. Best way to do it!

    cheers, Lash

  8. Hi Carmen,

    Your article is great, very nice selection! Did you hear about the Sukhothai Bangkok ? Also a boutique hotel, but in the heart of Bangkok ; of course there is no beach but it worth the visit :)

  9. Hey Francois,

    OH, the Sukhothai is my favorite hotel in BKK!

    It’s so unique and classy. Love the sleek lines and minimalism.

    Good choice!

    cheers, Lash

  10. I agree with you, Lash, slow travel is the way to go! I love being able to connect with the locals and culture – and if I’m lucky enough, to experience those hidden places that most tourist do not get to see.

    Aside from that, who loves packing? Certainly not me!

  11. Thanks Francois,

    I’ve heard great things about The Sukhothai, but when I compiled the list, I only focused on small boutique hotels that don’t cater to many people.

    Maybe I should write a separate article that focuses on just boutique hotels regardless of the amount of rooms. We’ll see…

  12. Hi Carmen,

    How many hotels have you visited in Luang Prabang?
    With all the “special” places there your choice surprised me.

    Greetz,
    Chris.

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