The 25 Best Resorts in Asia and Southeast Asia, According to Travel + Leisure readers

You could devote all your vacation days to Asia — a titanic continent that spans more than 17 million square miles, with 48 countries — yet there will always be more to uncover. You’ll find beaches on remote islands, hole-in-the-wall restaurants that cozy up to Michelin-starred venues, ruins of lost civilizations, and yes, hotels that offer enough of an excuse to pack your suitcase and go east. Asia is a destination that excels in both the classic and cutting-edge, and nowhere is that more apparent than in this year’s World’s Best Awards survey.

How Voting Works

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities
• Location
• Service
• Food
• Value

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved About Asia Resorts

When you’re a hotel in the world’s largest continent, the competition is unquestionably stiff, so being ranked among the best carries great weight. This year, Travel + Leisure readers favored properties in Southeast Asia in particular, with nearly half located in Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia. Among them was Capella Ubud, Bali (No. 4), which one reader described as “an absolute dream,” thanks to its incredible staff and attention to detail.

India was not far behind, impressively snagging seven spots — the most of any one country represented — including big-name brands like the Taj, Six Senses, and Oberoi. The beachfront Taj Exotica pulled in at No. 10, with one reader noting it’s a “great place for families to get together and enjoy time at the beach.” Another wrote, “Their food and beverage are yum. Staff is attentive. This property has my heart.”

The Maldives also had a strong showing with four properties: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (No. 3). Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas (No. 6), Joali Maldives (No. 8), and Gili Lankanfushi (No. 17).

One entity took home the winning title in not just Asia, but also this year’s list of top 100 hotels in the world. Read on to discover why.

Asia Resorts Winner

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

“Truly magical” was one T+L reader’s impression of this year’s winner, the Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, designed to resemble a Rajasthani fort. Set on 32 acres just outside India’s Pink City, the property’s address promises serenity — as does the 18th-century on-site temple and accommodations, which range from elegant rooms to spacious villas with private pools to glamping tents with claw-foot tubs. But it’s not just the lodging and location that received rave reviews. One reader shared, “The staff and management team is extremely friendly, capable, and will exceed all of your expectations.”

Asia Resorts Full List

1. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur: India

Reader Score: 99.79

2. Alma Resort: Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Reader Score: 99.20

3. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: South Malé Atoll, Maldives

Reader Score: 99.20

4. Capella Ubud, Bali: Bali

Reader Score: 99.09

5. Six Senses Fort Barwara: Rajasthan, India

Reader Score: 99.06

6. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas: Baa Atoll, Maldives

Reader Score: 98.95

7. The Mulia: Bali, Indonesia

Reader Score: 98.92

8. Joali Maldives: Raa Atoll, Maldives

Reader Score: 98.88

9. Nihi Sumba: Sumba, Indonesia

Reader Score: 98.85

10. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa: India

Reader Score: 98.80

11. (tie) The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra: India

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 98.74

12. (tie) The St. Regis Bali Resort: Indonesia

Reader Score: 98.74

13. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur: India

Reader Score: 98.67

14. The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambhore: India

Reader Score: 98.53

15. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui: Thailand

Reader Score: 98.50

16. Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach: Bali, Indonesia

Reader Score: 98.44

17. Gili Lankanfushi: Maldives

Reader Score: 98.35

18. The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali: Indonesia

Reader Score: 98.22

19. The Leela Palace Udaipur: India

Reader Score: 98.13

20. The Standard, Hua Hin: Thailand

Reader Score: 97.82

What Readers Loved About Southeast Asia Resorts

Southeast Asia is home to some of the best hotels in the world — this we know. But T+L readers are here to pinpoint the best of the best, and this year’s top properties had a common refrain: above-and-beyond service. Of The Standard, Hua Hin, in Thailand (No. 3), one reader effused, “I’ve had the pleasure of staying at this remarkable hotel multiple times, and each visit surpasses the last.” This is in part thanks to the “consistently friendly and attentive” staff and “hotel’s proximity to nature [that] creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere.” Over in Vietnam, the family-friendly Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa made the cut at No. 5, with one reader calling out the “friendly staff,” also adding that the “pool villas are amazing.”

But, of course, it takes more than warm, welcoming service to land the No. 1 spot, and this year’s winner delivered. Read on to find out more.

Southeast Asia Resorts Winner 

Alma Resort

A 30-hectare stunner on Cam Ranh Peninsula in southern Vietnam, Alma Resort not only holds the title of best hotel in Southeast Asia, but also one of the best in Asia and the world. “Alma is exceptional,” wrote one T+L reader, calling out its laundry list of “incredible facilities.” This comprises 12 (yes, 12) swimming pools, a water park with a lazy river, and other kid-friendly to-dos like a science museum and cinema. But grown-ups will be spoiled for choice, too, thanks to a spacious spa and 14 restaurants and bars that include a fine-dining Italian venue and the beachfront Atlantis with fresh, local seafood. Add to that beautiful accommodations, some with private pools, and service that one T+L reader called “phenomenal,” and you have a recipe for a perfect beach vacation.

Southeast Asia Resorts Full List

1. Alma Resort: Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Reader Score: 99.20

2. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui: Thailand

Reader Score: 98.50

3. The Standard, Hua Hin: Thailand

Reader Score: 97.82

4. New World Phu Quoc Resort: Vietnam

Reader Score: 97.64

5. Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa: Vietnam

Reader Score: 97.27