Pursue Your Passion: Celebrate the Arts in Five of Asia's Most Captivating Capitals

Since its opening at the end of 2014, Aman Tokyo has been one of the most talked-about luxury hotels in the city. The most striking thing about it is its location; spread across the top six floors of a 40-storey tower in the Otemachi business district, the panoramic views are simply incredible. What’s more, all of the 84 rooms and suites take full advantage of the lofty position with floor-to-ceiling windows letting light in during the daytime, while also framing the breathtaking lit-up cityscape at night. Aman Tokyo has also received praise for its impressive interiors, which have been inspired by minimalistic design, including the use of camphor wood, washi paper and stone surfaces throughout the rooms as well as traditional Japanese facilities such as large ‘furo’ baths. Situated on the 33rd floor, both guests and non-guests can enjoy the fine Mediterranean food at the hotel’s signature restaurant, not forgetting more of those incredible views across Tokyo stretching as far as the Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji in the distance. Elsewhere, there is a spa, enclosed garden area, swimming pool, wine cellar, cigar lounge and a whole host of other facilities to keep guests entertained.

The Conrad Tokyo is situated in the high-rise Shidome area. The hotel boasts some of the city’s most spacious rooms featuring awesome vistas of the Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay. The well-appointed rooms come with many added luxuries and modern-conveniences such as flat screen TVs, DVD players and sound systems. The hotel’s world-class facilities range from a large indoor pool with far reaching city views and a modern fitness center with yoga classes to a spa on the 29th floor offering authentic Japanese inspired treatments. All food and drink tastes are covered in the Conrad’s five onsite dining options serving sushi, teppanyaki, kaiseki, Chinese and western cuisine.

Mere steps from the Imperial Palace sits Tokyo’s newest luxury hotel, The Peninsula Tokyo. Located in Marunouchi district just a short walk from the shopping paradise of Ginza, the hotel is perfectly located for business or pleasure. With a total of 314 elegantly decorated rooms and 47 suites, the Peninsula Tokyo’s accommodations are among the most spacious in all of Tokyo, and offer plenty of amenities including espresso machines, complimentary Internet access, multifunction fax machines, nail polish drying machines, and shoe shining service. The hotel’s culinary options include Cantonese cuisine at the Hei Fung Terrace, regional Japanese fare at Kyoto Tsuruya, and International food and beverages at Cirque Culinaire and Peter. For relaxation, enjoy the hotel’s state of the art health club with pool complex, undergo a “spa journey” at the Peninsula Spa by ESPA, or try a leisurely jog around the Imperial Palace. Other amenities include a business center and a boutique store that offers food, gifts and souvenir items.

Pioneering a new direction in luxury hospitality, Aman’s sister brand Janu opened its first hotel in the much anticipated Azabudai Hills development in the heart of Tokyo. This urban oasis offers 122 guest rooms and suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Tokyo Tower or the area’s surrounding greenery. A ‘Modern Urban Village’, Janu Tokyo delivers a vibrant dining scene consisting of 8 distinctive dining venues, including two Japanese outlets, a Chinese restaurant, a patisserie, a grill restaurant and a vibrant Italian food emporium, a bar, and lounge and garden terrace. Facilities include one of Tokyo’s largest wellness facilities (4,000 sqm), which offers group classes such as spinning, boxing, yoga, and Pilates, as well as simulated golf training, circuit training, and a well equipped gym. Additionally, wellness therapies are offered in seven dedicated treatment rooms, and a sprawling hydrotherapy and thermal area, centered around a 25-meter heated swimming pool. Taking cues from traditional Japanese culture, the hotel also has a separate pool lounge as a place for socializing, besides two spa houses. This hotel is a 1-hour drive from the Narita International Airport (NRT).

The five-star Conrad Seoul is located in the Yeouido financial district with fantastic views overlooking the Han River and city. The hotel offers a huge year-round indoor swimming pool, spa, well-equipped gym, a rooftop garden and even a golf driving range. The spacious executive lounge outshines other five-star lounges with comfortable seating and a generous happy hour promotion. There are 434 spacious rooms with air-conditioning, a deep bathtub, rainfall showerhead, double sink, luxury aromatherapy toiletries, Apple entertainment systems, a Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary newspapers. The hotel is within 5 minutes walking distance from Yeouido Subway Station (Line 5) and reasonably close to Seoul's airports. There is a choice of restaurants including Zest offering international dishes, Atrio that plates up Italian cuisine, a bar and grill on the 37th floor with a 360-degree view of the city and Flames a lobby bar offering wines, cocktails, local and international beers. The hotel also has direct access to the large international-style IFC shopping mall.

Seoul may have its fair share of five-star options when it comes to lodging, but Signiel Seoul brings luxury travelers unsurpassed expertise and premium hospitality services in a complete package that also features some of the city’s top dining and wellness facilities. Signiel Seoul’s 235 rooms all have panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, and the extra-spacious accommodations also have modern, tasteful furnishings and incorporate Super Premium Bedding Systems that have been co-developed with Simmons Bedding for maximum comfort. Where facilities and services are concerned, the hotel boasts some of the most prestigious establishments citywide with its Evian Spa, sauna, gym, swimming pool, and boutique Salon de Signiel. The spa, which draws inspiration from the purity of the snow-packed Alps, includes six private treatment rooms with their own locker and shower rooms, a relaxation lounge with an “Evian Aquabar,” and a VIP suite room for couples with a private jacuzzi. Dining choices at Signiel Seoul range from gourmet French cuisine to traditional Korean-style food, and there’s even a classical French pastry salon serving artisan deserts by three-star Michelin chef Yannick Alleno.

Catering to today's ultra-luxury travelers, Capella Shanghai is situated in the city’s Xuhui District cultural preservation zone, carrying on the rich tradition of the Jian Ye Li estate. Originally built in the 1930's by a French real estate company (Foncière et Immobiliere de Chine), the property features 22 rows of shikumen (stone gate) townhouse lanes, connecting over 200 two-story houses. Painstakingly restored by a team of experts, today the Capella Shanghai showcases Shaghainese traditional courtyard living with a touch of Parisian flair. The Jian Ye Li estate encompasses 55 shikumen villas and 40 residences. All villas are designed by Jaya International Design, each featuring luxurious king and twin beds, premium bath amenities by Acqua di Parma, personal assistant service, and other cutting edge technological gadgets. The expertly designed rooms marry French-accented furniture with Chinese artwork and accessories. Meals are served from the kitchen of renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire at le Comptoir, Capella Shanghai’s own restaurant providing elegant French cuisine. Additionally, guests enjoy round-the-clock in-room dining services, 24-hour gymnasium facilities, and a former water tower renovated to providebeautiful views of Shanghai's skyline.

The new Rosewood Shanghai will transform the city's skyline as part of a new 320-meter-tall tower building in the Puxi district, offering convenient access to the emerging business and cultural areas of Jung-An and Suhewan. The property will be composed of 200 guest rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, as well as Asaya, Rosewood's award-winning wellness concept.

Urban sophistication and class become one at The Middle House hotel and residences located in the heart of downtown Shanghai. Designed by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni, The Middle House offers 111 guest rooms and 102 serviced apartments — The Middle House Residences — all of which feature a luxurious, yet simple and elegant, style of décor. Further adding to the ambience is an exquisite collection of artistic pieces including porcelain and ceramic works, paintings, photography, and more, which serve to complement Lissoni’s overall design concept of “dignity and refinement”. The Middle House is also service-oriented, with available options for guests such as house vehicles and a hassle-free, paperless arrival and departure system. A multifaceted Spa and Wellness Center with an extensive retail space, juice bar, and 24-hour gym facilities, among other amenities, affords Middle House guests the ability to relax in a tranquil setting after busy days spent in the thick of the city’s hustle and bustle.

Located on the Puxi side of the Huangpu River, the Peninsula Shanghai has fabulous views of the Bund, Pearl Oriental Tower and other historic and modern architecture along the Pudong side. Befitting its location in the Pearl of the Orient, the Peninsula’s style is modern while retaining a chic stylistic nod to the city’s Art Deco past. There are 235 guestrooms and suites, which all feature plasma TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, iPod docking stations and wifi access, lending a residential feel to the hotel. Four themed suites – the Astor, Majestic, Palace and Peninsula – set new standards in luxury living. For fine dining within the hotel, Yilong Court for Cantonese cuisine or Sir Elly’s for Western fare in a beautiful setting with views of the Bund are excellent options. The Compass Bar, Lobby and Salon de Ning are lovely places for a night cap. There is a Peninsula spa by ESPA, which offers the brand’s award-winning treatments in a neo-classical setting , indoor pool and fitness center with a DVD library such that gym goers can watch their favorite programs while using the cardio machines. The Peninsula is 40-60 minutes’ drive from the airport, depending on traffic.

Guided by its "Sense of Place" philosophy which reflects the location’s history, geography and culture into the hotel’s design and spirit, the property is now a part of the iconic Hong Kong skyline. The new 43-floor multi-use tower sits harbor-side on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, the site of the former New World Center. Occupying the top 27 floors, the hotel will offer 413 guest rooms, 8 dining options, a fitness center, swimming pool, and will be the first urban home to Rosewood’s signature Asaya holistic wellness center. Rosewood club members will be able to access the Manor Club exclusive lounge and an array of privileges and amenities. At the very top of the tower will be 186 residences, a dedicated lounge, indoor swimming pool and fitness center for long-stay guests.

The iconic Peninsula Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui has been hosting dignitaries and other well-heeled travelers to Hong Kong since 1928 when it was deemed "the finest hotel east of Suez" Guests can stay in the classic structure still standing from that time, or in a room in the 30-story tower rising over the original hotel with sweeping views of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour. There are 300 sumptuous rooms and eight restaurants, which are some of the best in the city: Spring Moon for Cantonese, Gaddi's for French, Felix for contemporary international cuisine, and the Lobby for afternoon tea, a Hong Kong institution. The ground floor and first floor constitute the Peninsula Shopping Arcade filled with boutiques offering the world's finest luxury items. The Peninsula Spa is another "must-do" on guests' itineraries, and the property's wellness facilities also include a fully equipped fitness center and indoor pool with sauna. The hotel is also distinguished by its fleet of signature Rolls Royces, painted in a distinctive hue known as "Peninsula green" and which guests may hire. The property is an hour away from Chek Lap Kok airport (HKG).

Upon opening in the summer of 2010, the glittering Fullerton Bay Hotel became one of Singapore’s premier luxury properties. Its 100 guest rooms, five culturally themed suites and one presidential suite have floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies overlooking Marina Bay, while the hotel’s interior design by highly sought-after architect Andre Fu features antique nautical maps and newly commissioned art works. Three dining options, also designed by Fu, include the modern brasserie Clifford (named after historic Clifford Pier, where the hotel is located), with an 800-bottle fine wine list and 32-foot windows on the Bay; The Landing Point, a sophisticated lounge with elevated comfort food and creative cocktails served along its 42-foot-long bar; and Lantern, the rooftop bar with an 82-foot-long swimming pool offering skyline views. Other facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and meeting rooms, while high-speed Internet is available in every room and WiFi is accessible throughout the entire hotel. The Fullerton Bay is approximately a 20-minute drive from Changi International Airport (SIN).

The Raffles Hotel, located in Singapore’s culturally rich Bras Basah district, is an iconic, opulent hotel housed in a 126-year-old colonial monument. Set among palm and frangipani trees and surrounded by cafes, museums, and eateries, it is a centerpiece of Singaporean history and architecture. It has hosted luminaries like Somerset Maugham, Charlie Chaplin, and Pablo Neruda, and it’s soaked in the atmosphere and feel of the 1920s and 1930s heydays. The hotel’s suites have a distinct old-world charm, with high ceilings and antique furniture, and stories suffuse every verandah, nook, and verdant courtyard. The hotel’s service is unparalleled, with their signature Raffles Butlers attending to the whims of every guest with understated grace, and dining options include multiple Michelin-starred options, as well as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail. Rooted in Singapore’s traditions and yet strikingly modern, the Raffles Hotel offers an intoxicating blend of luxury, history, and classic colonial design. It’s a unique, boutique experience right from the moment you enter its majestic, teak-lined lobby.