Luxury seems to take on a whole new level in Asia, where service is king, and guests are treated like royalty. Well, for a truly princely experience, there’s nothing more lavish than splashing out on your five-star hotel’s penthouse suite. Personal butler service, a personal chef, views that would make pilots jealous, and much more – these are all part and parcel of many of our top picks for Asia’s most expensive hotel suites. Read on to find how just how much bang you’ll be getting for your very top buck.
Owner’s Villa, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
With exclusive accessibility from its own private berth and jetty, your own private paradise awaits at Cheval Blanc’s Owner’s Villa. This resort was opened by none other than luxury giant Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy – their first venture into the holiday destination. Set on its own secluded stretch of island in the endless Indian Ocean, this villa offers luxurious private space and exclusive facilities including its own spa, large infinity pool and its very own fleet of Dhonis, so that you can explore the Indian Ocean and visit neighbouring islands. This four bedroom villa comes complete with its own private white sand beach, generous overwater decking and a lush, tropical gardens where guests can relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the infinite azure ocean surrounding the villa. It is an architectural masterpiece, impeccably designed with contemporary-yet-indigenous touches, exuding elegance and first-class sophistication from the moment you walk in. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with their own team of butlers who are on hand to offer a personalised service during your stay and will organise bespoke experiences including a barbeque on a private sandbar and visits to exquisite coral reefs.
Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Take your private elevator up to the two-floor Royal Suite at the Burj Al Arab, and you’ll be welcomed by your 24-hour concierge, who will introduce you to your team of butlers – the world’s largest – happy to serve your every need. He’s sure to escort you through the suite that sums up opulence at its finest. From your private cinema, to your personal library and 24-carat gold iPad for you to use throughout your stay, it simply doesn’t get much better than this. Of course, you can’t forget the jaw-dropping panoramas of the Arabian Gulf, nor the full-size his and hers Hermes amenities in each master bathroom, nor the selection of 17 different types of pillows to suit your bedtime preferences.
The Ritz Carlton Suite, The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong
Set over the 117th floor of the prestigious Ritz Carlton, this breathtaking haven features 270-degree panoramic views over Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Famously the temporary home to Lady Gaga while she was on tour in the city, this suite offers luxury at its absolute best. The interior is superbly decorated to resemble the inside of a jewelry-box, with swathes of crystal chandeliers, walls inlaid with mother-of-pearl and a 400 thread-count king bed. The suite’s full marble bathroom features a rainforest showerhead and world-class Asprey bathroom amenities. There is also a jacuzzi and oversized bathtubs in which guests can relax while marveling over spectacular city views, showcasing Hong Kong’s vibrant metropolitan as well as its oceanfront and distant mountains. A personal butler is on hand to cater for every need from running the perfect bath in your extraordinary bathroom to arranging your personal shopper and chauffeur who will escort you in your own Rolls-Royce or limousine throughout your stay.
Dalem Jiwo Suite, Amanjiwo, Java, Indonesia
This prestigious suite is nestled within the rural paradise of Central Java, overlooking Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. With the Kedu Plain directly in front, the silent slopes of the Menoreh Hills behind and four rising volcanoes on the horizon, this location is one of pure serenity. Smooth limestone walls, mined from the nearby Menoreh Hills, line the walkway that connects the main building to the Dalem Jiwo suite and to its own 50-foot private pool, which is finished in a delicate, jade-green Javanese stone, known as hijau danau. Upon arrival, guests will instantly notice authentic Javanese touches with lavish finishes throughout the suite. There are two separate bedrooms, both with terrazzo flooring, with a raised platform for the four-pillar bed, and their own stone steps descending to the pool. The bathroom runs the entire length of the suite and features a sunken bathtub, set in a luscious, walled garden. To top it off, guests are catered for by their own personal butler who is always on call to arrange dining options and tours including a private sunrise or sunset visit to Borobudur.
Royal Villa, Song Saa, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Song Saa’s Royal Villa is set on its own private island in Cambodia’s untouched Koh Rong Archipelago. The villa offers over-water luxury and is built to reflect the lush, natural surroundings whilst also encompassing the exotic marine life and local culture. It is the perfect definition of your own island retreat; with its own private jetty, accessible only by boat, your stay in this expansive villa will be completely discreet and exclusive. Inside, there is a large king-size bed, dressed in Ploh Linens, a generous bathroom complete with designer amenities, twin bathtubs and shower. A large, private infinity pool overlooks vast seascapes and captures the stunning Cambodian sunsets. Your own veranda offers a private Elysium, perfect for sipping cocktails while enjoying breathtaking sunsets, stargazing, or dining on fresh seafood expertly prepared by the resort’s chef.
Raja Mendaka, Nihiwatu, Sumba, Indonesia
This remote-yet-luxurious eco-resort is built on the island of Suma, far from the beaten track. It supports the island’s local culture and natural landscape and is the only destination that caters to Western visitors, providing guests with a unique island getaway. The exclusivity and allure of this resort is completely unrivalled and a stay here offers guests rare insight to the unseen, ancient cultures of this island. The Raja Medaka Villa, opening in April 2015, is the resort’s principal residence and takes prime position on the coast with private access to the stunning Nihiwatu beach. Lush jungle surrounds the villa for natural privacy and a cold dip plunge pool is integrated into its own 62-foot swimming pool. The villa has two bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms, complete with shower, outdoor bathtub and very own swimming pool. The villa is a true representation of responsible luxury, hand-built by local craftsmen using materials indigenous to Indonesia and Sumbanese culture reflected in the architecture.