14 unique honeymoon hotels in Asia
by Gemma
Once you’ve set your heart on a honeymoon to Asia, and chosen which of this versatile region's many perfect honeymoon destinations suits you best, it's time to have fun with the fine details. To help you get started, we’ve picked out our favourite unique honeymoon hotels, covering everything from sublime luxury to safari adventure.
The Siam Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Art-deco glamour meets traditional Thai style, in this riverfront boutique hotel with more than a hint of Hollywood. Recline together in the stylish velvet chairs of the hotel’s screening room and watch a classic movie, or enjoy a romantic dinner on the private pier, as the waters lap gently against the shore. Or simply relax in the luxury of your own spacious suite with its private pool, while a dedicated butler brings you everything you could wish for (mostly - you'll have to be responsible for the diamonds, and the spouse of your dreams).
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley, Borneo
The beautifully designed, sustainably built villas of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge are a surprise luxury option for honeymoon couples seeking adventure in the jungles of Danum Valley. The 'Premium' villas are full of amazingly lavish details for the forest location, and each has its own viewing platform, where you can relax together in your private hot tub and gaze into the rainforest beyond - a truly memorable experience.
Top tip: the Rainforest Lodge complements a stay at Gaya Island’s Bunga Raya resort (see below)
Gora Kadan, Hakone, Japan
Ryokan* style is given a luxurious upgrade at this chic hotel in dramatic Hakone National Park, an hour out of Tokyo. An ideal honeymoon destination for couples looking for tranquillity and comfort, the Gora Kadan offers spacious suites complete with private outdoor baths, steam rooms and saunas, and balconies looking out into Hakone's mountainous landscape. Traditional in-room kaiseki dining adds to the romantic intimacy, and massages at the spa are the icing on the cake. * traditional Japanese inn - think tatami mats, sliding doors and hot spring bathhouses
Satri House, Luang Prabang, Laos
With a bygone era invoked by the carefully selected antiques and absence of TV, the Satri House is the perfect spot to relax together and savour some special time away from the rush of the world. Enjoy a restful retreat full of soothing spa treatments, sunbathing on your private balcony, and cocktails by the pool in this hidden paradise right in the centre of the fascinating UNESCO-protected town of Luang Prabang.
Chartered yacht around the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar
No WiFi, no intrusion from the busy outside world; just the two of you (well, and a very discrete crew) together aboard a chartered yacht, sailing serenely between tropical islands of Myanmar's stunning Mergui Archipelago. If that sounds blissful, a honeymoon aboard one of Burma Boating’s luxury yachts will tick all the boxes. The deluxe cabins are the perfect retreat after a day’s glorious island-hopping, dipping your toes into the azure waters, strolling on wild beaches, and sipping cocktails as the sun goes down.
Song Saa, Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia
Many a dream honeymoon features white sandy beaches lapped by turquoise seas, perhaps a tropical sunset shimmering across the horizon. If this is the kind of paradise you’re looking for - but you're also unwilling to tax the environment in the process - then Song Saa might be the place for you. We could happily hide away for weeks on end in the super deluxe villas on this secluded island, enjoying private dining, unbeatable views, and getting involved with the conservation projects at this luxury eco-resort with sustainability at heart.
Bunga Raya Island Resort, Gaya Island, Borneo
Tucked away on Gaya Island, off Borneo's north coast, is the charming Bunga Raya Island Resort. Dive beneath the waves to see the underwater magic of Gaya's stunning reefs, and help protect these fragile ecosystems with the Adopt-a-Coral programme - the perfect souvenir of your dream honeymoon. Back on shore, you can withdraw to your own Treehouse Villa – a intimate haven of relaxation, with a private jacuzzi and stunning views over the forest.
Song Xanh - Private Sampan, Vietnam
Yes – we know this isn’t a ‘hotel’ but is still worthy of inclusion in this list as a unique overnight experience that is simply perfect for a honeymoon. Could there be anything more romantic than leisurely meandering through the narrow waterways of the Mekong Delta aboard your own, private traditional sampan; the type of boat that has been used on the Delta waters for centuries?
Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Seamlessly blending ultimate luxury with responsible tourism, the Shinta Mani Angkor is elegantly furnished and has plenty of space, allowing for relaxation of body and mind. The inspiring Shinta Mani Foundation (run in partnership with the hotel) funds local education and health projects, allowing guests to give back to the community whilst enjoying its hospitality. Honeymooning couples can treat themselves to ultimate pampering in the sublime spa, perhaps keeping it sweet with a honey & sesame scrub.
Top tip: combines well with Song Saa (above) for a two-centre honeymoon, and with the Phnom Penh Raffles (below)
Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp, Lombok, Indonesia
Travelling off the beaten track and enjoying simple pleasures in an idyllic setting at the Jeeva Beloam is a great option for adventurous honeymoon couples looking for something special but unpretentious. Enjoy scuba diving, kayaking and snorkelling in the clear Indonesian waters without the usual Bali crowds, sample some amazing food, and soak up the sun on the resort’s beach, which was recently voted one of the best in the world.
Mahoora Tented Safari, various national parks, Sri Lanka
Some experiences are so extraordinary that you will remember every detail for years to come. Perfect for couples looking to start married life with a proper adventure, the Mahoora camp sees you sleeping in a deluxe tent inside one of Sri Lanka’s breath-taking National Parks, with nothing but canvas between you and the wild landscape outside, waking each morning to a safari dawn chorus and falling asleep under a dazzling star-filled sky.
La Folie Lodge, a little island on the Mekong River, Laos
An ideal retreat for loved-up honeymooners, La Folie Lodge overlooks the deserted beaches and quiet, tropical forests of unspoiled Done Daeng island in the Mekong River, many miles from the tourist throng. With no cars on the island, it's the perfect place to wander hand-in-hand along the sand, or through the beautiful gardens, listening to the peaceful sounds of nature and enjoying a slower pace of life.
Raffles Le Royal, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Old-school chic is epitomised in this stunning hotel with a wild history (featuring Hollywood starlets and playboy billionaires) which radiates sophisticated charm. Live like a king in the Royal Suite, where you can be waited on hand and foot while you lounge about, enjoying the view over the gardens from your private balcony. Raffles might be a famous name in luxury hotels, but because this one's in Cambodia it's more affordable than its sister in Singapore, so don’t assume you can’t afford it!
Sanak Retreat, Munduk, Bali
For a taste of authentic Balinese style without the bustle of the island's mainstream resorts, the Sanak Retreat really delivers. Surrounded by lush rice paddies, this gorgeous boutique retreat offers an enchanting package for honeymoon couples, which includes a private flower canoe on Lake Tamblingan and a sunset meal at a secret location, followed by moonlight dancing. Selective Asia's Anna stayed here on her honeymoon, and tells us it's incredibly romantic! Combine a stay here with a few days on the beach at Jeeva Beloam (above) for an Indonesian honeymoon with a difference.
Still not sure which destination to choose for your Asia honeymoon? Give one of our tailor-made honeymoon specialists a call (+44 1273 670 001) for an informal chat about your needs. Never assume you can't afford your dream honeymoon - we usually just need to make a few tweaks to bring it into line, and we know a lot of tricks to make sure you get what you want! Our gift list service also lets your guests contribute to the cost of your honeymoon.
by Gemma on 11th November 2016