As summer plans fall onto our radar, far-flung destinations will always be added to the mix. Consider South East Asia: fully open for US tourism and packed with culture, adventure, and R&R. The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts offer properties that echo the call of the region, and guests automatically are assured of a five-star experience in line with the brand’s prestigious reputation. Looking for this summer’s bucket list stay from which to base your splash into SE Asia? Peruse our favorite stays for 2023 before making up your mind.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
Make no mistake, the Four Seasons Bangkok property is no city hotel but rather, an urban resort. A convenient hideout from metropolis mayhem. Yes, you’ll witness boats and BTS trains zoom past riverside and across-shore, but the overwhelming soundtrack here is serenity. Whether reclining back on the guestroom lounger or doing breakfast al fresco from RIVA del Fiume, patrons are soothed with the ambiance of orchids and waterways. That’s across all 299 accommodation options which boast sweeping floor-to-high-ceiling views and a modern minimalist layout accented with Thai touches. They’re steps ahead for function too, thanks to one-touch technology tending to a slew of room chores combined with exceptional personnel for requests that stretch beyond the usual, so all can rest easy in a terry bathrobe. Use the energy to explore the grounds instead. Those here for wellness will be impressed with the two-story Urban Wellness Centre that encompasses holistic treatment rooms, a salon, a gym and lap pool, and even a Muay Thai boxing ring. Meanwhile, foodies have come to the right place: Brasserie Palmier is one of the finest French restaurants in town (save room for profiteroles), Yu Ting Yuan is a haven for authentic Cantonese cuisine, and BKK Social Club is unmissable: it’s hailed as one of the world’s best bars, and at least in Bangkok it reigns number one. Sip on Aviation and join the glam to toast to the city. Still, itching to explore? Located between Chao Phraya River and Charoen Krung Road, a shopping, dining, and creative hotspot, guests need not venture far. The Four Seasons Hotel sets the pulse for a stay in Bangkok no matter how much energy you intend to burn.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
This all-villa resort provides guests with a unique opportunity to cocoon themselves in wellness whilst at the same time exploring a rich local culture, elevated in Four Seasons style. The Nam Hai property sits just 30 minutes from Da Nang International, upon Vietnam’s central coast, and acts as a portal to three UNESCO World Heritage sites including Hoi An Ancient Town. Kayak along the East Sea; marvel at the perfectly preserved Thanh Hoang Temple as you cycle 86 acres of tropical gardens; or partake in the Nam Hai Cooking Academy to craft authentic Vietnamese recipes from scratch. Come sunset, it’s time to set your intentions. Start with lighting a candle in a traditional praying ritual before a signature treatment at the award-winning The Heart of the Earth Spa, then be serenaded by strings out on La Sen’s porch (ask for the special vegan menu to optimize wellness). Sleeping quarters are a tropical dream, especially when opting for a pool villa, which offers multiple means of soak. There’s the bedroom, where you’ll sink into a lush platformed bed wrapped with heavenly soft white linens. There’s the infinity pool, outdoor rain shower, and indoor bathtub, offering waters (and Natura Bissé) to rejuvenate every pore through and through. And then of course, the views; towering palm trees, a private terrace and garden, the shore…you’ll soak in every corner of it all without needing to lift a finger for a butler is always on-hand, alongside a team of attentive staff. Whether it’s a floating breakfast experience, fast laundry service, or someone to take the little ones to play at the kids club, they’ve got you covered. The Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai has every ingredient for exotic bliss and beyond the tan, radiance will shine inside and out.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
The Garden City, Singapore’s a vision in emerald, and no other property in the greater area bloom more verdant than the Four Seasons. You’ll find this towering structure nestled amidst lush foliage by Orchard Road, and a short rideshare to Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, and Merlion Park. After exploring them and/or lugging boutique bags, who can resist such a soothing spot? These rooms and suites are splashed in natural color tones of cool blues and lime green accents; carrying forward natural daylight from the Singaporean skies. Mable bathrooms froth with Grown Alchemist, loosening tired joints before a warming wrap with robe and a rich Monogram brew. When you’re ready, the amenities are designed to re-energize. Start at One-Ninety, a breezy, botanical modern Asian brasserie for breakfast, then take a morning dip on the third-floor lap pool (conveniently located by the Executive Club for all-day refreshments). Opportunities for wellness include a spa, salon and one of the most striking gyms one can lay eyes upon, open 24/7. And to highlight the day? Look no further than Nobu—the world’s first with an outdoor designer Japanese garden and private dining Chef’s Table with a show kitchen..’. Exclusive Nobu sake’s mandatory and we highly recommend the Melon Shiso Kakigori. If Singapore’s future, this Four Seasons is a time traveler, lightyears ahead in every realm of hospitality.
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
A sanctuary of well-being, we dare you to pack a schedule at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai: instead, succumb to the initiation of strict pampering, and save exploration for the days that ensue. That’s the remedy for jet lag. The property, sprawled across emerald rice fields offers a la vie rurale respite from the tourist drags (though they’re less than a 30-minute drive away) and a chance to roll up those sleeves for a dig at planting your own rice shoots, learning about the harvest process and getting up close to resident water buffalo during their ritualistic bath. Reward yourself post-culture with time in the expansive Wara Cheewa Spa, where a range of therapies from reiki healing to Thai massage, plus yoga and breathwork, await or pair with a nourishing meal at modern Thai kitchen, Khao; or fire-grilled delights at North (FYI the flame extends to dessert too: order the Chocolate on Fire and see for yourself). There are 97 accommodation options available including pavilions, pool villas, and private residences. Inside you’ve swept away with a throng of rich silks, Siamese artifacts, and original paintings, alongside luxe bathroom amenities and deskside tech, coming together to harmonize that feel of Far East royalty meets ease of a modern townhouse. The service is, as expected, sharp with a Thai smile (sawadee kap in the friendliest of ways), and ordering a made-before-your-eyes cocktail, a discreet turndown while you watch the farmer’s parade, or a buggy for your bags is as swift as a tap on the app. Thanks to resort-wide Wi-Fi, you’ll want for nothing while dipping in the infinity-edge pool or taking a tea break during a throw of Thai pottery in the rustic outdoor Chaan Baan. Nobody’s ready to take on Chiang Mai until they’ve plugged in and recharged at this Mae Rim Valley resort, trust us.
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Business or pleasure, the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur is your tower: a feat of a tower to work and play. Standing 65 stories tall, this Petronas Twin Tower skyline neighbor not only stands amidst the action, it very much is the action. Floors one to four are occupied by The Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, then five up you have the hotel, serviced apartments, and residences. In search of KL’s finest dim sum? Yun Hun serves Xiao Long Bao with soup so delicious, you need a straw; and for additional straws, sip over at the multi-award winning Bar Trigona, where expert mixologists will guide you through a carefully crafted cocktail menu that uses local ingredients and Four Seasons worldwide recipes. Roomside, guests are treated to city views, some featuring the Siamese icon and the KLCC Park. Guest rooms are outfitted with a modern design, with a sitting area, and desk, alongside amenities like a Nespresso machine, smart TV, L’Occitane’s almond oil-based bath selection, and signature Four Seasons robes and slippers. Business travelers may opt in for The Club lounge experience, while those on vacation may wish to switch that time for the spa, which features eight treatment rooms including two designed for couples.
Honorary Mention:
Bali’s a haven for wellness, so why not try something new at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan? The property offers a Sacred Nap at Dharma Shanti Bale, a 60-minute experience whereby you’re suspended in a silk hammock from the ceiling for a ‘womb-like’ cocooned sleep. Incorporating a bath of scents, sounds, and stories, expect a deep and soothing mid-day rest that’s unlike anything available in Ubud.
* All images courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts