Southeast Asia is a rich, complex and exciting destination that is enticing travellers in their droves - and the development of high-end hotels and experiences is keeping pace with this demand. From properties that are seamlessly woven into their destination’s heritage to towering urban escapes, here are the launches that should be on your radar.
Opened: March 2025
Raffles Hotels & Resorts has launched a second address in the home of its flagship property – Raffles Sentosa Singapore on Sentosa Island offers a refreshing alternative to the palatial Raffles Singapore, becoming the city‑state’s first all‑villa hotel. Set within swathes of verdant forest, this idyllic retreat hosts 62 villas, each with a private pool and terrace, as well as five dining venues and lounges. Guests can enjoy the brand’s signature butler service, capitalise on preferential rates at Sentosa Golf Club and unwind in the 13‑treatment‑room spa.
Opened: April 2025
Jati Koh Russey in Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago is a picturesque private island escape, with 82 villas cradled by flourishing forests. This exotic haven embodies comfortable convenience, with a beach club, restaurant, steakhouse and wine cellar all on hand. The secluded location lends itself to both tranquil relaxation and active experiences, with Khmer-inspired rituals at the Bamboo Spa on offer alongside space for yoga, pickleball, badminton, basketball and boxing. Guests can also take to the beach for volleyball, paddleboarding, snorkelling, kayaking or simply sunbathing without the crowds, while youngsters are kept occupied with adventurous activities and crafts at the Seahorse Kids Club.
Opened: January 2026
The Leading Hotels of the World member Soori Penang brings a taste of luxury to the Unesco World Heritage Site of George Town in Malaysia. With the magnificent Khoo Kongsi temple next door, guests could not feel more immersed in the storied history of Penang’s capital. The property’s interiors pay homage to the destination’s heritage, with a sleek, modern design punctuated by Peranakan tiling, hand-painted murals and ornate carvings. Each of the 15 suites occupies a renovated shophouse and sits alongside a courtyard restaurant, cool wine bar and tranquil spa. Immersive experiences abound, with craft workshops, gastronomic tours, traditional music and dance performances showcasing Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry.
Opened: November 2025
Banyan Group selected Singapore for its 100th property, which opened last November in Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is geared towards natural immersion, with guided wildlife walks, birdwatching excursions and nighttime safaris offering the chance to spot some of the almost 1,000 animal species that call the reserve home. The 338-key hotel adopts a ‘biophilic’ design, with treetop rooms and a rooftop pool blending seamlessly into the riverside canopy. The serene Banyan Tree Spa complements the rainforest experience, while dining venues Forage and Planter’s Shed champion seasonal, harvest-to-table produce for an Earth-friendly stay.

Opened: April 2026
Another addition to The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, Nihi Rote on Rote Island is Indonesia’s latest picture-perfect coastal resort, boasting 21 one and two-bedroom villas with private pools, lush gardens and glimpses of the shimmering ocean. Relaxation is front of mind, with open-air yoga classes and meditation sessions included, and in-villa massages and fitness programmes on offer. Mere paces from the white sands of Bo’a Beach, marine exploration shines with surfing, fishing, diving and mangrove paddleboard adventures on the cards. Dining is a laid-back affair, with Nammo Beach Club and Ombak Restaurant both providing culinary delights in the sunshine.

Opening: October 2026
Marriott International’s The Luxury Collection is expanding once more, this time entering Laos with La Résidence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang. One of the region’s most distinctive hilltop retreats, the rejuvenated property is expected to house 41 rooms and suites with picturesque vistas of the jungle-covered mountains. The hotel’s tropical gardens overlook the Unescoprotected Old Town and its golden temples, with views to savour from the poolside terrace and yoga deck. The Luxury Collection is also set to grow its presence in Cambodia – La Résidence Angkor, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa will open in Siem Reap in October 2027.

Opened: February 2026
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has debuted its second Malaysian outpost with a seaside property on Desaru Coast, formerly operated by One&Only Resorts. The hotel sits within 128 acres of rainforest on 10 miles of beachfront, with breathtaking views from all 44 suites and villas. Understated ‘tropical modernism’ characterises this property, with earthy features drawn from traditional Malay villages. The spa blends ancient rituals with modern techniques, while three dining venues serve authentic Malaysian cuisine, Mediterranean fare and poolside bites. A new spa, beauty salon, yoga pavilion, fitness centre and tennis and padel courts are also planned.

Setting sail: November 2026
The debut of Windstar Cruises’ newest ship Star Seeker will mark the line’s first foray into Asian waters. Following sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska and Japan, the 112-suite vessel will end 2026 in southeast Asia with numerous itineraries to choose from. Ancient culture will be in the spotlight during the 18-day Legendary Temples: Chiang Mai and Ankor Wat voyage, while the Star Collector itinerary will offer a captivating grand tour of Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Due to the ship’s intimate size, journeys also offer time inland in cities such as Hanoi, Bangkok and Phuket for even more immersive encounters.

Opening: Late 2026
Nestled within the high-rises on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, the Palladian facade of Custom House is a reminder of decades past. Now, it’s being revived as it takes the shape of The Langham Hotels and Resorts’ first Thai address. This luxe property will be home to 75 rooms, a sumptuous spa and an outpost of Hong Kong’s three-Michelinstar Cantonese restaurant T’ang Court, as well as a unique destination bar and patisserie. Traditional Thai culture will blend with Western-inspired architecture throughout the hotel in the Bang Rak district, known for its modern skyscrapers and authentic street food.

Opening: December 2026
Lying in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ Malaysian debut is ideally placed in the capital’s nightlife, shopping and business epicentre. The 481-key hotel will occupy 50 floors of a towering skyscraper, offering panoramic views from two speciality restaurants. Guests can also savour the skyline from the spa and health club’s infinity pool after visiting the sauna and steam room. Conrad’s parent company Hilton is investing heavily in the Malaysian capital, with Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur opening in October featuring 272 suites and a selection of dining venues.

Launching: January 2027
Mekong cruises are a sparkling jewel in AmaWaterways’ portfolio, hence the upcoming launch of the line’s second dedicated vessel to sail the river. AmaMaya will join AmaDara to operate seven-day itineraries in Vietnam and Cambodia, with excursions including boat trips to local markets, forest hikes, Royal Palace visits, traditional dance performances, tuk-tuk rides and temple tours. The sophisticated vessel – which honours local heritage with rich stained wood and traditional details – will house 60 staterooms, a Mekong Restaurant, Saigon Lounge and Chef’s Table, as well as an outdoor pool to take in the blissful scenes as the ship breezes past breathtaking sights.

Opening: May 2027
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will make its entry into Vietnam next year with a property in the vibrant city of Hanoi. Taking over the current Hilton Hanoi Opera, the Parisian-style hotel will be reimagined as a luxury retreat, with 187 rooms and suites, a holistic Waldorf Astoria spa, two restaurants, a rooftop lounge and the brand’s signature Peacock Alley bar. Ideally located just a short walk from the bustling Old Quarter, scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and the fascinating Vietnam National Museum of History, the property joins the country’s growing collection of luxury product.

Setting sail: November 2027
Explora Journeys’ inaugural Asian season will see new vessel Explora III operate 28 voyages across 47 destinations in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore. Starting in Tokyo in September 2027, the ship will venture farther east from November, with seven to 11-night itineraries calling at iconic destinations including Vietnam’s Halong Bay, Penang in Malaysia, Thailand’s Krabi province and Bali in Indonesia. Explora III will debut in Europe this summer with 463 oceanfront suites, many of which boast expansive balconies, enviable living spaces and dreamy private whirlpools. Seven restaurants and five heated pools will perfectly complement the awe-inspiring Asian views.

Opening: 2028
Aman Resorts is set to make its mark on Singapore in what will be the country’s tallest skyscraper. Aman Singapore will take up residence in The Skywaters, between the central business district, Greater Southern Waterfront and Marina Bay. The property will comprise an intimate hotel, a collection of residences and a private members’ club, providing guests with Aman’s signature sophistication alongside sweeping sea views. A full-floor Aman Spa will feature an infinity pool, and refined dining venues will be on offer.

Opening: 2027
Hidden among the palms of Bali’s west coast near Canggu, the strikingly designed Anantara Dragon Seseh Resort & Residences will take the shape of a dragon, evoking the mystic wonder of Balinese folklore. The 126 key property will feature two restaurants and bars, a spa, and yoga and meditation spaces. Three infinity pools will offer views of the black sands of Seseh Beach, where guests can take to the water with the resort’s surf school.