As you daydream about future travel plans, why not think big? Imagine yourself on a luxury getaway — dressed in a brand-new bespoke outfit, cruising the high seas on a yacht. You’ll dock for a Michelin-worthy meal of fresh seafood and end the evening with a whisky or gin-infused cocktail at one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
There’s no shortage of luxe travel options across Asia and the Pacific. And without further ado, here are five luxury destinations worth the splurge. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Singapore
A shopaholic’s dream, Singapore’s Orchard Gateway mall stocks items from more than 60 homegrown brands such as Q menswear’s bespoke suits and the 1930s cheongsam-inspired frocks of Dotted Line. Now dressed the part, take yourself on a tour of Singapore’s historic mansions.
Behold the sight of black-and-white colonial-era bungalows in the Botanic Gardens. One such mansion-turned-restaurant is the Corner House — now serving omakase-style French–Asian cuisine. The building served as the home of the Botanic Gardens’ assistant director until 1945.
Or head to nearby Labrador Nature Reserve to find Tamarind Hill, a Thai restaurant occupying a stately 19th-century mansion. Take a seat on the wooden deck, order massaman beef curry and freshwater tiger prawns, and listen to the waves in the distance.
Thirsty? Make your way to ATLAS. At this grand lobby and bar set in a Gothic-inspired building, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the Roaring ’20s — everything is gilded, including its elevator-like gin tower. Have a Café Royale Special, a sweet-and-sour cocktail of London Dry Gin mixed with sloe gin, pineapple and sweet vermouth.
Macau
When in Macau, it’s only appropriate to dress as a high roller, and Macao Fashion Gallery is the answer to such wardrobe needs. Inside this three-story heritage building, you’ll find local designs such as Nega C.’s cheongsam-inspired blouses with ruffles and ZICS’ sleek black-and-white apparel.
With your new wardrobe, hit the blackjack tables and roulette wheels at the Grand Lisboa or the Venetian casinos. Perhaps fine dining is your indulgence, and you’ll find yourself at the Michelin-starred Lai Heen on the 51st floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau — its black and gold interior as grand as a stylish casino — ordering stewed prawns with port wine sauce and simmered pork ribs with black garlic in plum sauce.
Hong Kong
In this stylish city, one item that never goes out of fashion is a yacht. Rent a luxury yacht and breeze into the South China Sea, Champagne glass in hand. Opt for the Lady Lorraine with its elegant white sails or the Sanlorenzo SL106, fitted with designer Italian furniture.
Not pampered enough? Back on dry land, spend a day at The Mira Hong Kong’s spa. Plunge into the infinity pool and have a steam bath. Then make an appointment to visit Kai-Yin Lo’s private showroom of wearable antiques, where you’ll be in good hands as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Evelyn Lauder have worn her jewelry.
Save time for H Queen’s, a skyscraper that houses renowned galleries David Zwirner, Pace and Hauser & Wirth, as well as Piqniq, a rooftop venue where patrons enjoy snacks and cocktails while reclining in beanbag chairs.
Sydney
In Sydney, it doesn’t get more iconic than attending a show at the Sydney Opera House, where the Australian Ballet performs “Romeo and Juliet” and “Harlequinade,” and the Sydney Theatre Company puts on “The Wharf Revue.”
But a trip to the iconic Opera House isn’t the only way to enjoy the city’s harbor — rent a luxury yacht complete with cocktail and dining service. Go with the Lady Pamela, a sleek white yacht with a large deck to dive off of, or the Atao, an elegant sailboat with a tall mast made for gentle cruising.
While in Sydney, save time for wine tasting in the sprawling Southern Highlands wine region at wineries such as Centennial Vineyards. Centennial has a lovely dining room with exposed wood-beam ceilings for tasting pinot noir, shiraz and chardonnay.
Seoul
Your luxury makeover begins in Seoul’s Gangnam district, where tree-lined streets house high-end Korean brands such as MSK, a casual-cool menswear label. At Kim Chung Kyung Hair-Face, different floors are devoted to makeup, mani-pedis and skin procedures. Book a half-day makeover here and sneak a peek at the stylish women and men dropping in before going out.
Next, have your hair done at Lee Ka Ja Hair Bis by stylists who have worked on K-pop bands Big Bang and 2NE1. You’ll look your best for dinner at Flower Child, where chef Jamie Jo serves whimsically plated seasonal dishes such as Jeju lobster or duck and fig.
When you’re ready for a nightcap, stop by Cham Bar. Cham means “oak” in Korean, and the wood features prominently in the design of the cocktail hideout, which is in a hanok (traditional Korean house). Kick back with craft soju infused with local roots or the Biblichor cocktail, a mix of Scotch whisky and Pu’er tea.
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