Top 10 Southeast Asia Resort Hotels in 2020

Devorah Lev-Tov

July 8, 2020 at 6:54 AM·4 min read

Pool at the Anantara Chiang May resort in Thailand, voted the best in the world

Courtesy of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.

Buildings throughout Southeast Asia showcase a range of architectural styles that embody the long history of each country, beginning from indigenous styles like Khmer and Buddhist, continuing through colonialism, and then on to postcolonialism and modernism. Through it all, an emphasis on sustainability and the use of natural materials has remained at the core. All the resorts on this year’s list combine various architectural and design elements from their location’s history to create a thoroughly modern example of luxury. Utilizing local materials like teak and other woods, bamboo, rattan, and silk, their thoughtful designs echo the past while feeling exceptionally of the moment.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Related: The World's Best Awards 2020

Thailand captured five of the top six spots on the 2020 list. In addition to highlighting Thai architecture, the resorts all provide a deep sense of place through local food, culture, and wellness offerings. Another thing at which these resorts excel: top-notch service. “The staff is beyond perfection,” wrote one reader who stayed at the No. 6 Four Seasons Chiang Mai. Another respondent praised the No. 4 JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa by sharing they had a “fabulous experience with everyone.”

T+L readers genuinely appreciate a solid introduction to the local culture — something Aman properties always take seriously. Amantaka in Luang Prabang secured its No. 9 spot in part by going above and beyond to engage guests with the local community. “The early morning rice offering to the monks was very special,” wrote one reader. Another respondent had equally glowing remarks for the No. 5 Amansara in Siem Reap, citing a few particularly memorable evenings when the property “invited in local dance groups, allowed us the opportunity to attend the local circus, and had a monk come and bless us for our anniversary.”

Below, find the full list of this year’s best resorts in Southeast Asia, including this year’s winner: the spectacular Anantara Chiang Mai.

1. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Living area of a guest room at the Anantara Chiang Mai resort in Thailand

Courtesy of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Score: 97.57

More information: anantara.com

The minimalist aesthetic and neutral color palette found across this waterfront retreat allow the lush scenery to truly shine. The centerpiece of the property is the old British consulate, which houses the excellent Service 1921 Restaurant and a rooftop lounge with panoramic river and city views. Thai artifacts and sculptures, deep soaking tubs, platform beds, and pops of colored textiles give each of the 84 teak-paneled rooms a sophisticated look. It might be tempting to spend full days luxuriating by the sleek pool, which overlooks the Ping River, but guests can also immerse themselves in local culture with cooking or kickboxing classes, guided market tours, or a host of other activities.