Welcome to the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards. Our annual awards celebrate the very best in travel, dining and lifestyle – as voted for by you, our global community of members.
From beach properties overlooking azure waters to remote jungle escapes that let the outside in, these retreats promise a total mind, body and soul reset in paradise.
The five resorts below have been selected as Asia’s best resorts by our panel of travel and lifestyle experts. It’s now up to you, our Cathay members, to determine which one of these nominees stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Voting is open to Cathay members from Monday, 26 May to Sunday, 15 June. You can learn more about the nominees below.
Located on a private island in the remote Cuyo Archipelago, Amanpulo is a paradise of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Daily snorkeling trips are the perfect way to explore the island’s colourful reefs, while yoga classes and spa treatments keep your mind and body in balance. Villas come with private pools as well as a personal chef and butler to attend to your every need.
Immerse yourself in the lush splendour of Bali at Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape . Constructed with a “no doors, no walls” concept, the villas have an open design and spacious decks that offer unbeatable views of the majestic mountains. Bolstering the hotel’s green credentials, its restaurant Open Kitchen features a mostly plant-based, farm-to-table menu.
This resort on the remote coast of Sumba Island is the definition of barefoot luxury, with rustic thatched-roof villas in the local architectural style. While the activities on offer include surfing, hiking and mountain biking, what sets Nihi Sumba apart is its herd of horses, which guests can ride through the surf for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Proof that you don’t need to travel far to find a slice of heaven, The Surin promises a serene getaway on Phuket’s western coast. One of Phuket’s first luxury resorts, the property enjoys an enviable location on secluded Pansea Beach. Its beachfront suites have direct access to the turquoise waters, while hillside cottages promise privacy among the lush foliage.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge brings luxury living to the Sri Lankan jungle. Cocoon-shaped abodes look out onto private pools or watering holes that invite local wildlife to your doorstep. The tented lodges have an elevated, safari-chic ambience, and are equipped with canopied beds and copper bathtubs for relaxing in style.
Credit: Devaka Seneviratne