Asia’s luxury hotel scene continues to evolve, with a wave of new openings and immersive experiences offering travelers deeper cultural connections, sustainable design and a refreshed sense of place.
Imperial Hotel to Open in 2026
Set to open in spring 2026, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto marks the first new property in three decades for Japan’s premier hospitality brand. This 55-room, 7-story boutique hotel blends historical preservation with modern design through the revitalization of the Yasaka Kaikan, a cultural landmark originally built in 1936.
Located in Kyoto’s Gion district, the building was once home to theatrical performances. A detailed conservation strategy led by Obayashi Corporation—who built the original structure nearly 90 years ago—retains much of the original design, including over 16,000 of the building’s exterior tiles. Traditional Japanese construction techniques, such as ikedori (“live capture”), were employed to carefully preserve materials.
Beyond architecture, the hotel aims to contribute to sustainable tourism by supporting local artisans and limiting environmental impact. It will feature luxury guestrooms and suites, curated dining, a signature bar, a spa, a pool and a fitness center. The hotel also shares a unique historical connection with the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, through shared artisans and materials.
For more information, visit imperialhotel.co.jp.
Vietnam by Hand and Sea
At Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an all-villa beachfront resort in southern Vietnam, guests are invited to experience daily life as the locals do—through hands-on fishing. The Fish Like a Local activity teaches guests traditional Vietnamese net-casting from shore and offers a more adventurous option to fish from a round-basket boat.
Guests can complement the fishing excursion with an oceanfront cooking class using coastal herbs and fresh, local ingredients, or indulge in a Vietnamese BBQ set menu. The resort is nestled along the beach and was recently named one of Southeast Asia’s best boutique hotels by The Times and the No. 2 “Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World” by Luxury Travel Advisor.
In Hue, the former imperial capital, Azerai La Residence has expanded its cultural offerings with cooking classes and heritage-focused packages. Guests can learn to prepare dishes such as bánh khoái, a royal-style pancake, with celebrated Executive Chef Nguyen Dong Hai, recently named a “Master Culinary Artisan of Vietnam.”
The hotel’s Imperial Feast dining experience allows guests to dress in regal costumes and dine on historical cuisine once served to Vietnamese royalty. A new two-night Ancient Capital Pilgrimage package guides guests to spiritual sites, highlighting the city’s sacred traditions.
For more information, visit azerai.com.
The Hari Hong Kong: Art in Every Detail
At The Hari Hong Kong, a curated art trail invites guests to explore the hotel’s eclectic art collection and the surrounding Wan Chai neighborhood’s dynamic art scene. Led by in-house art ambassador Bibek Rai, the tour highlights works in a variety of media, curated by London-based A Space For Art.
The 30-story hotel features 210 guestrooms, including three signature rooftop suites, with views overlooking Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, The Peak and Victoria Harbour. Guests can dine at the Italian restaurant Lucciola, the contemporary Japanese restaurant Zoku, the alfresco terrace bar The Terrace and The Lounge, an all-day sitting area adorned with art and books.
“With art running through The Hari Hong Kong’s DNA, our art trail affords a whole new perspective of our hotel and Wan Chai, one of Hong Kong’s oldest yet most creative districts,” said The Hari Hong Kong’s General Manager, Edward E. Snoeks, in a press statement.
Following the hotel tour, guests can visit hidden creative hubs like Foo Tak Building—a vertical art village—and PHD Group gallery. The Hari’s cultural offerings are complemented by its stylish interiors, signature dining at Lucciola and Zoku and recent EarthCheck Bronze sustainability certification.
For more information, visit thehari.com.
Echoes of Chaplin: A Legendary Tribute in Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has unveiled a temporary exhibition, “Charlie Chaplin: Echoes of a Legend,” showcasing rare memorabilia from a private international collection. The iconic actor honeymooned at the Metropole in 1936, and the newly renovated Charlie Chaplin Suite honors his legacy.
Running through July 22, the exhibition includes rare film posters, music scores and global artifacts. The historic hotel, which dates back to 1901, recently completed a 21-month renovation of its Heritage Wing, blending classic charm with contemporary comfort and reaffirming its role as a cultural landmark in Vietnam’s capital.
George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, said in a media statement: “Today, one of our Heritage Wing suites proudly bears Chaplin’s name, and this curated tribute is a celebration of that enduring connection.”
The Charlie Chaplin Suite, located on the third floor of the hotel’s newly renovated Heritage Wing, features natural wood flooring, hand-tufted carpets and elegant furniture, in addition to a separate living room offering privacy and comfort.
For more information, visit sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com.
Alma Resort Cam Ranh for Young Guests
Alma Resort Cam Ranh in Vietnam is bringing back hands-on imagination with the debut of its new Kids’ Themed Rooms. Guests booking the themed rooms can choose from boy- or girl-focused decor. Upon arrival, children are welcomed with thoughtful personal touches including a custom name card, a personalized welcome board above a cozy tent, decorated cookies, themed bedding, colorful pillows, towel art and pool floatie.
The themed rooms are an extension of Alma’s family-friendly offerings. The resort features a science museum, kids club, youth club, 75-seat cinema and a water park with a lazy river, wave pool, slides, and a dedicated kids’ pool.
Guests can also participate in hands-on culinary workshops—from the cupcake and fruit shake making to pizza crafting—as well as outdoor activities like kite-flying contests, tree planting and virtual reality golf. Alma’s Hotelier Pastry Tour invites children into the resort’s bakery to learn about the art of baking and sample fresh creations from the pastry team.
For more information, visit alma-resort.com.
