Handlebar
If you have ever harbored dreams of living it rough and tough like a Hell’s Angel, throw on the leather jacket and boots and ride on over (or just flag a cab) to Handlebar. This unpretentious biker bar has, for the last 11 years, been serving out ice cold beers and hearty burgers, steaks and our personal fave, the Blossom Onion. It’s one of the rare places here where petrol-heads can get up close to the Harleys parked out front. Be quick though as the bar will be riding off into the sunset in February.
1 Lock Rd., Gillman Village, 6475-9571. Open Tue-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 3pm-2am, Sun 3pm-1am.

Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Café & Pub
The best Irish snugs offer mysterious dark corners, knick knacks and the smell of Guinness, but an Irish bar by the beach is truly a cut above. There’s just something about chilling out with your mates with an ice-cold pint while the sea-breeze blows through your hair or caresses your bald head. Very local, charitable and ensuring good times for all, Scruffy Murphy’s great specials and gastro food make it a favorite. Sadly, it'll be closing—along with the other inhabitants of Marine Cove—later this year.
B7 Marine Cove, 1000 East Coast Park, 6449-7717. Open Mon-Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 9am-1am; Sun 9am-midnight.

Kha
Why bother flying all the way up to Phuket or Krabi for some resort-styled chilling when you can just hit up HortPark’s Kha (you can even breeze over to the equally lush Villa Bali just down the road—itself closing down by mid-Feb). This lush restobar is known for its modern take on Thai cuisine and classy sips with an Asian twang. Kha is moving into fresh new digs at 38 Martin Road at the end of February so hurry over to kick back over a couple of its signature Sawasdee Thai cocktails and killer martinis amid nice leafy surrounds.
33 Hyderabad Rd., 6476-9000. Open Mon-Sat noon-3pm, 6:30pm-midnight; cocktail lounge 6pm-1am.

City Slickers

Stylish, urban hotels for the perfect weekend getaway

W Hong Kong, Hong Kong
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon, (852) 3717 2222, 
www.starwoodhotels.com.
Urbane yet intimate, the trendy W is known for high sophistication and the finer things in life. This design-driven, innovative address is known for its wow factor the world over and its Hong Kong branch is among its best. The rooms and suites come stylish decked with designer furnishings, high-end toiletries, rainfall showers and snug bathtubs in spacious bathrooms and ultra comfortable beds. Granted, the location leaves a little to be desired (although, we hear Kowloon’s where it’s at these days) but once you get here you’ll not care too much about that. 
Amenities/facilities: Spa, WiFi ($20 a day in rooms), business center and a kickass pool. The W’s renowned Whatever/Whenever service also allows you to request anything you want at any time. 
You’ll remember it for: Its extraordinarily modern design, dreamy suites and stunning views of the harbor. 
Rates start at: HK$3,300 ($550) per night. 
Elsewhere in Hong Kong: for a funky 4-star boutique hotel experience try the Jia Boutique Hotel (1 Irving St., Causeway Bay, (852) 3196-9000, www.jiahongkong.com), which has the distinction of being the first Philippe Starck-designed boutique hotel.

Ma Maison, Ho Chi Minh City
656/52 Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, Ward 11, District 3, (84) 8384-60263, 
www.mamaison.vn. 
With bright pastel walls and gorgeous French windows, this feels more like a rural Provençal country home than a contemporary, metropolitan Asian boutique hotel. Barely two years old, it’s one of Saigon’s better kept secrets and we almost feel guilty letting le chat out of the bag. The rooms have a Laura Ashley-esque quality to them (no, not necessarily a bad thing) and their wooden floors and antique-styled furniture further accentuate the summer cottage feel. The showers are a little small (we know boutique hotel fiends love their dinner plate showerheads and all), but that would be nitpicking. The view from the roof terrace is another feather in this hotel’s cap. Although it overlooks a busy street, Ma Maison manages to retain a quiet, calm feel and, needless to say, the service here ranks among the best found in the country. 
Amenities/facilities: The Art & Souvenir gallery has a collection of evocative black and white photos; and the Little Bistro cafe serves up some decent meals. Rooms come with simple mod cons, like flat screen TVs and free WiFi. There’s no elevator, so you better come prepared. 
You’ll remember it for: A slice of France amid the hubbub of one Southeast Asia’s most bustling cities. A few foreign residents have even moved in long-term. 
Rates start at: US$70 ($90) per night. 
Elsewhere in Vietnam: Tired of the city? Then head for the picturesque harbor town Hoi An mid-way up the country’s east coast and check into the fabulous The Nam Hai (Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province, (84) 510 394-000, www.ghmhotels.com), where you can enjoy expansive views of the South China Sea from your villa. Stunning in every sense of the word.

PREVIOUS / FIRST

Beach Season

Sun, sea and personalized pampering

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali
Jl Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, (62) 361 848-2166, www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu.
So young, so many awards. This delightful venue recently scooped the World’s Best Holiday Building at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) and won the Best Hotel Design—Resort award at the prestigious Gold Key Awards in New York last November, to name just a couple. Perched above some of the world’s best surf breaks on the southernmost tip of the Bukit Peninsula, the resort’s architecture adroitly combines Zen elements, contemporary designs and traditional Balinese features that will absolutely floor you. Choose from the one,-two-and three-bedroom villas, which all come with private pools. The villas are minimal yet elegant; the dark timber trims and décor perfectly contrast the white floors and walls. There are both Indonesian and Western dining options and a visit to the spa (think Decleor products and Shirodara massages) is a must. 
Amenities/facilities: Free WiFi, gym, library with DVDs, PCs and books. Rooms come with iPod docks, DVD players, espresso machine and TWG Tea.
You’ll remember it for: The views of the Indian Ocean from the infinity pool are great, but more than anything it’ll live in your memory for being the closest you’ve ever come to paradise. 
Rates start at: US$560 ($725) for a one-bedroom villa per night. 
Elsewhere in Bali: For something completely different, head for the verdant hills of Ubud in the geographical heart of Bali. The Como Shambhala Estate (Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod Payangan, Gianyar, (62) 361 978-888, www.cse.como.bz) has 30 exquisite suites nestled up among branches and trees.

Abaca Boutique Resort, Cebu
Punta Engano Rd., Lapu-Lapu City, (63) 32 495-3461, www.abacaresort.com.
This wonderful resort ups Cebu’s ante as a genuine tropical paradise even further. Intimate and suitably luxe, you’ll find just six suites and three villas here—getting away from it all is a cinch. Comparatively, it’s modestly priced. But that doesn’t dilute the sophisticated vibe. Soak in its designer fixtures and fittings, gorgeous paneling and breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and laze in its infinity pool. 
Amenities/facilities: Spa, gym, book and DVD library. Rooms come stocked with iPod docks and standard mod cons, and if you want an iPad they can loan you one, too.
You’ll remember it for: Being a luxurious seafront hideaway with lots of privacy which also offers high haute cuisine and a great bar.
Rates start at: US$320 ($415) per night.
Elsewhere in the Philippines: We’ve heard good things about the Hotel Celeste (02 San Lorenzo Drive corner A. Arnaiz Ave., Makati, (63) 2 887-8080, www.hotelceleste.ph). So if you’re ever in Manila on business and want the boutique experience, this centrally located hotel ticks most boxes, including a chef boasting a destinguished career in numerous Michellin-starred establishments.

Angsana Ihuru, The Maldives
North Male Atoll, (960) 664-3502, www.angsana.com.
Perfect for honeymooners, this. Sensual, idyllic and secluded, stroll out of your beachside villa onto powder white sand and sparkling azure waters. The thatched-roof villas are sleekly designed with minimalist trimmings and dark accents. The timber patio is a star here, as are the private jet pools and outdoor swings. Absolute paradise!
Amenities/facilities: Private beachside dining and cooking classes are available. And, of course, the Angsana Resorts are known for their spas and the one here more than lives up to the billing. Villas come with outdoor showers, private gardens and air-conditioning. 
You’ll remember it for: Making all future holidays a major disappointment.
Rates start at: US$850 ($1,100) per night. 
Elsewhere in the Maldives: For yet another luxuriant barefoot experience in this part of the world, check into the Soneva Gili Resort & Spa (Male Atoll, (960) 664-0304, www.sixsenses.com), which is just a 15-minute boat trip from Male.

The Beach House, Sri Lanka
18 Upper Dickson Rd., Tangalle, (94) 91 438-0275, www.thesunhouse.com/Beachhouse/beachhouse.html

Not quite a boutique hotel, but as far as luxe hideaways go this one is hard to beat. Comprising just five en-suite bedrooms, Tatler once described this outpost on Sri Lanka’s southernmost tip as “a shining example of barefoot luxury.” So secluded is this former retreat of American artist Douglas Johnson, that even the locals will struggle to give your cabbie directions. Replete with antique furniture (we love the four poster beds) and artistic fixtures and fittings, verandas, outdoor baths, seductive gardens and a sleek coconut tree-lined infinity pool, this is an unforgettable, magical pocket of the planet. And if things get too quiet and lazy, there are daytrips out to temples, turtle hatcheries, bird sanctuaries and vibrant local markets. 
Amenities/facilities: No air-conditioning in the rooms, but that’s a non-issue, what with the sea breeze and ceiling fans. Stroll from your room to the sea, or arrange for snorkeling and scuba diving trips. The cooks will also whip up whatever you fancy. 
You’ll remember it for: A quiet, luxurious beach getaway (rated by those in the know as Sri Lanka’s “finest private swimming beach”), spent frolicking and gamboling with your partner on the soft Indian Ocean shoreline, and for the sumptuous Sri Lankan spicy fare on offer. 
Rates start at: US$1,000 ($1,295) per night. 
Elsewhere in Sri Lanka: If you’re transiting in Colombo then stay at The Park Street Hotel (20 Park St, Colombo, (94) 11 576-9500, www.anilana.com/park_street_hotel). This superb 12-room hotel in the center of the capital takes up the premises of a 250-year-old colonial bungalow and is fast becoming the hippest address in town.

Away Koh Kood, Koh Kood
43/8 Moo 2 Baan Klongchao, (66) 81 835-4517, 
www.centarahotelsresorts.com. 
Located on the west coast of Koh Kood, some 80 kilometers off the coast of Trat province, this jungly, intimate resort has only 20 bungalows and 13 tented accommodations. Run by the Centara Boutique Collection (a brand under Thailand’s largest hotel chain, Centara), this boutique destination was named Outstanding Secluded Boutique Hotel at the Hotel Club 2010 awards. The views from the rooms (and tents) are stunning and there is ample exploring to do at the beaches and the rainforest waterfalls nearby. Modestly priced, this makes for a breathtaking, idyllic getaway. 
Amenities/facilities: Private boats for hire, spa, water sport activities. Rooms come with free WiFi, satellite TV and coffee maker. 
You’ll remember it for: A sense of what Thailand used to be (quiet, clean, naturally beautiful) 30 years ago before tourism took hold. 
Rates start at: B4,500 ($200) per night for a deluxe ocean-facing bungalow.
Elsewhere in Thailand: Billing itself as a “radical reimagining of what a city center hotel can be” the LIT Bangkok (6/1 Soi Kasemsan 1, Rama 1 Rd., Bangkok, (66) 2 612-3456, www.litbangkok.com) was designed by trippy architectural firm Vaslab. With its deconstructivist look, it’s a fitting addition to an already arty part of town. It opens in March.

NEXT: City Slickers / PREVIOUS

Judging by Bangkok’s rapidly changing skyline over the last few years there’s plenty of yearning for a slice of condo living. But with new high-end high-rises popping up on every street corner, the question is, how long can the good times last?

Well it seems that most property experts believe the market, specifically the condominium market, still has some room to grow. “At present it’s still sustainable. This year the supply has almost doubled but still there are many people buying,” says Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, President of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs, an independent property consultancy firm.

His view is one shared by many in the industry and, perhaps more importantly, is backed up by the statistics. “There’s nothing to worry about. The people expressing concerns aren’t looking at the real numbers,” agrees Athip Peechanont, former Chairman of the Thai Condo Association and Managing Director of Supalai. “90% of completed condos have already been sold, and 70-80% of those currently under construction have been booked, which shows there’s no oversupply,” he points out.

Khun Kavin Kanjanapas, Executive Director of Abstracts, the property development branch of the BTS, confirms they have seen similar kinds of sales figures on their residential projects in Sukhumvit 61 and Phahonyothin in 2010 and will be rolling out new projects at Phaya Thai and Chatuchak in 2011.

It’s all particularly healthy when you consider that developers actually only need to sell around 65-70% of units to make money. Yet while people might still be buying condos now, it does seem that this demand isn’t going to last forever. “Our concern is that if the number of condominiums entering the market continues at these rates, then there could be a real glut in the market in 2012 or 2013,” says Dr. Sopon.

This is especially true when you consider that many projects were actually put on hold during the recent political unrest, leading to a back up of condos coming to market in the next couple of years. There are also signs of an oversupply taking place in certain parts of town like Rathchada-Thapra, On Nut and Sukhumvit.

Developers certainly seem to be starting to react accordingly. “The property market in 2011 will definitely see a shift in demand from condominiums because of oversupply in the last two years. Low-rise residences—both single detached houses and townhouses—will be back in vogue,” states Khun Kavin.

But it’s not just an oversupply driving this trend. Continuing political and economic uncertainty and rising inflation are all tempering long-term consumer confidence, especially at the higher end. Add in the Bank of Thailand’s measures to cap the value of loans people can take out on condominiums and it’s no surprise that developers are looking at alternate markets and looking further out of town.

“Major players will launch units to tap a high demand in the low end of the market stemming largely from lower land costs and the availability of large numbers of plots” says Khun Kavin.

Couple that with the long awaited opening of extensions to the BTS Lines (the Soi Bearing extension for example is finally due in August this year) and, who knows, in five years suburban low rise living might be the norm.

HOW TO:  Buy a Condo

1.  “Only buy what you can pay for now. Don’t worry too much about the future. So don’t buy a two or three bedroom place if you don’t have a family yet. It will be too much of a burden.” Athip Peechanont, Managing Director, Supalai

2.  “Consider the secondhand market, as it’s cheaper and there is very little depreciation in second hand units. You can also get a much better feel for the maintenance, facilities and services offered from your condo rather than properties that are still being built.” Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, President of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs

3.  “Consider the facilities inside and outside the project, where can you eat, where can you buy food? Is it near a hospital, does it offer good security? Is it easy to get around? Make sure it fits your lifestyle.”Athip Peechanont, Managing Director, Supalai

4.  “You can see [the developer’s] early projects to consider how they manage the project, the administration, and the financial side. Another fact to consider is the function and design that has to work well whatever the weather. Does the interior, parking, and other facilities give you what you need.” Sansiri

These days, wellness is a holistic effort that encompasses more than just physical fitness—luxuriant body pampering, a healthy diet and a calm, open mind count too. In a city that’s simply brimming with options, here are some one-stop spa destinations that ensure you don’t put a foot wrong.

The Green Room Café
The spa: Aramsa The Garden Spa is, is as its name suggests, nestled amid lush foliage and pretty blooms, perfect for easing you into the ultimate R&R mode. Complimenting their botanical theme, the spa uses only natural, herb-based products in their treatments, which include the oxygenating Swedish Recharge ($98-138), the stimulating Thermal Earth hot stones massage ($158) and specialized massages concentrating on tension-relieving, acupressure methods as well as quick and focused anti-stress rubs. Start the year afresh with their detox therapy package ($98), which includes exfoliation with ginger cream, a therapeutic ginger rub and a firming and contouring abdomen massage. There’s even a detox ear candling option ($58), accompanied by manual lymphatic drainage on the face and neck. If fitness is more your thing, check into their Power Moves Pilates studio, also located on the grounds.
The food: In keeping with Aramsa’s green surrounds, their in-house Green Room Café serves an exclusively vegetarian menu. There are even gluten-free versions of signature dishes such as their gado gado and baked mushroom brown rice, while other dietary requirements can be arranged personally with the service staff. Seasonal menus are also available. Check out their Afternoon Tea in the Park ($15++) set, oddly indulgent for such a health-oriented place.
Where: Aramsa The Garden Spa, Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 1, 6456-6556, www.aramsaspas.com.

Barracks Café
The spa: HOUSE at Dempsey is one of the most endearing one-stop lifestyle destinations in Singapore, occupied by spa and retail space Beauty Emporium, as well as the in-house Barracks Café and cozy Camp Bar. Helmed by the Spa Esprit Group which also owns Strip and Browhaus, the Beauty Emporium hosts an elaborate array of beauty-related services such as waxing, eyebrow reconstruction, facials and massages. If you’re a fan of traditional Chinese methods, try their House Proud massage ($120-180), which incorporates the age-old Tui Na technique. Or go with the Slow Flow massage ($170), which relaxes and polishes your body using wax derived from soy candles.
The food: Comfort is the main draw of HOUSE—everything you need is a mere reservation away. Barracks Café’s resident head chef Ho and consultant chef Ryan Clift of the Tippling Club have concocted an uncomplicated and health-conscious menu that includes the likes of baked brie with bread and macadamia crusted pumpkin salad. Naturally, gluten-free soups such as red pepper and tomato soup are also available.
Where: 8D Dempsey Rd., 6475-7787, www.dempseyhouse.com.

More cafés in unexpected places

Alligator Pear
The spa: The 50,000 square feet of space spanning a level of the opulent Fairmont Singapore makes Willow Stream Spa one of the most luxurious wellness sanctuaries in Singapore. Falling short of nothing when it comes to pampering its clients, the spa contains exquisite relaxation lounges and treatment rooms, as well as whirlpools and steam and sauna facilities. Release fatigue and toxic particles with the Singapore Perfection treatment, which includes a stimulating dry brush massage and deep cleansing mask with neem, carrot root and sesame seed oil.
The food: Alligator Pear is known for its spa cuisine, and the customized menu caters to a variety of diets such as vegan, macrobiotic, raw and gluten-free. You can even talk to the chef about a nutrition plan for you.
Where: 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6431-6156, www.fairmont.com/singapore.

The Garden
The spa: When one talks about spa getaways, the name “Spa Botanica” naturally comes to mind. This 6,000 square meter facility tucked in the Sentosa Resort & Spa is truly a dream retreat, with its labyrinth of pools, extravagant treatment rooms, a novel mud pool and even a bronze bath fit for a king. While you’re here, don’t miss out on their signature treatments, which include a healthy meal designed for you by their in-house restaurant The Garden. Want to flush out toxins? Try the Spa Botanica rooibos face and body anti-aging delight ($350), a toning and hydrating treatment that uses the South African rooibos herb. The package comes with a two-course meal and fresh juice.
The food: With such pleasant tropical settings, it’s hard not to loosen up as you settle into The Garden. Its alfresco area sits by a tranquil pool and garden, and the staff are on hand to make helpful recommendations. If you don’t have any meals planned for you as part of their wellness packages, pick up the ala carte menu and try their mango smoothie with organic honey and soy milk or their sandwich options, such as the potato and paneer burger.
Where: The Garden, The Sentosa Resort & Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Rd, 6371-1130, www.spabotanica.com.

Discover more cafés in unexpected places

A Curious Teepee
Sectioned out of this cool concept store is a mini café-bar serving gourmet coffee, juices, cocktails and salads.
#02-25, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680.

K.ki
Sample Japanese teas and cakes as you browse the quirky knick-knacks.
7 Ann Siang Hill, 6225-5541, www.thelittledromstore.com.

National Geographic Café
Enjoy a sandwich away from VivoCity’s frenzied crowds and brush up on your cartography while you’re at it.
#01-19 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6376-9557, www.ngsingaporestore.com/cafe.html.

Pluck
This charming store stocks vintage furniture and locally designed jewelry alongside offerings of great ice cream.
31/33 Haji Lane, 6396-4046, www.pluck.com.sg. [TOP]

Budding local designers may have found a new home. In less than two months, three new local boutiques—Blackmarket, Sabrina Goh and The Reckless Shop—have opened at Orchard Central, invigorating the previously lackluster mall (odd layout, poor traffic) with much needed fashion vivacity. Although it’s still too early to say if the mall’s paradigm shift will take off in the long run, more clued-in fashionistas have been popping into the mall than ever before, albeit slowly. And with two more local fashion labels setting up shop here (including local stalwart Ashley Isham), things are certainly looking up. “We’re here to conquer Orchard Road,” says Jasmine Tuan, owner of Blackmarket. “We’re here to educate Orchard shoppers that there is more than just Gucci, Zara and Topshop, and that there is just so much more variety when it comes to (independent) regional brands.” Blackmarket stocks emerging mens and womenswear labels like Ling Wu, WanderWonder and Painkiller, while The Reckless Shop and Sabrina Goh are homes to the local labels Reckless Ericka and Elohim by Sabrina Goh respectively. We clue you in on what to buy at this new shopping hotspot.

Blackmarket
#02-10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6296-8512.
The 1,800 square feet shop is a real treasure trove. Gorgeous one-off refurbished vintage bags by Abandoned Baggage can be found alongside a multitude of curios and objects by Books Actually and The Little Dröm Store, but it’s the clothes and fashion accessories that are the highlights here. Latest drops include funky, rock ‘n’ roll T-shirts by underground Thai label Painkiller ($119 each), well-crafted handmade leather bags by Ling Wu ($350 upwards), roomy recycled bags by Indonesian label Super Earth Goods ($119) and drape dresses and blouses by Normally Abnormally ($126 upwards).

The Reckless Shop
#02-08/09 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6338-8246.
One of the more exciting local labels to emerge from the woodwork over the last year, Reckless Ericka offers dresses, tops and jackets for both men and women, now available at its second standalone shop The Reckless Shop (previously located at Stamford Building). While here, check out its current season collection “Fleur de Sel,” which is inspired by the concept of gourmet sea salt that is hand-harvested by salt farmers in Brittany, France. Pieces like its silk chiffon dress with geometric flake-like prints ($219 upwards) reflect this aesthetic brilliantly, alongside semi-tailored layered suits and slouch cardigans for men ($219 upwards).

Sabrina Goh
#02-11/12 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6634-2201.
Versatile, thoughtful pieces are the order of the day for fashion upstart Sabrina Goh. Inspired by the camouflage concept, Goh’s latest Spring/Summer collection for the label Elohim by Sabrina Goh is a hybrid of billowy dresses (check out the signature black dress that can be worn in six different ways, $189.90) and cool and playful casuals (the sheer blouse with rampant zebra prints is especially attractive, $169.90). Also, look out for accessories and clutch bags by Indonesian label Soehoe ($89 upwards).

Abyzz by Desmond Yang
#02-21/23 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6509-8892.
For those looking for something a little dressier, head to Abyzz, one of the first local boutiques to open in the mall. Designer Desmond Yang effortlessly fuses Eastern and Western elements to create colorful evening and cocktail dresses ($169 upwards) as well as some experimental casuals, like the tapered dress with extra sleeves. Wild.

Holidaying in style no longer means checking into an opulent, soulless, five star monster. Although the word “boutique” is nowadays bandied about a little too freely—enough with calling your windowless hellhole a boutique just because it has less than 10 rooms—the trend for smaller hotels, boasting striking designs, personalized service and real character shows no sign of letting up. The best of them offer you one-of-a-kind experiences that you’ll still be talking about when you’re old and grey. With so many opening up across Asia in recent months, we figure we’d undertake the arduous task of finding out which of them are really worth a visit. You’re quite welcome.

Cultural Exchange

Luxe retreats in the region’s finest heritage towns

Heritage Suites Hotel, Siem Reap
Wat Polanka, Slokram Village, (855) 6 396-9100, www.heritagesuiteshotel.com.
With Angkor Wat on your doorstep, it’s hard to argue in favor of a lie-in and lounge–about in your hotel. But this kind of luxury really is something to be savored—perhaps Lara Croft’s stomping ground can wait a while. This is a boutique hotel in every sense of the word; the service is attentive to a fault (you’ll even get a goodnight gift) and the 26 rooms (20 of which are suites) come in the boutique hotel uniform of dark paneling contrasted with light walls, bedding and curtains. Some of the pricier options come with steam baths and private gardens with open air showers. The only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Cambodia, this little colonial outpost is away from the popular tourist haunts, tucked snugly in a posh residential neighborhood.
Amenities/facilities: An excellent spa and free WiFi throughout the hotel. Rooms come with incense, free bottled water and iPod docks. Elsewhere, the Lobby Bar is a cozy haunt for a digestif.
You’ll remember it for: Being a palatial (yet calm and intimate) pitstop from the hustle and bustle of booming Siem Reap.
Rates start at: US$150 ($195) per night.
Elsewhere in Cambodia: For an understated, value-for-money boutique experience in the Cambodian capital try the River 108 (#2, Street 108, Sankat Vat Phnom, Phnom Penh, (855) 23 218-785, www.river108.com) which overlooks the Tonle Sap. The rooms (some sport Art Deco themes) are comfy, clean and come equipped with sleek mod cons.

Courtyard @ Heeren, Malacca
91 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, (60) 6 281-0088, www.courtyardatheeren.com.
Smack in the heart of Malacca’s historic Jonker Street enclave (it’s a couple of minutes’ walk from the popular Geographer Café) is this gem of an inn; proof that boutique doesn’t always mean pricey. A little over a year old, this intimate Peranakan-style boutique hotel is situated in an old shophouse on a street that once housed wealthy Chinese merchants and businessmen. Don’t be deceived by its narrow street level frontage; the hotel extends some 80-100 meters to the back, allowing for some nice quiet rooms. You’ll love the old-world-meets-new-world vibe here, with its individually decorated rooms that boast dark floors, gorgeous bedposts and wooden chest drawers, tastefully complementing the sleek mod cons present.
Amenities/facilities: Fourteen rooms and suites; including flat-screen TV, free WiFi, free parking and a limousine service (airport transfers to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore).
You’ll remember it for: Its antique collection at the lobby, spacious showers with rainfall showerheads, comfy beds and its ultra-personalized service; although breakfast is a straightforward affair, they’ll cook you anything you ask for!
Rates start at: RM200 ($85) per night.
Elsewhere in Malaysia: If you want something away from the madding crowds, how about a quaint island retreat. The Bon Ton Restaurant & Retreat (Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, (60) 4 955-1688, www.bontonresort.com) in Langkawi is a rustic kampong-style getaway with just eight villas that’s nestled in between lush hills and the Andaman Sea.

Travel expert Simon Westcott of Mr & Mrs Smith talks boutique hotels

Amantaka, Luang Prabang
55/3 Kingkitsarath Rd., Ban Thongchaleun, (856) 71 860-333, www.amanresorts.com.
Mr & Mrs Smith, purveyors of all things boutique, describes the Laotian capital Luang Prabang as “the best preserved and most authentic small town in the whole of former Indochina.” And we couldn’t agree more. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a quaint, modern-day Shangri-La and has one of the best new boutique resorts around. Housed in a former Catholic hospital, Amantaka has 24 suites (16 with private pools) decked out in dark wooden furniture, boasting spacious rooms complete with luxurious trimmings. It is sophisticated yet tastefully sparse and minimal, with lots of privacy to be had.
Amenities/facilities: Charming hotel bar, spa and a yoga studio among others. Free Wifi throughout and rooms come with Bose speakers and iPod docks, ensuring a kind of aural utopia.
You’ll remember it for: The unsurpassable romance of it all; perfect for rejuvenating stressed out bodies and minds.
Rates start at: US$700 ($900) per night.
Elsewhere in Laos: Heads up on an upcoming magical mystery tour. Combining jungle treks near the Namno mountains and through the Nam Khan river, Shangri Lao (www.shangri-lao.com) is Laos’s first 5-star tented experience. The luxurious camps will boast teak furniture, bathtubs and even a Jacuzzi. Opens in October.

NEXT: Beach Season