| Hectic cities, shabby motels and hedonistic parties | | | | Dowager Cixi. The last of the Imperial rulers in |
| might be the first images that spring to mind | | | | China, she used this beautiful man-made retreat |
| when you picture a vacation in Asia, but this vast | | | | as her Summer Palace to escape from the urban |
| continent is full of contradictions. Away from the | | | | pressures of Beijing. The luxury hotel reflects its |
| bustling urban centres, Asia is home to magical | | | | Imperial heritage in every aspect, from the |
| beaches, tropical islands, lavish luxury hotels and | | | | traditional architecture to the sophisticated Chinese |
| some of the last great unspoiled paradises of the | | | | Restaurant and stellar opera performances. |
| world. | | | | Amanpuri Hotel, Phuket, Thailand |
| Escape the pressures of modern life at a luxury | | | | Regularly voted one of the best resorts in the |
| retreat in Asia without leaving behind the comfort | | | | world by Conde Nast Traveler and The Hideaway |
| of cutting-edge design and amenities. Here are | | | | Report, the Amanpuri at Phuket is an oasis of |
| five of the very best luxury hotels that offer a | | | | Zen-like calm. Iconic black slate swimming pools, |
| tranquil and intimate getaway in Asia. | | | | faultless service, soothing massages, spacious |
| Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia | | | | private villas - all are designed for total relaxation. |
| Perched on the cliff tops above Bali's stunning | | | | For a real treat, live-in maids and cooks can cater |
| Bukit Peninsula, Alila Villas is a haven of privacy, | | | | to guests in their own kitchens. |
| ocean views and eco-friendly opulence. Local | | | | Cocoa Island, South Male Atoll, Maldives |
| Balinese culture pervades the natural style of the | | | | This distinguished spa hotel in the Maldives is all |
| resort - chic bridges connect private pavilions with | | | | about divine treatments and locally sourced |
| pools and living areas - as well as the menu at | | | | materials. Not suitable for the posturing crowd, it's |
| Warung Restaurant and treatments at the Spa | | | | a place of discreet, distinguished elegance on a |
| Alila. | | | | tiny island with one of the best beaches in the |
| Designed by award-winning architects WOHA, | | | | world. |
| each of the private villa rooms has been created | | | | Devi Garh Hotel, Udaipur, India |
| with both luxury and conscience in mind. All boast | | | | One of India's few boutique hotels, the Devi Garh |
| a 24-hour butler service, private bar, flat-screen | | | | tempts visitors to stay forever with its |
| television and outdoor rain shower - perfect for | | | | impeccable mix of traditional architecture and |
| peaceful intimacy. | | | | modern minimalist interiors. Relax with a drink in |
| Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing, China | | | | the bar over a game of chess, or practice your |
| The award-winning Aman Hotel lies just outside | | | | yoga on the rooftop at dawn. |
| busy Beijing at the lakeside home of the Empress | | | | |