10 unique and adventurous luxury hotels to explore in Asia: from zip-lining to Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia to staying in a ‘jungle bubble’ with elephants at Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand

Oct 9 , 2023

Asia boasts some incredible luxury hotels and resorts. Photos: Keemala, Nihi/Facebook; Anantara; Shinta Mani Wild

Asia boasts some of the most incredible luxury hotels with a sense of adventure, like making an entrance at Bill Bensley’s Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia or sleeping amid sea life at Conrad Maldives

The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in China is inspired by the same place Walt Disney referenced in Sleeping Beauty, while Keemala offers the chance to stay in a treehouse in Phuket

Ever wanted to take a zip line to your resort? Or sleep next to elephants in a bubble-domed accommodation? Or book a stay in an art-gallery-slash-hotel?

Asia is home to plenty of unique and adventurous hotels that offer memorable activities in cool settings – all while promising five-star service and luxurious amenities.

Here are 10 bucket-list-worthy experiences in Asia that you can book right now.

1. Zip-line into Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia

The zip line entry to the Shinta Mani Wild resort, in Cambodia’s Kirirom National Park. Photo: Shinta Mani Wild

Begin your adventure at Shinta Mani Wild by zip-lining into the “Landing Zone Bar” of the hotel.

A luxurious tent by the riverside at Shinta Mani Wild resort, Cambodia. Photo: Shinta Mani Wild resort

This luxury eco-camp in Cambodia takes wilderness travel to the next level and is the brainchild of sustainable hospitality savant Bill Bensley. With conservation at the heart of its design, this Bensley Collection resort is located in the Cardamom Rainforest and features 15 unique tents, with themes inspired by King Sihanouk and Jackie Kennedy’s 1967 Cambodian travels.

2. Sleep next to elephants in “jungle bubbles” with Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand

Jungle bubbles of Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand. Photo: Anantara

Watch majestic elephants from your “jungle bubble” accommodation in Thailand’s Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort for the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s also a “jungle bubble lodge” option that can house up to four persons and includes private chef service, making it a hit among families.

3. Sleep and dine under the sea at Conrad Maldives

The Muraka underwater suite at Conrad Maldives on Rangali Island, Maldives. Photo: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives’ Muraka underwater suite is a luxury two-level residence submerged about five metres below sea level in the Indian Ocean. The master bedroom has a 180-degree curved acrylic dome, meaning you can watch sea life swimming from all around you as you drift to sleep and wake up on the plush bed.

Ithaa, the world’s first underwater restaurant, makes an impressive setting for a team lunch. Photo: Justin Nicholas