True Luxury exceeding even the highest expectations .
05-May-2026
Category: News Stories
The term luxury can mean different things. To some it is a hotel with numerous swimming pools, colourful fountains, cuisine options from around the globe and deliberately extravagant accommodation. To others it is a more authentic destination style with thatched roofs, highly personalised attention, great local food & 90% of the hotel team coming all the way from the local village.
What we have seen at Chic is a pleasant shift towards exclusive experiences nicely combined high end facilities.
But whatever the requirement I have no doubt South East Asia will exceed even the highest expectations. And in real terms the value for money, at all levels, is just incredible, be it room quality, cuisine, service or experience. The air fares worldwide might be high, but here once you have arrived your money goes considerably further.
Leonardo Da Vinci once said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication“, with refinement taking priority over excess. I rather like that, could not have said it better myself! Keeping that in mind the following would be my personal suggestion, based on years of travelling around the region:
Thailand. The Sarojin in Khao Lak – incredible service and attention plus some great individual experiences such as private dining next to a water-fall ( see picture ) or taking a speedboat tour to the offshore Similan Islands. Or Anantara Rasananda on Koh Phangan, 30 minutes -and at least 30 years- speedboat ride from Samui. The Banyan Tree Krabi – innovative contemporary accommodation with private pools and elevated views, super beach and several restaurants including tree top dining. Elephant Hills Jungle and Lake Experience, from Phuket, Khao Lak or Krabi – real authentic nature with the last night in your floating tent.
What we have seen at Chic is a pleasant shift towards exclusive experiences nicely combined high end facilities.
But whatever the requirement I have no doubt South East Asia will exceed even the highest expectations. And in real terms the value for money, at all levels, is just incredible, be it room quality, cuisine, service or experience. The air fares worldwide might be high, but here once you have arrived your money goes considerably further.
Leonardo Da Vinci once said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication“, with refinement taking priority over excess. I rather like that, could not have said it better myself! Keeping that in mind the following would be my personal suggestion, based on years of travelling around the region:
Thailand. The Sarojin in Khao Lak – incredible service and attention plus some great individual experiences such as private dining next to a water-fall ( see picture ) or taking a speedboat tour to the offshore Similan Islands. Or Anantara Rasananda on Koh Phangan, 30 minutes -and at least 30 years- speedboat ride from Samui. The Banyan Tree Krabi – innovative contemporary accommodation with private pools and elevated views, super beach and several restaurants including tree top dining. Elephant Hills Jungle and Lake Experience, from Phuket, Khao Lak or Krabi – real authentic nature with the last night in your floating tent.
Malaysia. The Datai Langkawi is one of the standout hotels – in the world. Instant wow – even if you have stayed numerous times. Prehistoric jungle on three sides leading down to incredible beach. High quality rooms and villas. You do need to be comfortable with nature as you will see monkeys swinging in the trees surrounding you, some are very well dressed taking advantage of any colourful clothes left on balcony and others might know the contents of your mini bar quicker than you. Amazing, incredible experiences.
Singapore. To me the best introduction to the region for the first time traveller. There is nothing to frighten you, its disciplined, clean, well organised and a delight to explore, either on foot or by motor-cycle sidecar. Incredible cuisine, including Michelin Star street food. Hotel standards are high. I like Raffles for its colonial style and ambiance, it is high price but that is almost part of the attraction. The frequently filmed Marina Sands is mega in every way and personally would not be my choice to stay – but if roof top views and selfies are important, it is amazing.
Cambodia. Visit the temples of Angkor. Incredible experience, especially if you choose the Vespa ( pillion ) tour option, going down small tracks and forest countryside – in the reverse direction to most travellers. Some good hotels in Siem Reap , with Shinta Mani one of our favourites. Go into the Cardamon Mountains and stay at the Shinta Mani Wild with a jungle villa next to a waterfall. And you can zip-wire into the resort if you wish. And on the beach The Royal Sands on Koh Rong, delightfully simple escapism.
Vietnam. To me it is a country best enjoyed as a tour as there are some many scenic and cultural contrasts =. Incredible history and a lot of in in my lifetime. In two weeks you can see the highlights, an extra week can really add to the enjoyment. I would start in the north in Hanoi, staying at the historic Metropole hotel – keep a morning free to just explore the hotel including the underground bomb shelters made famous by Jane Fonda. Then go to Halong Bay for at least an overnight cruise ( the 2 night option is even better ) around the numerous limestone islands. Return to Hanoi and fly to Hue for two nights. Then drive south along the coast to Hoi An. Beach time is best April to September but this captivating little town is popular year round. Stay at the superb and vastly underestimated Intercontinental Hotel, located to the north of Danang, 30 minutes from Hoi An =, the owner has chosen a site away from the rapid high-rise developments now found in the resort centre. Here you have tropical forests complete with monkeys , leading down to an extensive cove beach. The pleasant surprise here is just how good the hotel is. Then continue south by plane to Hoi Chi Minh City ( otherwise known as Saigon ). One of the most exciting cities in the entire region. Fast paced commercial city with a blend of towering high rise, luxury chain hotel, totally authentic Shop-house areas, huge parks and great cuisine & nightlife. If history is your thing take in the War Museum and go to the Chu Chi tunnels. Or take a cruise, either full day, two or three days and sail on the Mekong Delta. Truly magical country, and fast growing in popularity although for many in the UK it is yet to be discovered. I hope that gives you some ideas. And one of the things highlighted by the conflict in the Gulf and clients looking for options, SE Asia is by far the best value, on value, contrasts and incredible luxurious experiences.
David Kevan – Chic Locations and PATA UK Board member .
Singapore. To me the best introduction to the region for the first time traveller. There is nothing to frighten you, its disciplined, clean, well organised and a delight to explore, either on foot or by motor-cycle sidecar. Incredible cuisine, including Michelin Star street food. Hotel standards are high. I like Raffles for its colonial style and ambiance, it is high price but that is almost part of the attraction. The frequently filmed Marina Sands is mega in every way and personally would not be my choice to stay – but if roof top views and selfies are important, it is amazing.
Cambodia. Visit the temples of Angkor. Incredible experience, especially if you choose the Vespa ( pillion ) tour option, going down small tracks and forest countryside – in the reverse direction to most travellers. Some good hotels in Siem Reap , with Shinta Mani one of our favourites. Go into the Cardamon Mountains and stay at the Shinta Mani Wild with a jungle villa next to a waterfall. And you can zip-wire into the resort if you wish. And on the beach The Royal Sands on Koh Rong, delightfully simple escapism.
Vietnam. To me it is a country best enjoyed as a tour as there are some many scenic and cultural contrasts =. Incredible history and a lot of in in my lifetime. In two weeks you can see the highlights, an extra week can really add to the enjoyment. I would start in the north in Hanoi, staying at the historic Metropole hotel – keep a morning free to just explore the hotel including the underground bomb shelters made famous by Jane Fonda. Then go to Halong Bay for at least an overnight cruise ( the 2 night option is even better ) around the numerous limestone islands. Return to Hanoi and fly to Hue for two nights. Then drive south along the coast to Hoi An. Beach time is best April to September but this captivating little town is popular year round. Stay at the superb and vastly underestimated Intercontinental Hotel, located to the north of Danang, 30 minutes from Hoi An =, the owner has chosen a site away from the rapid high-rise developments now found in the resort centre. Here you have tropical forests complete with monkeys , leading down to an extensive cove beach. The pleasant surprise here is just how good the hotel is. Then continue south by plane to Hoi Chi Minh City ( otherwise known as Saigon ). One of the most exciting cities in the entire region. Fast paced commercial city with a blend of towering high rise, luxury chain hotel, totally authentic Shop-house areas, huge parks and great cuisine & nightlife. If history is your thing take in the War Museum and go to the Chu Chi tunnels. Or take a cruise, either full day, two or three days and sail on the Mekong Delta. Truly magical country, and fast growing in popularity although for many in the UK it is yet to be discovered. I hope that gives you some ideas. And one of the things highlighted by the conflict in the Gulf and clients looking for options, SE Asia is by far the best value, on value, contrasts and incredible luxurious experiences.
David Kevan – Chic Locations and PATA UK Board member .
