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Top Southeast Asia Resort Hotels of 2025: Readers’ Choice

Vodka Russia06 mins
According to our readers, the best resort hotels in Southeast Asia fully embrace the surrounding environment and landscapes. Whether you prefer great swaths of hilly jungle, as in Thailand’s Golden Triangle, or the azure waters off white-sand beaches in the Philippines, this part of the world offers ample choice. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. Especially noteworthy is this year’s runner-up, the Four Seasons Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam. The luxury hotel group recently took over this oceanfront property, which features 200 feng-shui-influenced villas, three pools, and a cooking school that celebrates Vietnamese cuisine. Another standout in Vietnam is the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort (No. 5), which combines a stunning natural setting along the Son Tra Peninsula Nature Reserve with a modern design sensibility crafted by Bangkok-based architect and interior designer Bill Bensley. Thailand had a strong showing this year, with six resorts on the list, including two in the wilds of the Golden Triangle near the border with Laos and Myanmar. Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa doubles as an elephant-conservation center, where guests can learn about the pachyderms’ significance in Thai society while getting up close and personal with the animals. The nearby Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle offers 15 luxury tents that seem to float amid the dense forest canopy, in addition to guided elephant rides. Furthermore, Thailand is also home to the 137 Pillars House, this year’s winner. Located in Chiang Mai’s peaceful, picturesque Wat Gate neighborhood, the building was originally constructed in 1889, giving the 30-suite boutique hotel a profound sense of history. The wide terraces and large daybeds that accompany every suite overlook impeccably landscaped tropical gardens, which readers found ideal for early evening relaxation.
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Top City Hotels in Asia: Reader Picks for 2025

Stephanie Cherry06 mins
The glittering cities of Asia are a magnet for world travelers. Not only do places like Hong Kong, Beijing, and Mumbai draw in scores of people on business, but they’re also vacation destinations in their own right, with centuries of history and culture to offer the curious explorer. Luckily, they’re also home to several of the world’s best hotels, famed for their exquisite service, near-perfect locations, and an atmosphere that stays true to its sense of place. Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. It’s no surprise that Bangkok, the starting point for many trips through Southeast Asia, is full of top hotels—including the Mandarin Oriental, No. 5 on this year’s list. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it’s a short boat ride from the Grand Palace, though some guests find it hard to leave the property, with its two swimming pools, Thai-boxing classes, large spa with 10 treatment rooms, and nine restaurants and bars. In India, the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai has been an architectural marvel since its construction in 1903, with an ideal location overlooking the Gateway of India. And nearby, readers love the Oberoi for its modern design and the fact that it sits along Marine Drive—the bayside boulevard known for the large collection of Art Deco buildings lining it. China is well represented on the list this year, with properties in Beijing, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, and Chengdu—a city that is emerging as a major tourist destination thanks to its panda-breeding center, fiery Sichuan food, and cultural monuments such as the Leshan Giant Buddha—all having hotels on the list. Indeed, Chengdu appears to be having a moment, now that brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Six Senses have arrived on the scene. But it was the Temple House—a property from Swire Hotels that made GoTravelDaily’s It List in 2016—that came out on top for the entire region. Read on to see why.
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Top Midwest Resort Hotels of 2025: Readers’ Picks

Michael Boone04 mins
The Midwest is a region that is often misunderstood by coastal travelers. Yes, you’ll find plenty of open fields and farmland, as well as urban centers like Chicago and Milwaukee. However, many of the heartland’s most popular resorts are tucked away near large rivers or lakes. For instance, at Big Cedar Lodge, a resort set on 4,600 acres in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, guests can enjoy activities like kayaking and sunset cruises on Table Rock Lake. Families love this Missouri property for outdoor adventures like archery and horseback riding, while couples may spend their time indoors, unwinding at the 18,000-square-foot spa. These amenities have propelled the resort to be No. 1 in its region for the second consecutive year. One reader mentioned, “Big Cedar is great for romantic trips, family trips, girls trips, and just to getaway — even as a solo traveler!” Each year, GoTravelDaily conducts a survey asking readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe, sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, and more. Hotels are rated based on facilities, location, service, food, and overall value, classified as City or Resort depending on their offerings.5. Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, WisconsinCourtesy of Sundara Inn & SpaScore: 90.824. American Club at Destination Kohler, Kohler, WisconsinCourtesy of Destination KohlerScore: 92.933. Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WisconsinCourtesy of Osthoff ResortScore: 92.952. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MichiganCourtesy of Grand HotelScore: 93.481. Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, MissouriCourtesy of Big Cedar LodgeScore: 94.49“The most scenic and relaxing location in the country.” This is how one reader describes this Missouri resort in the Ozarks, where guests enjoy cozy cabins and bonfires. While this may sound like hyperbole, many visitors genuinely believe that Big Cedar Lodge is worth making an annual trip. “My family has gone here for years, and it holds a special place in our hearts,” shared a revisiting guest. “Some of our best memories are from family gatherings and anniversaries celebrated there,” another additive stated. From the friendly staff to the plethora of outdoor activities (fishing, canoeing, hiking), Big Cedar Lodge embodies the classic American getaway experience that everyone seeks.
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Discover the Grenadines: The Perfect Island Getaway for Every Traveler

Jessica Proctor014 mins
Long the domain of savvy sailors and fly-in millionaires, the spectacular Grenadines also offer plenty for the independent traveler. You don’t need your own boat to fully explore this magnificent archipelago. Spanning the nations of St Vincent & the Grenadines and Grenada, the island chain offers a wide variety of authentic Caribbean experiences where nature is never far from the spotlight.
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14 Most Stunning Places in Spain to Visit

David Davidson010 mins
Spain is one of those countries that’s constantly surprising. It’s a nation that varies dramatically depending on which region you explore. With a plethora of beautiful places to visit in Spain, it is an iconic country that you must experience. From the lush fishing villages in the north to the sun-kissed Mediterranean coastlines, Spain hides many treasures and off-the-beaten-track locations that will amaze you—steering clear of the usual suspects like Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid.
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Experience Local Life in Belgrade: Insider Tips

Katelyn Long09 mins
GoTravelDaily Local Nevena Paunovic was born and raised in Belgrade’s green, hilly neighbourhood of Banovo Brdo. After plenty of travelling abroad, today she chooses to live here because for her, Belgrade still holds that charming balance between a metropolis and a provincial town. You’ll find her cycling along the city’s rivers, attending fantastic music gigs, or enjoying Belgrade’s coolest vegetarian restaurants.
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Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to St. Martin & Sint Maarten’s Island Flavors

David Davidson09 mins
Spanning 87 sq km (34 sq miles), this lush, mountainous Caribbean jewel is the world’s smallest landmass split into two nations: the French side, St-Martin, and Dutch side, Sint Maarten. Not only can you discover their twin influences here, but the island also boasts a strong African heritage and is home to residents from 120 different countries. This cultural melange leads to a dizzying array of culinary delights, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
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Top 10 Local Pools in Iceland for a Unique Swimming Experience

Vodka Man010 mins
Large or small, rich or poor, every community in Iceland has its own public swimming pool. Here, neighbors catch up, children misbehave, and the local mayor is confronted about his latest decision. Moreover, with naturally heated water and stunning settings across the country, it’s easy to see why a trip to the sundlaug is a delightful experience for visitors to soak up Iceland.
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Exploring South Korea’s Stunning Gardens and Landscape Architecture

Melissa Sullivan09 mins
For over 2000 years, Koreans have shaped the landscape around them into pleasing contours and vistas. The arrangement of rocks is a crucial element of local garden design, emphasizing a more natural appearance compared to the venerable gardens of China and Japan. Moreover, Korean gardens focus on the activity of walking through human-made landscapes, celebrating both nature and art in the process.
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Top 7 Free Activities on Oʻahu You Can’t Miss

Michael Boone08 mins
Whoever said nothing in life comes free has obviously never experienced the numerous (and thrifty) thrills that the island of Oʻahu offers. From paradisaical public parks and dazzling firework displays to an open-air cinema under the stars, enjoying your time on Oʻahu doesn’t have to break your budget; in these Hawaiian havens, you really don’t have to pay to play.
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Ultimate Cuban Road Trip: Journey from Havana to Viñales

Admin012 mins
The Malecon comes alive at sunset. This broad ribbon of cement curves around Havana’s waterfront, and as the sun wanes, the sky turns pink, and the road is washed in coppery gold light. Orderly rows of fishermen perch on the sea wall, chatting as they cast their lines, hoping for a haul of bonito tuna or red snapper. Locals sit in pairs, laughing and occasionally canoodling, while the sea breeze brings with it the sound of a three-piece jazz ensemble that’s just started up along the way.
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Explore Ecuador’s Rich Andean History

Stephanie Cherry018 mins
This South American country may be small, but it has a dazzling array of wonders. Explore the colonial capital, Quito, before delving deep into the cloud forest, where hummingbirds flit and pumas stalk. Next, head high into the Andes and meet the indigenous craftspeople of Otavalo, then set out from Ibarra on a scenic train ride. End your adventure among the unique wildlife of the Galápagos.
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