Dinogo Readers’ Top 25 Picks for Asia and Southeast Asia Resorts in 2024

You could spend all your vacation days exploring Asia — an immense continent covering over 17 million square miles and home to 48 countries — yet there will always be more to discover. From secluded beaches on remote islands to charming eateries alongside Michelin-starred restaurants, ancient ruins of lost civilizations, and beloved city hotels that provide ample reason to pack your bags and head east. Asia is a destination that shines in both timeless charm and modern innovation, vividly showcased in this year's World’s Best Awards survey.

Voting Process Explained

Annually, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide — voicing their views on the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. This year, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the 2024 survey, casting a total of more than 700,000 votes across over 8,700 establishments (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and were rated according to the criteria outlined below:

Accommodations/amenities
Setting
Hospitality
Cuisine
Cost-effectiveness

For each aspect, participants could select a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The overall scores represent the averages of these ratings.

What Readers Adored About Asia Resorts

In the realm of hotels on the world's largest continent, the competition is undeniably fierce, making it a significant achievement to be ranked among the best. This year, Dinogo readers particularly favored establishments in Southeast Asia, with nearly half situated in Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia. Capella Ubud in Bali (No. 4) received accolades, with one reader calling it “an absolute dream,” praising its exceptional staff and meticulous attention to detail.

India closely followed, securing an impressive seven positions — the highest for any single country — featuring renowned brands like Taj, Six Senses, and Oberoi. The beachfront Taj Exotica ranked No. 10, with one reader highlighting it as a “fantastic spot for families to gather and enjoy beach time.” Another commented, “The food and drinks are delightful. The staff is attentive. This property has truly captured my heart.”

The Maldives showcased a strong presence with four notable properties: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (No. 3), Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas (No. 6), Joali Maldives (No. 8), and Gili Lankanfushi (No. 17).

One establishment claimed the top title not only in Asia but also in this year’s global list of the top 100 hotels. Continue reading to find out why.

Winner of Asia Resorts

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Image courtesy of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

Described as “truly magical” by one T+L reader, this year’s winner, the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, is designed to evoke the essence of a Rajasthani fort. Nestled on 32 acres just outside India’s Pink City, the property promises tranquility, featuring an 18th-century temple and a range of accommodations from luxurious rooms to expansive villas with private pools, as well as glamping tents with claw-foot tubs. The lodging and location garnered outstanding praise, with one reader noting, “The staff and management are exceptionally friendly, skilled, and will surpass all your expectations.”

Complete List of Asia Resorts

1. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur: India

Reader Rating: 99.79

2. Alma Resort: Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Reader Rating: 99.20

3. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: South Malé Atoll, Maldives

Reader Rating: 99.20

4. Capella Ubud, Bali: Bali

Reader Rating: 99.09

5. Six Senses Fort Barwara: Rajasthan, India

Reader Rating: 99.06

6. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas: Baa Atoll, Maldives

Reader Rating: 98.95

7. The Mulia: Bali, Indonesia

Reader Rating: 98.92

8. Joali Maldives: Raa Atoll, Maldives

Reader Rating: 98.88

9. Nihi Sumba: Sumba, Indonesia

Reader Rating: 98.85

10. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa: India

Reader Rating: 98.80

11. (tie) The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra: India

WBA Hall of Fame inductee. Reader Rating: 98.74

12. (tie) The St. Regis Bali Resort: Indonesia

Reader Score: 98.74

13. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur: India

Reader Score: 98.67

14. The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambhore: India

Reader Score: 98.53

15. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui: Thailand

Reader Score: 98.50

16. Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach: Bali, Indonesia

Reader Score: 98.44

17. Gili Lankanfushi: Maldives

Reader Score: 98.35

18. The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali: Indonesia

Reader Score: 98.22

19. The Leela Palace Udaipur: India

Reader Score: 98.13

20. The Standard, Hua Hin: Thailand

Reader Score: 97.82

What Readers Loved About Southeast Asia Resorts

Southeast Asia boasts some of the finest hotels globally — a well-known fact. However, T+L readers are eager to highlight the crème de la crème, with this year's top picks sharing a common theme: exceptional service. One reader praised The Standard, Hua Hin in Thailand (No. 3), saying, “I've had the pleasure of visiting this outstanding hotel multiple times, and each experience exceeds the previous one.” This is largely due to the “consistently friendly and attentive” staff and the “hotel’s closeness to nature [that] fosters a calm and peaceful ambiance.” In Vietnam, the family-oriented Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa ranked at No. 5, with a reader noting the “friendly staff” and emphasizing that the “pool villas are fantastic.”

However, achieving the No. 1 position requires more than just friendly and inviting service, and this year's champion truly excelled. Continue reading to discover more.

Southeast Asia Resorts Champion

Alma Resort

Image courtesy of Alma Resort

Nestled on a stunning 30-hectare property on Cam Ranh Peninsula in southern Vietnam, Alma Resort not only claims the title of the best hotel in Southeast Asia but also ranks among the finest in Asia and globally. A T+L reader described Alma as "exceptional," highlighting its extensive range of "incredible facilities." This includes an impressive 12 swimming pools, a water park featuring a lazy river, and various kid-friendly activities such as a science museum and cinema. Adults, too, will find plenty to enjoy, with a spacious spa and 14 dining options, including an upscale Italian restaurant and the beachfront Atlantis, known for its fresh local seafood. With beautiful accommodations, some offering private pools, and service described as "phenomenal" by a T+L reader, it’s the perfect destination for a beach getaway.