How about arriving at your hotel via a thrilling zipline over a waterfall? These exceptional Asia-Pacific hotels make sure you land in style.

For frequent travelers, the usual hotel check-in experience rarely leaves a lasting impression.

Whether you're hopping on a bus, grabbing a taxi, or booking an Uber, your journey usually ends in the standard lobby check-in routine – not exactly a highlight of the trip.

But imagine zooming across a waterfall on a zipline, cruising down a tranquil river in a lush gorge, or flying over snow-capped mountains in a helicopter.

Now that’s an entrance to remember.

From the tropical beaches of Thailand to the cultural wonders of India, Cambodia, and New Zealand, we’ve curated a selection of the most unforgettable hotel arrivals across the Asia-Pacific for a first impression that will last a lifetime.

ÀNI Thailand

Staying at ÀNI Thailand, a private all-inclusive retreat on Koh Yao Noi Island in the Andaman Sea, means you can choose how to arrive in style: aboard a traditional Thai longtail boat or a sleek speedboat.

Both options are exceptional, but the hour-long journey aboard the longtail boat offers a scenic ride through UNESCO-listed Phang Nga Bay, with its iconic limestone karsts, allowing you to take in the breathtaking landscape at a leisurely pace.

Alternatively, the private speedboat, departing from Ao Po Grand Marina on Phuket’s eastern coast, delivers a fast-paced ride across the bay, getting you to your destination in just 15 to 30 minutes.

Though the journey is brief, guests are pampered throughout with cozy slippers, refreshing drinks, and bamboo boxes filled with delicious snacks.

Upon arrival at the island pier, a tuk-tuk awaits to whisk you to the stunning arrival pavilion – a gleaming structure inspired by ancient Lanna architecture. Here, a ceremonial bell and a chilled Thai soda herald the start of your unforgettable stay.

ÀNI Thailand, Koh Yao Noi, Ko Yao District, Phang-nga, Thailand

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand

Nestled in a bamboo forest near the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle evokes the spirit of 19th-century expeditions, with opulent interiors designed by Bill Bensley.

This is a truly intimate retreat, where you’re immersed in nature. With only 15 luxurious tented rooms and a handful of dining areas scattered across the hillside, you’ll feel at one with your surroundings.

For activities, immerse yourself in local culture: try fish trapping and bamboo fishing with local fishermen, bike through hillside villages, or explore the fruit plantations that surround the area.

Your arrival here begins with a unique local experience. After a private transfer from the airport, you'll wait briefly at Hirannakron Pier in Chiang Rai, where staff will handle your immigration paperwork before you embark on your river cruise through international waters.

Before long, you'll board a traditional wooden longtail boat, commonly used for fishing and transporting goods, as it navigates the vast Mekong River. The journey takes you past lush paddy fields, local fishermen, and vibrant villages, before veering onto the quieter Ruak River.

A few minutes later, the boat's engine slows and the hotel's pier comes into view, signaling your arrival.

As you step onto solid ground, the hotel welcomes you with the sound of a large gong struck three times – once for luck, once for health, and once for wealth – marking the start of your stay.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, 499 MOO1 T. Vieng, Chiang Rai, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand

Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan

Set high above the Phobjikha (or Gangtey) valley, a protected nature reserve in central Bhutan, Gangtey Lodge offers a rare blend of rugged adventure and refined luxury.

The lodge features 12 charming suites with panoramic views of the Himalayas, offering an immersive experience in Bhutan's rich culture, history, and natural beauty – beginning with a scenic flight aboard a five-passenger Airbus H130 helicopter.

After a pick-up at Bhutan's only international airport in Paro, you'll embark on a 30-minute helicopter ride eastward, soaring over the capital city of Thimphu and sweeping valleys, forests, villages, and hills.

On clear days, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Bhutan's iconic valleys, including ancient Paro and Thimphu, as well as landmarks like the 17th-century Paro Dzong monastery, the towering Buddha Dordenma statue, and the jagged peaks of Jumolhari and Jitshu Drake.

Once the helicopter lands in a nearby field (where staff often clear grazing cows in preparation), you'll be greeted with a warm welcome song, a soothing neck massage, and a comforting cup of spiced apple cider.

Gangtey Lodge, situated just below the Monastery in Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley, Bhutan

HOSHINOYA Kyoto, Japan

At HOSHINOYA Kyoto, you’ll be enveloped by the serene beauty of Kyoto, the heart of Japan’s ancient cultural heritage, as part of the hotel’s one-of-a-kind arrival experience.

To soothe your mind and embrace the changing seasons, the elegant ryokan transports guests down the Oi River in one of its traditional wooden boats – one of which even features a charming terrace.

The journey begins in the boat’s waiting area, located north of Kyoto, where you can enjoy a calming cup of kosen (a fragrant herbal tea known for relieving travel fatigue) or seasonal drinks such as ruby-red shiso juice in the summer or warm, ginger-infused arrowroot tea in the winter.

Once all guests are aboard, the 10-seat boat embarks on a 15-minute journey through Oku-arashiyama, a protected nature sanctuary, offering stunning views of the rugged Rankyo Gorge and its breathtaking natural surroundings.

Regardless of the season, you'll be immersed in the beauty of nature, whether it's the delicate cherry blossoms of spring, the vibrant greenery of summer, or the brilliant autumn foliage.

After the boat docks, you’ll walk to the ryokan, slip off your shoes, and unwind with live instrumental music in the serene ambiance of a beautiful water garden.

HOSHINOYA Kyoto, 11-2 Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0007

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, New Zealand

Nestled in a remote glacial valley within New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Minaret Station offers an unforgettable escape to a mountain paradise.

There’s no access by road to this exclusive lodge, which boasts only four spacious chalets and a 50,000-acre working farm, meaning the only way in is by helicopter.

And what a ‘hardship’ it is, with a scenic 20- to 30-minute flight from Queenstown or Wanaka Airport to Minaret Station, passing over some of the most stunning landscapes imaginable.

Onboard the lodge’s Squirrel AS350 or MD500E helicopters, perfectly suited for mountain conditions, you’ll take in sweeping views of crystal-clear lakes, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and unspoiled gorges.

Once you’ve arrived and settled in, the adventure continues with a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and fly fishing to heli-skiing, hunting, and mountain biking.

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, 10 Lloyd Dunn Avenue, Wānaka 9343, New Zealand

Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia

Traveling to this remote jungle retreat is an adventure in itself, especially when you’re ziplining in to start your stay.

But that's precisely the thrilling experience awaiting you at Shinta Mani Wild, a visionary creation co-owned and designed by Bill Bensley.

Nestled along the Thmor Rung River in Cardamom National Park, this unique tented camp features 15 creatively designed tents and promises an exhilarating arrival experience.

After a private transfer from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, you'll be dropped off at a seven-story tower, offering panoramic views of the expansive forest canopy below.

Next, you'll don a helmet and harness, clip into the zipline, and follow your guide as you launch off the platform and soar through the air.

As you zip over the lush jungle and Thmor Rung River, you’ll reach speeds of up to 31 miles per hour, cruising for a quarter-mile to your first stop.

After a brief walk along wooden pathways through the forest, it's time to take flight once again.

The final stretch zips you over the roaring Raging Sisters Waterfalls and straight into the Landing Zone Bar, where a signature 'Pineapple Trap' welcome drink awaits your arrival.

Shinta Mani Wild, A Bensley Collection, Prey Praseth Village, Ou Bak Rothed Commune, Kampong Seila District Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Once known as Jag Niwas, the summer residence of the Mewar royal family, Taj Lake Palace is far from your average hotel.

For starters, the Taj Lake Palace is located right in the heart of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, northern India, and can only be reached by boat.

At the hotel’s private jetty, you'll be welcomed with a cool towel and refreshing drinks before boarding an open-air barge.

Though the boat ride is just seven minutes long, every moment offers breathtaking views of the surrounding beauty.

To the south, enjoy a glimpse of the 16th-century Jag Mandir, once a summer retreat for the royal family of the Mewar dynasty.

To the east, catch a glimpse of the majestic City Palace, while panoramic views of Udaipur’s historic old city unfold to the northeast.

Even better, the boats operate around the clock, allowing you to book a sunrise or sunset cruise for a truly memorable experience.

The royal treatment continues the moment you arrive at Taj Lake Palace.

A burst of color and joy greets you as staff shower you with rose petals, present welcome drinks on a silver tray, and guide you into the floating marble palace beneath sparkling umbrellas.

Taj Lake Palace, PO Box No. 5, Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, Rajasthan, India

The Nautilus, Maldives

Nestled in the northern Baa Atoll’s UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus Maldives ranks as one of the most exclusive and luxurious resorts in the Maldives.

Whether you choose one of the 26 beachfront or over-water ocean houses, you'll be treated to personalized service and a philosophy where 'anything is possible.'

Your indulgence begins the moment you arrive in Male, where you'll be escorted to a VIP lounge to enjoy refreshments and snacks while the staff takes care of your immigration and customs formalities.

Once the resort's signature purple seaplane is ready, you'll embark on a picturesque 30-minute flight northwest to the Baa Atoll, passing over islands and sandbars stretching far below.

After touching down on the water, you'll step onto a small floating platform in the heart of the Indian Ocean to begin your luxurious escape.

Before long, a luxurious speedboat or the exclusive Nautilus One yacht—based on your room selection—arrives to take you to the island.

Greeted with cool towels and warm smiles, your dedicated 'House Master' (a personal butler) will escort you to your house, where complimentary Champagne and snacks await your arrival.

The Nautilus, Thiladhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Located at the heart of Kowloon in Tsim Sha Tsui, The Peninsula is renowned for its exceptional service, starting the moment you arrive.

Whether by private jet, helicopter, or Rolls-Royce Phantom, there are numerous ways to reach this iconic hotel in style.

The most famous arrival method is in one of the 14 Rolls-Royce Phantoms that the hotel boasts, each finished in the signature Peninsula Brewster Green.

If you opt for the Rolls-Royce Phantom experience, you'll be met at your gate at Hong Kong International Airport and whisked through immigration with expedited service.

As you settle into the spacious Rolls-Royce, enjoy the luxurious legroom, leather seats, soft carpeted floors, and refreshing drinks during the 45-minute ride.

Additionally, you can stay connected with complimentary WiFi and stream your favorite tunes via Bluetooth.

The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong