Travel + Leisure Readers’ 20 Favorite Asia and Southeast Asia Resorts of 2025

From serene island retreats to lush tropical havens, Asia continues to captivate travelers with its remarkable diversity. In a region where ancient traditions meet bold modernity, every stay offers a new perspective—whether it’s secluded villas overlooking turquoise waters or intimate lodges hidden in verdant hills. This year’s World’s Best Awards highlights the Asia and Southeast Asian resorts that left lasting impressions on our readers. These destinations aren’t just places to stay—they’re gateways to the rich cultures, landscapes, and experiences that define the continent’s enduring allure.

• How Voting Works

  Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L 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. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

  Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

  • Rooms/facilities
  • Location
  • Service
  • Food
  • Value

  For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved About Asia Resorts

Competition was fierce for the top Asia spot, with less than two points separating the top 10 contenders. T+L readers favored properties in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia, Vietnam, and India getting nearly 75 percent of the highest rankings.

In Indonesia, fans were particularly vocal about The Mulia in Bali (No. 6), which many readers called “the best hotel in the world,” praising its “amazing and brilliant service,” and where “comfy and luxury meet.” The Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (No. 3) in Bali got high marks, too, with one reader saying: “Feels like heaven—completely immersed in nature far from the overtourism in Bali.”

India had three resorts on the list, all under the Oberoi umbrella: the Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra (No. 4); the Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur (No. 11); and the Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambhore (No. 13).  “Beautiful architecture and great Mughal-era vibes,” one reader said about the Agra property.

Two resorts in the Maldives made the cut, including the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (No. 9), which got high marks for its wellness offerings. “Beautiful spa, amazing treatments and fitness center,” one reader wrote. The other Maldives resort took the top spot. Read on to discover why.

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Asia Resorts Winner

Joali Maldives

“Incredible property,” one reader said about this year’s winner, the Joali Maldives, an island resort in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with 73 luxurious villas—many built overwater. “Love the architecture, and the views from the water villas are stunning,” one reader gushed. Sculptures, paintings, and art installations from international artists are scattered throughout the dreamy property. Readers were also drawn to the service and food. “I am a huge fan of their female empowerment and service details,” one reader wrote. Saoke, its Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, is housed in a gorgeous villa designed by renowned Japanese architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, with a menu created by Takagi Kazuo, whose restaurant in Kyoto has two Michelin stars. “Saoke is the best food in the world,” one reader concluded.

Resorts Full List

1. Joali Maldives
Reader Score: 99.46

2. Nay Palad Hideaway: Siargao Island, Philippines
Reader Score: 99.37

3. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Bali, Indonesia
Reader Score: 99.18

4. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra: Agra, India
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 98.87

5. Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa: Boracay, Philippines
Reader Score: 98.77

6. The Mulia: Bali; Indonesia
Reader Score: 98.72

7. The Ritz-Carlton, Bali: Bali, Indonesia
Reader Score: 98.64

8. Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort: Ho Tram, Vietnam
Reader Score: 98.60

9. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: South Malé Atoll, Maldives
Reader Score: 98.50

10. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay: Bali, Indonesia
Reader Score: 98.36

11. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur:  Jaipur, India
Reader Score: 98.06

12. Villa Le Corail, a Gran Meliá Hotel: Nha Trang, Vietnam
Reader Score: 97.87

13. (tie) The St. Regis Bali Resort: Bali, Indonesia
Reader Score: 97.68

13. (tie) The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambhore: Ranthambhore, India
Reader Score: 97.68

15. Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: Quy Nhon, Vietnam
Reader Score: 97.50

What Readers Loved About Southeast Asia Resorts

The bar is set pretty high for Southeast Asia resorts. Luxurious rooms and beautiful design are only the beginning. The service has to be exceptional, the food top-notch, and the setting unforgettable. That’s what one reader said about the Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa (No. 2) in the Philippines: "Fun and relaxation” meets “unending luxurious facilities and amenities."

Vietnam took three spots, including the Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort (No. 3), and the Villa Le Corail, a Gran Meliá Hotel (No. 4) in Nha Trang. Rounding out the list is the Anantara Quy Nhon Villas (No. 5) in Quy Nhon. “The villas are stunning and be sure to partake in all of the cooking and martial arts classes,” one reader wrote. “Beautiful secluded location on an untouched beach,” another wrote.

Providing exquisite service was not the only factor in securing this year's top spot. Continue reading to learn what set the No. 1 resort apart.

Southeast Asia Resorts Winner

Nay Palad Hideaway

With just 10 intimate villas that invite guests to live out their tropical fantasies, the Nay Palad Hideaway is set between ancient mangrove forests and the soft white sands of Siargao Island, in the Philippines. Readers felt completely taken care of: “One can feel the love, and the care of the staff,” one guest said. The thatched-roof villas, which evoke the whimsy of a fairytale, were designed by the architect Daniel Pouzet using local, sustainable materials and crafted by Filipino artisans. There’s plenty to do here, including world-class surfing, padel tennis, water sports, and island hopping. But readers were also content to relax by the pool, or have dinner in a tree house.  “It’s a home away from our home,” one reader said.

1. Nay Palad Hideaway: Siargao Island, Philippines
Reader Score: 99.37

2. Shangri-La Boracay: Boracay, Philippines
Reader Score: 98.77

3. Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort: Ho Tram, Vietnam
Reader Score: 98.60

4. Villa Le Corail, a Gran Meliá Hotel: Nha Trang, Vietnam
Reader Score: 97.87

5. Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: Quy Nhon; Vietnam
Reader Score: 97.50