Elite Traveler Winter 2019

Oriental Two-bedroom Suite MANDARIN ORIENTAL BANGKOK Few changes have been made to Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s grand yet charming facade since it opened in 1876 as the city’s first luxury hotel, The Oriental. The green oasis along the Chao Phraya River is unlike anything else in the city: It’s dominated by expansive manicured lawns and towering palm trees. But within its centuries-old walls, the hotel boasts a colorful Thai aesthetic (complete with indoor fountains and bright-colored furniture) in its 11 restaurants and lounges, including the jazzy Bamboo Bar. The Oriental Two-bedroom Suite is built for royalty; it’s typically reserved for diplomats and heads of state. The room features Thai silks and antiques, colorful Persian carpets and opulent chandeliers. There’s also a full kitchen, dining room for 12, entertainment room and a wraparound terrace fromwhich you can enjoy views over the lively city. From $23,000 per night. Contact Greg Liddell, general manager, mobkk-reservations@mohg.com, +66 265 990 000, mandarinoriental.com

The Ritz-Carlton Suite THE RITZ-CARLTON, HONG KONG

One of the highest hotels in the world, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong gives newmeaning to sky-high living from its perch on floors 102 to 118 of Kowloon’s International Commerce Centre. Upon walking into the glossy lobby, you’re welcomed by dramatic panoramic views of Hong Kong from double-height, floor-to-ceiling windows. Hotel newcomers will be keen to explore some of its other superlatives, including the rooftop Ozone Bar, one of the highest bars in the world, and the two-Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen restaurant. Even more impressive is The Ritz-Carlton Suite on the 117th floor. The one-bedroom suite has 270-degree views over Victoria Harbour and the city skyline, a dining area, spacious living roomwith mirrored ceilings, Chinese artwork and decor, and oversized crystal chandeliers. Guests of the suite will receive Rolls-Royce airport transfers and have a chauffeur for the duration of their stay, along with personal butler service. From $20,500 per night. Contact Kristy Lee, director of sales and marketing, kristy.lee@ritzcarlton.com, +85 222 632 263, ritzcarlton.com

Sir Stamford Raffles Presidential Suite RAFFLES SINGAPORE

After a meticulous restoration and a reimagining of its culinary scene, Raffles Singapore reopened in summer 2019 to great acclaim. New dining concepts, ranging from a casual restaurant, BBR by Alain Ducasse, to an exquisite fine-dining restaurant from chef Anne-Sophie Pic, will delight even the most seasoned traveler, and surely entice Singaporeans as well. Throughout the property, Raffles mixes colonial charmwith modern technology and unstuffy butler service. Since reopening, it is pioneering a new type of butler, who will be guests’ primary point of contact for everything from reservations to a personalized itinerary, as well as suggesting experiences that only a hotel as well-connected as Raffles could provide. The hotel has two identical Presidential Suites located in the grand main house. Each has a large living roomwith dining area, and a private veranda that runs the length of the suite and overlooks a charming garden. The hotel added more guest rooms in the main building during the renovation, so security and staff are never far away. From $8,680 per night. Contact ChristianWestbeld, general manager, singapore@raffles.com, +65 6337 1886, raffles.com

Photos Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group/Jeffrey Wilkes, Kiattipong Panchee, Chris Cypert, TOOTEN