Asia Pacific’s Most Sought-After Destinations in 2022
In 2022, many of us are eager to resume long-postponed travel plans and make them a reality. As the Asia Pacific slowly re-opens to travel, the hope is that next year will bring face-to-face business meetings, family reunions, and saved-up holidays filled with inspiring experiences in destinations off the beaten track.
Regional travel within the Asia Pacific is expected to continue growing as international travel remains restricted. Destinations that offer access to the outdoors with lots of space for distancing will become increasingly popular.
Explore Asia Pacific’s most sought-after destinations for 2022 and discover our recommendations on the region’s finest hotel stays below.
Remember to always check government guidelines before traveling.
Australia
Australia is a place of spectacular beauty, offering a laid-back feel and friendly people. Visitors can explore the bustling cities, vast dunes, and ancient rainforests along the coast. National parks teeming with wildlife and scenic deserts are the perfect places for outdoor adventures in the outback. The country's low population density and ample space mean that you can enjoy your travels away from big crowds.
Where to stay in Australia:
At the Gold Coast, visitors can take the family to Sea World Gold Coast or Dreamworld and catch a wave at the beautiful beaches of Surfers Paradise. The luxury 5-star JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is ideal for staying in this sunny paradise, where guests can relax and unwind amid peaceful lagoons and the outdoor resort pool.
Melbourne is a cultural hub filled with galleries, theaters, restaurants, shops, and Grand Victorian buildings that give a distinctly European feel. Enjoy the best of the city from Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands, with modern interiors by award-winning designers and where the city’s vibrant artistic and epicurean culture is at your doorstep.
India
India is a land of varied culture and heritage with beautiful palaces, pristine sandy beaches, hill resorts, wildlife parks, adventure sports, Ayurveda, and Yoga retreats to suit all kinds of travelers. For a destination amid unspoiled beaches, heritage monuments, and bustling nightlife, consider Goa – a place that has a year-round party atmosphere for those that love a good time.
Where to stay in India:
Five-star luxury in a beautiful beach setting awaits at Goa Marriott Resort & Spa. Perched on Miramar Beach with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and Mandovi River, this resort combines relaxing resort services with award-winning hospitality. The swim-up bar in the outdoor pool and hotel gardens make it a scenic and luxurious getaway spot.
Korea
The viral popularity of the TV show “Squid Game” will drive many viewers to book trips to South Korea in 2022. Here, gleaming malls, world-class restaurants, and trendy bars can be found adjacent to imperial gardens, teeming markets, and secluded tearooms. These stark contrasts make Korea a fascinating destination for visitors.
Where to stay in Korea:
Located in the heart of downtown Seoul, The Westin Josun Seoul is a haven of relaxation. This Western-style hotel has hosted some of South Korea's most significant political, economic, and cultural events, making it a prime spot for business and pleasure-seeking travelers to Myeongdong.
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam, combines century-long hospitality with modern elements to offer guests a rich experience. This stunning hotel has pioneered some of the first and finest hospitality services in Teheran-ro, Gangnam, and continues this historic legacy with beautiful hotel design, sweeping city views, and distinctive offerings.
Japan
Japan is a timeless place where ancient traditions are blended into modern life. You can spend the night in a traditional Japanese inn sleeping on futons and tatami mats, bathe in a natural hot spring known as an onsen, meditate with monks, or learn how to whisk matcha tea into a froth. Japan is an enthralling destination full of cultural and natural wonders.
Where to stay in Japan:
Higashiyama Niseko Village, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a place of harmony and discovery. Build on Kachou Fuugetsui, the philosophy of discovering oneself through nature, this hotel is a luxurious alpine sanctuary immersed in the outdoors.
In the bustling district of Shinsaibashi, W Osaka, on Midōsuji Boulevard, is a gateway to Japan's famed cultural heritage with its bold contemporary designs. Immerse yourself in a socially stimulating and delectable dining experience in this fun-filled city.
The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza (pre-opening)
Enjoy Japan's natural beauty through a luxury lens: stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Nikko!
Situated amid the winding roads of the Iroha slope, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is a pristine retreat hidden in Japan's northern Kanto region and nestled along the picturesque Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai - an immersion of nature and culture.
This unique project enables travelers to explore hidden gems and culinary experiences and connect with locals across its locations. The facilities do not include restaurants so that guests can enjoy the experiences of the surrounding area. With an expansive footprint across Japan and a host of new openings slated for 2022, this project offers warm hospitality to guests eager to explore and discover Japan.
Greater China
Although international visitors won’t physically attend the Winter Olympics in Beijing coming up in February 2022, the high-profile event is bound to attract adventurous travelers to China once restrictions lift. In the land of ancient dynasties, visitors can experience an unforgettable journey amid ancient temples, dynasty gardens, futuristic skyscrapers, and back-alley eateries.
Where to stay in China:
Known as China’s Ice City, Harbin is Northeast China’s cultural hub. The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin, honors the city’s rich historical legacy within a modern setting. Perched atop the city’s landmark building, this iconic hotel offers spectacular views of the renowned Songhua River.
With a reputation of "the Garden of the Sea," Xiamen, a beautiful seaside city in southeast China's Fujian Province, offers a fine mix of urban and natural attractions. W Xiamen, located in the heart of East Business District, celebrates the Fujian culture with W Hotels' iconic tongue-in-cheek touches.
Nestled at the lower reaches of the Xiang River in the capital city of the Hunan province in South Central China, W Changsha is located in Yunda Central Plaza, also known as the "Star City." Explore our guest rooms and suites inspired by the universe and created in a cutting-edge style to provide a genuinely unique intergalactic experience.
Situated at the foot of Lao Shan Mountain and on the shore of the Yellow Sea, the pleasant climate and scenic beauty of Qingdao provide rejuvenation and break the monotony of mundane lives.
Adjacent to Fushan Bay, the St. Regis Qingdao overlooks the Badaguan cultural building cluster in the west, and the May Fourth Square, Olympic Sailing Center, and Hong Kong Road business circle in the east, thus creating a delicate and exquisite immersive adventure.
Overlooking the Tibetan villages and the majestic mountains of the Zhongcha valley, The Ritz-Carlton, Jiuzhaigou, beckons this Chinese valley's traditions, culture, community, and soul through thoughtfully designed villas, locally inspired dining and spa experiences, and activities that encourage exploration and exchange.
Southeast Asia
Thailand
Thailand has been a tourist destination for many decades. From white sandy beaches and opulent royal palaces to historic temples and mouthwatering food - Thailand has a wide range of varieties to quench the thirst of tourists. Known for its unique rural locations and gorgeous coastlines, Thailand is also a paradise of luxury resorts.
Where to stay in Thailand:
Koh Samui is the third-largest island off the coast of Thailand. Adorned with mesmerizing turquoise waters, the relaxed lifestyle and beachside ambiance, the long beaches, the clear waters, and the perfect hilly terrain for trekking provide great ways to rejuvenate and recharge. Overlooking stunning beaches and lush forests, W Koh Samui resort on a 30-square-mile is an ideal getaway to ignite the unexpected.
Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its bustling capital cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and Instagram-worthy tourist attractions such as Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, and Da Nang. The exquisite taste of Vietnam's unique rice noodles, Pho, and Vietnamese coffee also provides a great treat to the tourists.
Where to stay in Vietnam:
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa is a luxury resort set along with a ribbon of lovely shoreline in Phu Quoc, boasting elegantly built rooms and suites with private balconies for a great holiday.
Malaysia
Situated in the hearts of Southeast Asia, with the world's highest twin towers, stunning coral reefs, and soft sandy beaches, Malaysia is a popular tourist destination. Malaysian travel is a thrilling adventure steeped in culture, belief, and tradition.
Where to stay in Malaysia:
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, is the intersection of luxury and nature in a 10-million-year-old rainforest on the edge of the Andaman Sea. Hike through the lush, dense rainforest or sit on your sundeck and listen to the forest's whispers. At night, kayak through mangroves or gaze out over the water.
With direct access to the beach and breathtaking sunset views, this 5-star luxury resort in Langkawi, located amid centuries-old jungle and the Andaman Sea's sparkling quiet, will take you to a world of pure resort luxury.
Indonesia
The world's biggest archipelago, Indonesia, is a kaleidoscope of taste, sight, sound, and fragrances. The country, spread out over a staggering 17,000 islands, offers a vast array of experiences. From the burning volcanoes of central Java to the verdant plains of Bali's rice terraces, Indonesia is considered one of the popular travel destinations by adventure lovers.
Where to stay in Indonesia:
The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort, located on the magnificent Senggigi Beach in Lombok, Indonesia, offers a unique combination of serenity, enjoyment, and adventure in paradise. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic retreat, or a business conference, this seaside haven has it all.
On Nusa Dua’s finest beach shore stands the St. Regis Bali Resort - an elegant hotel featuring private villas with direct beach access. Relax with a massage at Iridium Spa or participate in an exciting Balinese Fire Dance Ritual to experience a flavor of Indonesia at this vacation spot.
Maldives
The Maldives is the offspring of beautiful white beaches and lavish hospitality. The romantic aura that the island country exudes is one of the reasons why it is regarded as the best honeymoon destination in the world. The Maldives is one of the ideal destinations to visit, with its luxurious resorts, magnificent water villas, colorful reefs, and water that is bluer than blue.
Where to stay in the Maldives:
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives at Fari Islands, with its overwater villas, allows guests to immerse themselves in Maldivian culture by watching Sangu shells being blown and Boduberu drums being made. After a day of exploring North Malé Atoll, retire to your overwater villa and the resort's surrounds for an evening of pleasure.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a 360-degree canvas surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and coral reefs filled with marine life, including manta ray pods and turtles, evoking the Maldives' rich European heritage and a mid-century design ethos.
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