As countries across Asia Pacific begin to welcome back international arrivals and end restrictions on travel for residents, Preferred Hotels & Resorts – the world’s largest independent hotel brand – is sharing top recommendations on authentic, culture-rich hotels, resorts, and residences to experience for inspiring travels in the new year.
“This is a consequential time for Asia Pacific’s return to travel. As the positive announcements for tourism continue to come in, our member properties across the region are seeing an uptick in leisure and corporate bookings, particularly in destinations like Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and Australia,” said Jonathan Newbury, Executive Vice President of Asia Pacific for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, which represents 700 independent hotels around the world, and over 100 in the region. “The desire to reengage with the world and to reconnect with loved ones is also fuelling bookings for hotel stays that go beyond neighbouring countries to bucket-list, long-haul destinations in Europe.”
Newbury’s top recommendations for destinations to visit in 2022 along with independent hotels to experience from within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio include:
Singapore: Through the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme, Singaporeans will be able to visit 21 countries and counting by the end of November, including popular destinations like South Korea, India, and Italy. Travelers seeking a blowout trip on the coast can book a rejuvenating stay at Almar Jesolo Resort & Spa – one of Italy’s largest beach resorts, located just an hour from the hustle and bustle of Venice and its picturesque canals, where facilities include spacious rooms with Adriatic Sea views, deluxe spa, multiple pools, and an array of restaurants.
For foodie travellers planning a visit to Singapore, Royal Plaza on Scotts offers some of the island’s best hotel dining options, including the multi award-winning Carousel serving authentic pan-Asian dishes, seafood specialties, and fine French patisserie.
Australia: Quarantine-free travel to and from New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory has been possible since 1 November, and now that vaccinated Australians from these states can also travel freely, long-haul destinations, including the United Kingdom and Greece, are expected to be popular choices. Multigenerational families can reunite on London’s renowned Park Lane at Grosvenor House Suites. Ideal for private, extended stays, the spacious suites are luxuriously appointed with full kitchens and living areas and include thoughtful touches like in-residence spa treatments and dining.
For leisure and business travel to Sydney, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney on prestigious Martin Place offers elegant Heritage guestrooms and suites within the historic General Post Office Building contrasted with contemporary accommodations in the Tower wing.
Malaysia: Vaccinated Malaysians have been free to travel overseas since October, and from 1 January, the country will reopen to international arrivals, rebooting tourism in destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. For easily accessible friends’ or couples’ escapes, Thailand, which reopened on 1 November, and Taiwan offer some of the best wellness and foodie experiences. Andara Resort & Villas in Phuket extends villas and suites overlooking the Andaman Sea with infinity pools and a destination spa. The recently launched Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei, boasting multiple restaurants and a day spa, is the perfect hub for Taipei’s best night markets or a day trip to the mountain town of Jiufen.
Travellers to Malaysia’s capital can enjoy breath-taking views of Petronas Twin Towers from the 51-story EQ. Centrally located in the Golden Triangle, the iconic building offers 440 guestrooms and suites, seven restaurants and bar lounges, Sanctum Spa, and a 25-metre pool.
