Satoyama Jujo, Tokyo


What:
 A 12-room boutique hotel in the mountainous Minami-Uonuma region located two hours away from Tokyo. The main building is 150 years old, and interiors have been designed with a mix of Japanese and modern influences, earning it an award from the Singapore Good Design Award two years ago. Another noteworthy element here: An arresting wooden beam sculpture by Japanese sculptor Ryuichi Ohira is housed in the reception.

Rich, warm hues dominate the entire property.
Enjoy a good soak in the open-air spa bath.


Why visit:
 For a slice of Japanese countryside, while living it up in the hotel (there’s a hot spring spa and a chef that’s worked at a three Michelin-starred restaurant here). Rooms are constructed using cedar wood and tatami grass flooring, exemplifying a minimalist aesthetic and approach to living. Bonus: Organic beauty products and organic cotton clothing will be provided to all guests. From 437 euros (S$650) a night 

 

Glad Live Gangnam, Seoul

What: A trendy 210-room hotel in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul which serves as an entertainment hotspot thanks to hip new club D-Star, which has grown to become the party venue of choice in the city. Design-wise, Glad Live has pulled out all the stops, with a four-metre-tall chandelier that houses hidden speakers in the lobby.

Upscale lounge D. Bridge Colour Avenue undergoes a bi-annual design overhaul to offer guests a brand new experience.
The Live Pool suite has marble walls, herringbone floors and a mini pool a few steps away from the supersized bed.


Why visit:
 The hotel celebrates art by making them directly accessible to guests. The Glad House suite, for example, comes decorated with contemporary art objects curated by the Daelim museum, and features works by Korean animation artist Youngjun Kim, Danish fashion designer Henrik Vibskov, and Korean photographer Lala Choi. Or if you simply like throwing parties, be sure to book the Glad Pool suite, which has a spacious in-room plunge pool and a two-metre-wide LED television complete with Bang & Olufsen speakers. Now that’s how to live it up. From US$120 (S$168) a night 

 

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