So Singapore and Hong Kong have finally announced the restart of an air travel bubble come May 26 which will allow quarantine-free travel to take off between both cities. Vinyl scratch.
News reports have indicated that tickets on Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways – the two airlines that will operate the travel bubble flights – for May to early June have been snapped up.
The good news though: it gives you more time to plan for your next trip and also wait out for the confirmation of reports that countries like Australia, Taiwan and Thailand are in the midst of working out plans to re-open travel with Singapore.
Ahead, we recommend 13 stylish accommodations in cities like Hong Kong, Sydney and Taipei for your consideration and to give you a head start in making your travel plans.
K11 ARTUS
Why go: Opened in 2019, K11 Artus is branded as Hong Kong’s first ‘artisanal home’ concept. Think of it as a luxury residence rather than a conventional hotel, but with five-star service and posh amenities like a pool, concierge service and library.
The 287 residences include open-plan studios, one, two and three-bedroom spaces and three penthouses each crafted by well-known interior designers. The property overlooks Victoria Dockside as well, and is a five-minute walk to East Tsim Sha Tsui metro station.
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Why go: For guests wanting a convenient city location and an intimate setting, Page 148 is the perfect mix. The boutique hotel is well-placed along Tsim Sha Tsui’s Austin Road. It also features minimalist rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as verdant views of Kowloon Cricket Club.
Housed within the property is Page Common – a coffeehouse that doubles as the hotel’s lobby. Described by Page 148 as an interactive space to connect urban explorers like photographers, foodies and artists, there’s also excellent coffee and all-day dishes.
THE HARI HONG KONG
Why go: This luxury accommodation features rooms by famed interior designer Tara Bernerd. The Chesham Suite is definitely a treat, with plush velvet upholstery, an opulent Arabescato marble bathroom and a private terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s city.
Dining options include Italian cuisine at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar, as well as Japanese offerings at Zoku. The hotel’s a great base to explore the vibrant Wan Chai neighbourhood too, with its historical landmarks and popular bars.
THE OLD CLARE HOTEL
Why go: Housed in the vibrant Chippendale neighbourhood, Sydney’s The Old Clare Hotel was a former brewery and still retains an industrial feel. We’re talking old timber paneling and exposed brick, as well as upcycled vintage items paired with handcrafted furniture. The rooms are a funky mix of old and new as well, with vintage furniture, modern bathrooms and bright, fun colours.
PARAMOUNT HOUSE HOTEL
Why go: It may have opened its doors in 2018, but this Sydney hotel is very much a haven for history and film buffs. It’s housed in a ’40s Art Deco heritage building − the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios.
It also features nods to its cinema history, with a former film vault repurposed as the reception lounge. Each suite is unique in character and scale too, with bespoke design elements and ornamentation.
MACQ 01 HOTEL
Why go: Located in Hobart Tasmania, this luxury accommodation is set within the MACq 01 complex, which used to be a wharf market and shipping shed. The hotel now brands itself as ‘Australia’s first story-telling hotel’, with all 114 rooms designed to reflect Tasmanian character traits such as resilience, groundedness and creativity. Award-winning local spirits are also showcased in the hotel’s ornately-designed bar.
S HOTEL
Why go: Designed by well-known French industrial architect Philippe Starck, S Hotel features his signature style of monochromatic rooms and playful accessories. Guests can also expect luxurious marble-clad bathrooms, rain showers, premium amenities and double sinks.
The rest of the hotel is an eclectic blend of contemporary styles, local art and aboriginal crafts. Right in the heart of Taipei’s CBD, the location’s perfect for city explorers too.
Address: No. 150, DunHua N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Rates: From $165 a night
HOSHINOYA GUGUAN
Why go: If you need a break from Taipei’s concrete jungle, this hot-spring retreat at Guguan is a luxurious escape and just a 90-minute drive from the city. Opened in 2019, Hoshinoya Guguan is surrounded by picturesque mountains and thermal waters.
Amenities include both outdoor and indoor public hot springs, as well as a spa and open lounge. Each guest room also features a private onsen bath. Guest rooms are designed like maisonettes, with an entire floor laid out just for hot spring bathing.
Address: No.16, Wenquan Ln, Sec. 1, Dongguan Rd, Heping District, Taichung 424 Taiwan
Rate: Contact the hotel for rates and availability
KIMPTON DA AN HOTEL
Why go: Situated in Taipei’s Da’an district, this boutique hotel was designed as an urban retreat and calm contrast to the city’s bustling pace. Its guestrooms certainly seem to reflect the idea, with clean, aesthetically-pleasing wood tones and in-room amenities like yoga mats, designer bolon woven flooring and Atelier Bloem toiletries. The in-hotel restaurant features a communal dining concept, with eye-popping tiles and metal work patterns inspired by Taipei’s numerous streets and alleys.
Address: No. 25, Lane 27, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Rates: From $236 a night
THE PLACE TAIPEI
Why go: This hotel’s interior design takes inspiration from Taiwan’s traditional teahouses. Located on the 10th to 20th floors of a mixed-use building, the lobby and dining area is essentially a tea house itself.
Guests can socialise, work or savour tea in the welcoming common space. The hotel’s corridors and rooms also feature subtle nods to the tea production process. For instance, rooms are designed with a chevron wood floor pattern, similar to the woven bamboo baskets used to dry tea leaves.
Address: No. 196, Jingmao 2nd Road, Nangang District, Taipei City, Taiwan 115
Rates: From $130 a night
MASON PATTAYA
Why go: This two-year old hotel is situated on Pattaya’s tranquil southeastern shore. Scenic sea views are a given, but the property’s design also pays homage to local artisans in the area − namely stone carvers from the Ang Sila community. This is reflected in its abundant use of granite, as well as sculptural stone walls and furniture. All villas feature a glasshouse concept, with a private pool, sundeck terrace with loungers and spacious en-suite bathrooms.
Address: 285 Moo 3, Sukhumvit Road, Na Jomtien, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Rates: From $450 a night
ROSEWOOD BANGKOK
Why go: The 30-storey hotel’s facade is certainly visually stunning, and its interior includes design elements that pay homage to Thailand’s rich culture. The rooms are impressive as well, being stylish, spacious and thoughtfully-furnished.
Also housed within the hotel are four dining venues and bars, including a European brasserie, fine-dining Chinese restaurant, upscale organic cafe and posh speakeasy bar with a whisky library and 6,000-strong record collection.
Address: 1041 38 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Rates: From $375 a night
TWINPALMS MOUNTAZURE
Why go: This new Phuket hotel is a haven for beach-goers, located directly on the pristine Kamala Beach. We recommend going for the suites, which come complete with a private pool, terrace, living space, kitchenette area, wine cellar and bar.
For beachside dining, hotel restaurant Shimmers offers an upscale Mediterranean vibe with fresh seafood options. There are also four nearby beach clubs to choose, with hotel rates including beach club access and complimentary buffet breakfast.