The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
Autumn is one of the best times of year to visit Asia — the humid summer has departed and the leaves are changing to marvelous shades of ruby and rust. From Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve rounded up nine superlative hotels that will help you make the most of the season.
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
Sleek and sophisticated, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star stay is perched adjacent to Season’s Place shopping mall in the center of the city’s business district. This autumn, the feng shui-inspired hotel is serving up a savory offering with the .
Running throughout September, the food-focused event will be held at respected Italian restaurant Cépe. At the hands of chef Fabio Nompleggio, beef-loving guests can look forward to a magical culinary show starring a long list of meaty new dishes.
Additionally, from September 5 to 7, Villa Necchi executive chef Antonio Danise will visit from Naples, joining chef Fabio for amazing four- and six-course menus that will feature selected ingredients from the Mediterranean Sea and Sea of Japan.
Flare Spa. Credit: Ken Seet and Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong
Towering amid the futuristic Pudong skyline, this glass-and-steel skyscraper is a sanctuary within the hyperactive city. From the grand spiral staircase to the 41st-floor infinity pool, this Five-Star hotel is a haven of grace and beauty.
Work on your beauty regime in style with the Glow Like a Queen Bee promotion at Four-Star Flare Spa. Available through October, this indulgent 1.5-hour-long package includes a Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Reviving Facial, a foot bath ritual and hand treatment.
If you’re staying overnight, ask about the unique private pool experience. After 11 p.m., you can reserve the infinity swimming pool for a secluded night dip for two that comes with canapés, bubbly and glittering skyline views.
The Peninsula Beijing’s Culinary Class. Credit: The Peninsula Beijing
The Peninsula Beijing
Beloved for its central location and beautiful all-suite accommodations, this classic retreat has a busy calendar this fall — particularly, when it comes to the little ones. With the Five-Star hotel’s new Bear and Rabbit membership programs for kids, junior guests can take part in 10 to 15 hands-on activities throughout the year.
The lineup includes cultural experiences, such as a mooncake-baking class ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival in September, chocolate decorating for Halloween and gingerbread-house-building before Christmas.
W Hong Kong. Credit: W Hong Kong
W Hong Kong
A hive of creativity in West Kowloon, this trendy Victoria Harbour hotel is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a slew of promotions.
Amid the flurry of spa, cocktail and culinary offerings, check out the Something X room package: Book a stylish stay before December 30 and you’ll enjoy limited-edition surprises, including two bottles of specially brewed local beer crafted in collaboration with Young Master Brewery, daily breakfast for two and a quirky W World In Reverse crystal ball that was practically designed for social media.
The Reverie Saigon. Credit: The Reverie Saigon
The Reverie Saigon
Fall is an incredible time to visit Vietnam, and this extravagant Ho Chi Minh City escape provides yet another incentive to put this trip on your calendar.
Housed inside an modern tower in the heart of the cultural district, the majestic hotel has launched a Cruising Saigon package, which sends you off on a private sunset sail along the Saigon River, complete with a personal butler to serve you refreshing glasses of bubbly.
At sundown, you’ll hop on chic vintage Vespas for an escorted tour to experience the city’s unique street eats and live entertainment.
Waldorf Astoria Beijing’s Teddy-Bear Tea. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Waldorf Astoria Beijing
The very definition of opulence, this grand dame promises an unforgettable stay in Beijing any time of year, but this fall, tiny travelers are the ones in for a special treat.
The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel has teamed up with iconic British toy brand Hamleys to offer an adorable teddy-bear-themed afternoon tea. The delightful service features playful touches, such as a life-sized Hamleys bear for family photos alongside specialty cakes and teddy-bear-shaped treats.
Conrad Seoul’s Atrio. Credit: Conrad Seoul
Conrad Seoul
Overlooking the Han River, this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended skyscraper sits on Yeouido island in the city’s financial district. The hotel’s sprawling spa and spacious 1,000-foot Corner Suites are reason enough to book a trip, but be sure to visit the third Friday of each month to experience Atrio’s Chef’s Night, when the Italian restaurant rolls out exclusive gourmet specials alongside theatrical chef’s carving shows.
Also coming up this autumn, Conrad Seoul will have a romantic Premium Champagne promotion — picture a bottle of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve, a cheese platter and a room with a view — so you can be awed by the Seoul International Fireworks Festival on October 6 in style.
Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip. Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip
Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip
While many hotels on Macau’s famous Cotai Strip feel futuristic or thematic, the Five-Star Four Seasons remains a timeless favorite. Sporting Old World Portuguese décor, five outdoor pools, an lavish afternoon tea service, refined Cantonese cuisine and an incredible spa (including a kid’s menu), there’s virtually no reason to leave.
If you’re looking for a little more excitement, opt for the high-end hotel’s Stay and Play offer to receive a nightly HK$300 (US$38) voucher to use at the adjacent Plaza Casino.
After trying your luck at the tables, retreat to your stylish hotel, where you’ll nosh on a complimentary buffet breakfast for two each morning — the perfect way to recover from a night on the Strip.
Portman’s Restaurant. Credit: The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai
The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai
Foodies will love this glamorous Four-Star tower, which, with 593 rooms, is the largest hotel in the city. Inside this spacious and sophisticated address, you’ll find the elegant Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge serving up afternoon tea, handcrafted cocktails and evening jazz sessions. For something extra special, ask about the vodka and caviar pairings.
Meanwhile, Portman’s Restaurant, in the capable hands of head chef Alan Wong, specializes in surf and turf with a pan-Asian flair.
You can bask in it all with the Indulge Me – Two-Day Getaway. Running through the end of the year, the special includes 10 percent off your stay as well as RMB300 (US$43) to spend at either of the property’s delightful dining outlets.
