MICHELIN Guide Hotels in Asia that offer cultural immersion

UAE: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Just an hour’s drive from bustling Dubai, set amidst a classic Arabian landscape, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa — a remote refuge, hidden among wind-swept dunes.

While the property’s luxurious and spacious rooms and suites tempt guests to indulge in five-star hospitality indoors, the desert beckons — especially if you’re planning camel trekking, falconry, dune biking, archery, hot air ballooning and stargazing. Plus, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy the desert sanctuary during leisure time. What better way to immerse yourself in the golden dunes and Arabian history than by experiencing adventure first-hand?

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China: Banyan Tree Hangzhou

Home to picturesque West Lake panoramas and lush hills cherished by poets and emperors for centuries, Hangzhou is a wonder waiting to be discovered. If you stay in Banyan tree HangzhouThen don’t miss the chance to book a three-day sightseeing tour of the region. It’s a perfect itinerary for beginners.

The property offers a scenic rowing boat trip around Xixi Wetland to visit Lingyin Temple and Baochu Pagoda, followed by a tour of West Lake Classic, featuring authentic villages, boat trips and temples.

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Vietnam: Capella Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, combines French, Chinese and Southeast Asian influences and boasts a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene.

The Bill Bensley designed Chapel of Hanoione of the newest additions set to open in 2022 has quickly set a new benchmark for luxury properties in the region as the region’s hotel scene continues to grow. Designed to evoke the spirit of the Roaring Twenties in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Bensley’s vision for Chapel of Hanoi celebrates the emotion of opera through boutique design. Guests can curate their experiences with the help of a Capella Culturist, from porcelain and ceramic making in Bat Trang Village to Vietnamese lacquer painting.

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Japan: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, features temples, serene gardens, traditional teahouses and a history intertwined with the imperial family spanning more than a millennium. Four Seasons Hotel KyotoLocated around Shakusui-en — an 800-year-old heritage pond garden — and in close proximity to lesser-known temples, guests can fully immerse themselves in a variety of Japanese traditions.

Experience the world of geisha, known in Kyoto dialect as geiko and maiko, with an Ozashiki Asobi evening of traditional entertainment in one of Kyoto’s historic geisha districts, called hanamachi (flower towns). Other offerings include lessons in wearing traditional kimonos or yukatas and guided tours of Kyoto via the hotel’s rickshaws.

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Thailand: Raya Heritage

Located in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Thailand’s northern region, Raya Heritage is billed as Thailand’s first “artisanal” resort — and it delivers on its promise. It offers an expansive experience that immerses guests in the region’s rich heritage, with local artisans creating unique furnishings, artifacts and accessories that reflect the area’s simple charm and historic character.

To further familiarize you with the area, the hotel organizes temple and market excursions, village tours, elephant encounters, jungle treks, rock climbing and rafting adventures, among other things. Everything is carefully arranged via a personalized itinerary.

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Sri Lanka: Santani Wellness Resort & Spa

Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy from 1469 to 1818 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a mix of sacred monuments, tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. Santani Wellness Resort & Spa promises a peaceful and restorative stay – with Ayurveda, detox and yoga programs – and a wealth of experiences to get to know the region better.

For tea lovers, Hatale Tea Factory is a must-visit, where you can immerse yourself in the art of tea making amidst picturesque plantations. Afterwards, take a leisurely downhill walk through jungle canopies filled with monkeys to reach the serene Narampanawa Temple.

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India: Six senses Fort Barwara

In the historic state of Rajasthan, maharajas once ruled amidst medieval forts and palaces – but what if we told you that you can explore all this and more with Six Senses Fort Barwara?

A regal base for exploring the region’s diverse activities and delights, this sustainability-focused hotel—a fortified 14th-century Rajasthani fort—embraces the treasures of ancient India. Located just a 30-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park, visitors can embark on a safari to encounter the region’s wild tigers and experience a heritage and rewilding walk to discover the resort’s horticulture, followed by a Temple Puja ceremony for blessings.

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Cultural experiences are often the highlight of a traveler’s journey, especially when hotels offer expertly curated itineraries that leverage their deep regional knowledge to streamline the planning process. Located in extraordinary destinations, these hotels not only facilitate but elevate exploration, promising each guest an unforgettable journey enriched with cultural depth and discovery.