Asia’s top new hotels
It’s been a big year out East. Blossom Green traverses the continent to bring you our pick of the game-changing launches from the past year
Hot properties from the last year
KATAMAMA, BALI GO FOR CREATIVE COOL
The Island of the Gods is not short of ‘just-got-to-go-there’ hotels, but it’s Katamama’s unique artisanal ethos that piqued our interest and made it one of our favourite openings of the past 12 months. On the southern tip of the island, the Seminyak address affords it ‘cool’ status (it’s known as a playground for the global arty crowd) but it’s the architectural design headed up by Indonesian craftsmen that really makes it stand out.
It starts with the facade – clad in more than 1.5million handpressed Balinese temple bricks – and flows effortlessly to the ironwood-decked pool, finished with handmade Batu Sukabumi tiles. The mid-century furniture and exposed walls of the suites sit in stark contrast to the ubiquitous bamboo/darkwood combo that dominates the island’s hotels. As does the noteworthy range of Spanish tapas served up at restaurant MoVida
Immersive activities such as ikat weaving and ceramic workshops take guests to the heart of the area’s vibrant creative community and help to make it one of the most seamlessly thematic hotels that we’ve come across. katamama.com
KANDIMA, MALDIVES GO FOR PLAYFUL LUXURY
One of the newest properties to make the cut, Kandima has had one hell of an impact since it launched in February. The 50 shades of blue may scream ‘Indian Ocean’, but the familyfriendly approach of this resort is a refreshing change from the honeymoon-focused hotels dotted across the Atolls. It’s stylish, hip and doesn’t take itself too seriously, encouraging guests to let their hair down with the relaxed vibe that pervades throughout.
Spread across a 3km island on the dreamy Dhaalu Atoll, it boasts a jaw-dropping lagoon and the country’s longest pool. Modern rooms are splashed with whimsical colour, and range from beachside to overwater to suit different budgets. We’re particularly digging the Sky and Beach studios, which feel like a take on a Fifties Miami holiday (pack your blazers). Explore the grounds on the back of a bike to discover tennis courts, yoga sessions, beach volleyball and eight restaurants. You’ll be kept busy with scuba dives and windsurfing but save a day to laze on the nets of one of the hotel’s catamarans. This is ‘New Maldives’ at its best and we’re seriously into it. kandima.com
SHANGRI-LA HAMBANTOTA , SRI LANKA GO FOR ON-TREND ESCAPES
India’s Teardrop is the country on the tip of everyone’s tongue at the moment. Sri Lanka has recently seen huge improvements in its infrastructure, numerous new tours and more hotel launches than you can throw a coconut at. The island reminds us of Bali 15 years ago and it’s amid strong competition that Shangri-La’s chic style and world-class facilities have earned the top spot.
There are few things better than kicking back for a lazy day under an awning of swaying palms, and this gem, which sits on the old Spice Route, is the ideal spot. Hambantota’s location hits the mark, as on the southernmost tip you’re promised a swimmable coastline (not the case elsewhere in the country), local villages that feel more like botanical gardens and heavenly equatorial climes. You’re also close to Udawalawe National Park with its unique birdlife, and Yala, which is home to the largest concentration of leopards in the world, is easily accessible.
The fresh, modern design of the bedrooms feature inviting colours, four-poster beds, contemporary furniture (such as hanging lounge chairs) and huge balconies with magnificent sea views. The 60ha grounds make it the country’s largest resort and provide room for both a lagoon and a golf course. An artisan village aimed at preserving regional culture introduces guests to wood carving, and thrill seekers can hop on a flying trapeze, brushing the treetops like the resident violet-faced monkeys. A spa, three pools and barefoot bowling are alternatives for more sedate days. shangri-la.com
300, including 21 suites
ROOMS Prices start at £202, all inclusive including green fees
PRICE Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa, 35km
NEAREST AIRPORT For those who like a side of culture with their tan
THE VIBE Book a garden room, framed by plantlife, to be at one
HOT TIP with nature. Don’t be surprised to find swinging monkeys, kingfishers and peacocks strutting in front of your sun lounger