Rosewood Bangkok

The latest addition to Bangkok’s ever-evolving skyline comes courtesy of Rosewood, whose new high-rise in the heart of ritzy Phloenchit is shaped like a wai, the prayer-like Thai greeting. It has all the trappings of an ultra-luxury hotel (an imposing lobby, fantastic spa, butler service), but stays here feel more like champagne-fueled sleepovers at your crazy rich Asian friend’s swanky penthouse. The 159 creamcolored rooms come littered with stacks of coffee-table books, lacquered ceramic catchalls (some filled with Belgian chocolate candy), and brass mementos seemingly brought back from travels around the globe. Said friend has also spared no expense when it comes to amenities: minibars stocked with crystal negroni kits are just one pampering touch. The building’s atrium features a dazzling 10-story waterfall; at its source on the 19th floor, AvroKO-designed Nan Bei dishes out the best of China’s southern ( nan) and northern ( bei ) cuisines. Order the real-deal Peking duck, carved tableside, but don’t miss the lacey minced-pork potstickers or juicy

xiaolongbao stuffed with blue crab and truffle. Crowning it all is Lennon’s bar, where guests sip music-inspired cocktails like the Purple Haze (butterfly pea tea, gin, and prosecco) amid a collection of 6,000 LPs and cassettes. — 66-2/0800088; rosewoodhotels.com; doubles from US$312