THE GREAT ESCAPE

As the year draws to a close, our thoughts naturally turn to holidaying. Here are some beautiful hotel destinations nearby within Asia that are new or set to open soon. Time to plan your next getaway!

Six Senses Bhutan

In an increasingly globalised world, Bhutan is a breath of fresh air: this landlocked nation has a rich culture and natural landscape that has remained untouched due to its relative isolation until the mid20th century. Six Senses has designed a luxurious project in the heart of ‘The Last Shangri-la', a retreat comprising of five individual resorts spread across Bhutan. Exclusivity is key; there are only a grand total of 82 suites and villas distributed between the five intimate lodges: Bumthang, Gangtey, Paro, Punakha and Thimphu. Guests are encouraged to experience for themselves the heritage and hospitality of the ‘happiest place on earth'.

Halekulani Okinawa

Japan's always a solid choice for holidaying. Halekulani Hotel are opening their second location in Onna Village on the main island of Okinawa, which is home to some of Japan's most beautiful beaches. The resort faces approximately one mile of coastline, and each of its 360 rooms boasts picturesque views of the shining emerald sea and white sandy beaches. Situated within the Okinawa Kaigan Quasinational Park, the abundant scenic views lend the resort a distinctly paradisiac vibe. Halekulani Okinawa will start accepting reservations from February 2019 for its grand opening in July.

The Sanya EDITION

Located an easy hour's flight away from Hong Kong lies Hainan Island, legendary for its crystalline beaches and year-round tropical climate. The Sanya EDITION was inspired by the Summer Palace and the lush 50-acre property is built to be a tropical oasis with its own private ocean—the only of its kind with a large salt water swimming area decorated in glass mosaic tiles leading seamlessly into the sea and the crescent-shaped private beach. All 512 rooms have ocean views, and 17 villas also feature private pools and pavilion space. Hongkongers will be glad to learn that a touch of home is present in the Hong Kong Orchid trees decorating the ocean walk.

Avani Central Busan Hotel

For those bored with the mad rush of Seoul, South Korea's second most populated city Busan is a good alternative to visit. Avani Hotels & Resorts is opening its second South Korean project there, just a half-hour drive from Gimhae International Airport. The 289-key hotel will be located in a 37-storey twin tower complex that also includes offices, a mall and Busan's largest theatre. The widely popular Haewoondae Beach is only a 15-minute drive away, and local attractions lie mostly within a half-hour radius. Avani Central Busan is scheduled to open by mid-2019.

Rosewood Hong Kong

The former New World Centre on TST'S Salisbury Road is now the site of a newly-built 65-storey tower, part of the new Victoria Dockside arts and culture district. Rosewood Hong Kong will occupy 43 floors of the building, and James Corner Field Operations, acclaimed for New York's High Line, has been brought in as the landscape architect. The hotel's rooms, starting at 53 square metres, will be among the largest standard guestrooms of any luxury hotel in the city, and more than 80% of them will feature majestic harbour views. 18 specialty suites will also boast distinctive features such as private sky gardens, duplex configurations, as well as two- and three-bedroom options for families. Rosewood Hong Kong is slated to open by the end of the year.