Luxury travellers, here’re the most exciting hotel openings in APAC in 2025 and beyond

Amidst an uncertain economy and geopolitical tensions, the luxury travel industry is forging ahead with a flurry of new luxury hotel opening announcements and travel products unveiled at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific show.

The annual trade expo, held from June 30 to July 3 at Marina Bay Sands, featured around 740 luxury travel suppliers, including hospitality groups, hotels, cruise companies, and tourism boards. Some hospitality brands took the opportunity to launch new brand campaigns, such as the Inside The Dream film by Mandarin Oriental, while others released their annual travel trend reports.

According to The Intentional Traveller report by Marriott International, 72 per cent of affluent travellers polled plan to increase their luxury travel spending this year. However, they want to do it with purpose and personalisation. At the top of their agenda is wellness, which is a major deciding factor for holidays (think detox programs and forest immersions), according to the report, unveiled on July 1.

The study, which surveyed 1,750 travellers in APAC, also stated that travellers are putting in longer average stays, which means that they are keeping an eye on the finer details of the itinerary. 

Besides new considerations from travellers, brands are also rolling out new hotels and travel products. Here’re some of the most exciting announcements unveiled at ILTM Asia-Pacific 2025.

1. Melia Group to open Paradisus by Meliá Bali 

Spanish hotel group Melia is stepping up its luxury offerings in APAC. It will launch Paradisus by Meliá Bali, its first all-inclusive resort in the region, this December. The resort in Nusa Dua will feature 485 suites and rooms, as well as seven villas. Guests can participate in the hotel’s all-inclusive programme, which provides access to wellness rituals and dining options across eight restaurants, among other benefits. There will also be an adults-only sanctuary and a Family Concierge programme.

Besides Bali, Melia will also launch its first Melia Collection hotel in APAC with the Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat in Vietnam in 2026. The Melia Collection of hotels comprises smaller, independent hotels with an “experiential luxury” touch. 

2. Waldorf Astoria’s Bali debut

Ahead of its debut in Kuala Lumpur by end-2026, Waldorf Astoria has announced its foray into another popular Southeast Asian destination — Bali. The oceanside luxury resort in Nusa Dua, featuring 71 villas and 68 guest suites, is scheduled to open in late 2027.

Besides boasting a beach club, the resort will also feature The Ledge by Dave Pynt, the chef-owner of one-Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant Burnt Ends, which specialises in wood-fired cooking. Pynt’s upcoming restaurant in Waldorf Astoria Bali marks his second collaboration with the luxury resort brand, following the opening of The Ledge at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi in July 2019.

The Waldorf Astoria recently debuted in Japan with Waldorf Astoria Osaka and is slated to open in Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, and Hanoi in the next two years.

3. Langham sails into Bangkok

The Langham, Customs House Bangkok will breathe new life into the city’s historic Customs House in the Bang Rak district along the Chao Phraya River, come the last quarter of 2026. Adjacent to the Customs House is the former post office building, which will be flanked by a sleek, modern building housing the hotel’s 78 rooms.

The Langham, Customs House Bangkok will also have an outpost of three-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, T’ang Court in The Langham, Hong Kong, and Chuan Spa. Closer to home, the 198-key Langham Kuala Lumpur, which is in the Golden Triangle district, is on track to open in 2027.

4. Six Senses expands Thai presence in Bangkok

Wellness-driven luxury hotel group Six Senses will open Six Senses Bangkok in the historic Silom district as part of the Hatai mixed-use development. The hotel is scheduled to open shortly after 2028, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the original Narai Hotel, which previously occupied the site.

Six Senses Bangkok will feature around 100 rooms and suites, including a 700 sqm signature suite, a rooftop pool, and a biophilic sky garden and spa. Designed by the renowned Heatherwick studio,the Hatai mixed-use development will be an eye-catching addition to Bangkok’s skyline with its lantern-inspired design in the heart of the city.

There are two other Six Senses hotels in Thailand in Koh Samui and Yao Noi. 

5. Belmond launches first luxury sleeper train between England and Wales

Luxury hospitality group Belmond, which is best known for operating the Eastern & Oriental Express train experience in Asia, unveiled its seventh train experience, The Britannic Explorer in August. It also marks the first luxury sleeper train to ply between London and Wales.

The train, which departs from Victoria station in London, travels to Cornwall and the Lake District before reaching Wales. Guests on the train’s 18 all-suite cabins will be treated to sweeping views of rugged coastlines and rolling hills as the train cuts across England during the three-night journey.

Inspired by botanicals and key landmarks that can be seen during the journey, British designer Luke Edward Hall has permeated his creative flair to wallpapers and armchairs in the train cabins, which is well-adorned with artwork and antiques. 

The train is equipped with a spa and restaurant run by Simon Rogan of three-starred L’Enclume in England and one-starred Roganic in Hong Kong, who showcases top-notch British produce. Off-board experiences include coastal sailing and seaside yoga sessions in Cornwall, lavender farm visits, wood-fired saunas and art classes in Wales. 

Besides the Britannic Explorer, Belmond has reopened Hotel Cipirani in Venice and Splendido in Portofino, following renovations at both hotels. Hotel Cipirani was part of Belmond’s largest chef residency programme overseas, A Taste of Italy that was held at the Mandala Club early this year.

6. Thompson Shanghai Expo

Hyatt Hotels will introduce the Thompson Hotels brand to the APAC region with the opening of the Thompson Shanghai Expo in the last quarter of this year. The 254-room hotel is located in Expo Place, a commercial building in the Shanghai World Expo area. The rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to views of the city and the Huangpu River.

The hotel’s concept, inspired by the cosmopolitan city’s industrial legacy, features contemporary design, cultural programmes, and innovative gastronomy. Thompson Hotels, which originated in Manhattan, New York City, is targeted at chic, culturally attuned travellers.