Editor picks – 20 destinations and luxury hotels in Asia that should be in your bucket list


6. Lhasa – Tibet
With its ancient temples, prostrating pilgrims and blessings of Dalai Lamas, Tibet’s administrative capital Lhasa possesses a rugged interior ripe for devotees and cultural fanatics. Shangri-La, Elysium, Arcadia, Utopia, and Bali are all synonymous with “heaven.” The only difference between them is that you can actually visit Lhasa. Most of us have never been to this Tibetan city. Yet, the place Lhasa conjures daydreams of the most beautiful skylines. Believe it or not, Lhasa rarely disappoints. The modern city is amid-st a Chinese boom, where a new train line has aroused a massive upward graph in tourism accompanied with a speedy development of luxury hotels, popular eateries and designer shops. The ever-changing skyline of Lhasa always amazes me. Home to more than a thousand rooms and towering over a height of 13 floors, Potala Palace is the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Perched over one of the world’s highest cities, the Potala Palace is an architectural marvel. 2 km to the east of the city center, lies the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan pilgrims, the Jokhang. Whether the legend is true or not, this temple brought Buddhism into this land and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. Whats beautiful to witness, is the beautiful infusion of culture with modernization that has carefully been woven into the city of Lhasa. Scurrying with diversity and an ever-changing landscape, Lhasa is a magnificent must-see.

Where to stay – With an unmatched location and unparalleled views of the Himalayas and Potala Palace, the Shangri-la Hotel boasts contemporary accommodations for the discerning traveler. The magnificent hotel is homage to Tibetan design, with an oxygen lounge and impeccable service. The Altitude serves an extensive selection of international palates, while Shang Palace serves Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines. Light meals and refreshing beverages can be enjoyed at Shambala and Lodgers Lounge. The hotel encompasses 280 guestrooms and suites.

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5. Singapore – Singapore
A bustling city where people from many different cultures live together, Singapore makes a fascinating holiday destination. Singapore is in fact one of the most enjoyable cities in Southeast Asia. As you stroll through the fashion boutiques of Orchard Rd, ponder around antique shops in Chinatown or take a walk around one of the dozens of beautiful city parks, you’ll know what we are saying. Just a 15 minute cable car ride away from Singapore, is the island of Sentosa. Equip yourself for pristine beaches, enthralling attractions and plush hotels. Spend a day at Universal Studios, on the exciting rides and attractions. Eat your favorite meal of the day with the orangutans at the local zoo or pub-crawl in the lively riverside area of Clarke Quay. Singapore is not all about the food and entertainment – the city boasts a fine assortment of luxury hotels. An architectural marvel located by Marina Bay, Marina Bay Sands is an extravagant hotel with one of Singapore’s finest casinos. Singapore’s soul is alive and well – and it is unique.

Where to stay – Mandarin Oriental, Singapore enjoys stunning views overlooking Singapore’s spectacular skyline. Contemporary designed rooms featuring stylish Oriental flair and floor-to-ceiling windows combined make it a desirable accommodation for discerning travellers. This luxury 5-star provides outdoor tennis courts and is directly linked to Marina Square Shopping Centre. The hotel boasts 6 award-winning restaurants and bars, serving world-class cuisines including Italian & Japanese.

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