Vietnam

The Hotel Des Arts—located in the heart of downtown amidst the Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral—is an aesthetic throwback to Vietnam's French colonial past. The polished herringbone floors and white paneled walls in each room—custom designed by Vietnamese artisans—are peppered with original artwork, and create a calming, retreat-like ambiance to counter the city's chaotic spirit. Elaborate marble bathrooms, a neutral palette, and the highest thread-count bedding add to the vacation-like feeling of total relaxation. The real draw, however, is the hotel's restaurants and bars—the Cafe Des Beaux-Arts oozes a kind of charm and glamour of a bygone era with its hand-carved bar and grand piano, the more industrial-looking Saigon Kitchen is designed to mimic the street food experience, while the upper floors house a more formal restaurant and rooftop bar with panoramic views. Ho Chi Minh is definitely a late-night city, but for those looking to relax, the Hotel Des Arts spa offers Korean, Japanese, and English-style treatments, plus the rooftop infinity pool is pretty breathtaking.

Tucked in the quaint town of Hoi An (just three hours from Singapore and two from Hong Kong), The Nam Hai Hotel has been a favorite of Asian travelers for years—and its transition to a Four Seasons property has given Americans reason to take fresh notice. Located on the tranquil coastline (something of a rarity in this area), each villa has its own expansive ocean view. There are two world class restaurants on site, though you may like to try the local cuisine and explore the historic fishing village. If you’re feeling luxurious, head to the Heart of the Earth Spa for a body scrub and any massage that involves a tuning fork. There are plenty of water sports and children's play space to keep kiddos occupied. The recent addition of a cooking school is a must, where you’ll harvest herbs from their organic garden and learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.