Our picks in Southeast Asia

Where to stay
The Four Seasons-Jakarta takes luxury to a new level in Indonesia. Sublime service sets the tone for guests in this all-club property, where guests retire to designer rooms and suites with state-of-the-art entertainment systems and marble baths. Hotel amenities include three outstanding dining options, a world-class spa, and sparkling pool.

Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is an exquisitely stylish modern hotel, with an art deco sensibility, a phenomenal spa and wellness centre, gourmet dining, and an impressive wine cellar with floor-to-ceiling wine racks kept at a perfect temperature to coddle the stunning international collection.

La Résidence Phou Vao, an Orient-Express property, is the most luxurious hotel in Luang Prabang, Laos. Its soaring hilltop perch affords spectacular views, while the amenities—including elegant rooms, a celebrated spa, a gourmet restaurant with fine Laotian and European cuisine, infinity pool, and more—define the sophisticated experience for fortunate guests.

Where to eat
Mozaic in Ubud, Bali, is always a crowd pleaser, but it becomes an experience to remember for a lifetime when you eat at the private chef’s table. Chef Chris Salans will indulge you and up to 13 other members of your party with his signature dishes while you relax in the exclusive lounge and private dining area and take in the exciting sights of the open demo kitchen.

Coriander Leaf, a Pan-Asian foodie hub in Singapore, is a must-visit restaurant for gourmands. This unique eatery is helmed by a Pakistani-born chef who has infused flavours and techniques from all over Asia into dishes like ginger-butter prawns and za’atar encrusted spiced lamb rack.

For the best food and ambience in Manila, Philippines, head to Aubergine, a gourmet restaurant serving European cuisine with a touch of local flavour. The menu is dotted with superb seafood, pasta, and meat dishes, as well as excellent wines from all over the world and an onsite patisserie that rivals the best French examples.

Where to go
Komodo National Park is a great place to view the famous Komodo dragon, as well as many other interesting plant and animal species. This gem covers three main islands (and other smaller islands) in the center of the Indonesian archipelago and provides a highly respected refuge for animals like the orange-footed scrub fowl and Timor deer. It’s also home to stunning marine environments including coral reefs, which can be viewed via the excellent dive sites surrounding the park.

Angkor is the ancient capital of the Khmer Kingdom in Cambodia and is undoubtedly best known for the vast temple called Angkor Wat. The 12th century temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu, is the best preserved example of Khmer architecture in the country and so impressive that many have argued that it should be one of the Seven Wonders of the world. A picture of Angkor Wat is even included on the Cambodian national flag!

On the island of Bohol in the Philippines is the natural wonder called Chocolate Hills. Made up of more than 1,200 hills that are a fairly uniform 30 to 50 metres high, these grass-covered mini-mountains turn brown during the dry season, which is how they got their yummy name. One of the best parts about visiting is trying to solve the mystery of how these giant hills were formed.

Where to shop
Kuala Lampur’s Central Market is the best place to find local Malaysian crafts. In particular, check out the vast KL Craft Complex for high-quality finds and the garden-set artists’ village to pick up contemporary artworks from talented locals.

Some of the finest gems in the world are mined in Thailand, so not only are there vast quantities to chose from, but the gem-cutters here are extraordinary. To bring home your own jewel collection, try the precious gem wholesalers around Charoen Krung Road in Bangkok. Many artisans all over town can create any piece of jewelry you desire if you bring in a simple drawing.

Jakarta’s Jl Kebon Sirih Timur Antique Shops selll high-end antiques and curios at staggering prices (thought the quality matches the pricetag). For more upscale shopping in Jakarta, head to Plaza Indonesia, the best stop for designer shops and boutiques including Armani Exchange, Valentino, and Tag Heuer.

What to do
Singapore’s Malay Village is the sight of one of the most interesting—and bloody—traditional “dances” you’ll ever witness. Called “Kuda Kepang,” the intense dance begins with the participants on wooden horses, and, after many choreographed passages, the dancers are flogged, walk on glass pieces, and eat grass. Because the dancers are in a sort of trance, they don’t remember the evening’s bloody events the following day.

A visit to the Tropical Spice Garden in Penang, Malaysia—southeast Asia’s only dedicated spice sanctuary—is a feast for the senses. View more than 500 varieties of plants spread out over more than 3 hectacres, have a bite to eat in the garden café, and grab a spicy souvenir from the gift shop.

Learn to cook your favourite Thai food at the Bangkok Bai Pai Cooking School. The half-day course, taught by Thai chefs in modern kitchens, covers technique, ingredients, and presentation and includes dishes from appetizers to dessert.