If there’s one thing Asia has in abundance, it’s islands. Island archipelagos, in fact, make up some of the continent’s biggest countries (think: Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia). Asia’s hoteliers have found a way to trade on that continental perk, with a variety of private island hotels that run the gamut from tropical paradise to adventurer’s playground.
Below, we’ve collected five MICHELIN hotels throughout Asia that make their home on their very own islands. Many have nightly costs that run into the thousands. A couple, though, can be booked at rates comparable to other types of luxury hotels — the kind of rates you’d only expect to find on the mainland.
Each is an experience completely unique to its special setting, where getting there (by boat or seaplane) is often half the thrill.
Song Saa Private Island: a very different way to experience Cambodia.
Song Saa Private Island
Koh Rong Archipelago, CambodiaWhile Thailand's turquoise waters and sandy white beaches draw hordes of tourists these days, Cambodia's untouched and lesser-known islands are steadily gaining recognition as some of the most pristine and underrated gems in Asia.
A 45-minute speedboat ride from the mainland port, Song Saa Private Island (actually two adjacent islands), nestled in Cambodia's Koh Rong archipelago, is perhaps the most jaw-dropping of this Cambodian surge. Overwater villas on stilts and an array of water-based experiences harken to what you might usually find in the Maldives, but the resort here trades more on what’s intrinsically Cambodian. Boat trips to see the sparkling effects of bioluminescent plankton at night are perhaps the most special.
Worth noting too is the ownership: Song Saa is the brainchild of Australian couple Rory and Melita Hunter, and it’s the rare private island hotel without a major hospitality brand in the name.
Book Song Saa Private Island on the MICHELIN Guide →
COMO Maalifushi is the iconic Maldives experience writ large.
COMO Maalifushi
Thaa Atoll, MaldivesA sublime 60-minute seaplane from Malé International Airport brings you to COMO Maalifushi, the epitome of the iconic Maldives experience. Certain suites and villas stand on stilts off a jetty that juts into the ocean. Others sit beachside around their own private pools, their thatched roofs the picture of tropical paradise under the trees. Come here, in particular, for COMO’s renowned Shambhala spa, part of a family that’s quite rightly regarded as among the world’s finest.
It's a remarkable and secluded getaway, with experiences that only add to it: book a fully catered picnic for a trip to another, smaller private island nearby.
Book COMO Maalifushi on the MICHELIN Guide →
At Raffles Udaipur, the rare lakeside private island.
Raffles Udaipur
Udai Sagar Lake, IndiaA 20-minute drive from Maharana Pratap Airport and a short boat ride from shore, Raffles Udaipur is the rare lake-bound private island. Unlike those on stilts in the ocean, this one’s a regal mansion designed like a grand country estate — its architecture is all stately columns and marble, with opulent rooms and public spaces filled with Indian artwork.
Instead of snorkeling and diving, activities include archery, shooting, or treks to the historic temple just off-site. It’s not cheap, but it’s comparable to the other luxury hotels in Udaipur — and one with an unforgettable setting.
Book Raffles Udaipur on the MICHELIN Guide →
Banana Island Resort is among the most accessible private island hotels in the world.
Banana Island Resort
Banana Island, Doha, QatarThe private island on which this Anantara Resort sits was once a modest strip of stand used by local fisherman. It is now home to perhaps the most action-packed hotel on this list. There’s the beach, of course — and many accommodations here gaze out over the sea and lagoon. But they’ve also built their own adventure park (complete with zipline, climbing walls, and rope course), massive wave pool for surf lessons, and one of the most expansive hammams in Doha.
Hotel guests will be able to make the most of the activities on Banana Island, but those in the area can buy a day pass, too. A room here is often available for around $300, among the most affordable private island hotels in our selection, and guests arrive via a convenient, half hour ride on a private catamaran.
Book Banana Island Resort on the MICHELIN Guide →
The Aman Resorts have come to represent pure luxury travel.
Amanpulo
Pamalican Island, PhilippinesA room will run you over $1000 per night, but when you land from your 90-minute private flight from Manila, it's at one of the most luxurious tropical destinations in the world. In a country with over 7,000 islands and islets, Aman transformed one of the Philippines' most gorgeous into the home of Amanpulo, a 60-room resort divided into casitas and villas set around powdery white sands and private swimming pools.
Guests scuba dive and kite surf, snorkel and kayak, catch a glimpse of nesting turtles, or simply walk barefoot around the beaches of an island dedicated just their resort. To give a sense of the activities here, consider one option: a chartered helicopter ride to visit a nearby pearl farm on yet another island.
Book Amanpulo on the MICHELIN Guide →
Hero image: Amanpulo
