From Japan’s historic geisha district to Dubai’s majestic Arabian desert, Asia's cultural diversity is so vast that exploring even a fraction of it could fill a lifetime — and we could write dozens of books on one region alone, on top of what already exists.
But simply reading about a destination doesn't compare to immersing yourself in its culture — an essential step for every traveller who wants to truly understand a place. For those unsure where to start, these hotels offer unique and authentic cultural experiences in their respective locations.
Bab Al Shams in Dubai offers stargazing excursions at the sand dunes. (Photo: Bab Al Shams)
UAE: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Just an hour away from bustling Dubai, amidst a classic Arabian landscape, lies Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa — a secluded retreat nestled within windswept dunes.
While the property's plush and spacious rooms and suites tempt guests to indulge in five-star hospitality indoors, the desert beckons — especially, when you’ve got camel trekking, falconry, dune biking, archery, hot air ballooning, and stargazing on the cards. Besides, there's ample opportunity to savour the desert sanctuary during leisure moments. What better way to immerse oneself in the golden dunes and Arabian history than by living out adventurous experiences firsthand?
Book Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa on the MICHELIN Guide →
Don't pass up on the boat tours at Banyan Tree Hangzhou! (Photo: Banyan Tree Hangzhou)
China: Banyan Tree Hangzhou
Hangzhou, home to scenic West Lake panoramas and lush hills cherished by poets and emperors for centuries, is a marvel waiting to be explored. If you're staying at Banyan Tree Hangzhou, don't miss the opportunity to book a three-day sightseeing tour of the region — it’s a perfect itinerary for first-timers.
The property offers a scenic sculling boat ride around Xixi Wetland to visit Lingyin Temple and Baochu Pagoda, followed by a tour of West Lake Classic, featuring authentic villages, boat trips, and temples.
Book Banyan Tree Hangzhou on the MICHELIN Guide →
Experience the Bat Trang Ceramics Village through Capella Hanoi's offerings. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Vietnam: Capella Hanoi
Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, merges French, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences, boasting rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene.
The Bill Bensley-designed Capella Hanoi, one of the newest additions opening in 2022, has swiftly set a new benchmark for luxury properties in the region as the region’s hotel scene continues to grow. Designed to evoke the spirit of the roaring twenties in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Bensley’s vision for Capella Hanoi celebrates the emotion of opera through boutique design. Guests can curate their experiences with the help of a Capella Culturist, from porcelain and ceramic-making at Bat Trang Village, to Vietnamese lacquer painting.
Book Capella Hanoi on the MICHELIN Guide →
Immerse yourself in old world Kyoto through the Four Seasons. (Photo: Four Seasons Kyoto)
Japan: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan's cultural heartland, boasts temples, serene gardens, traditional teahouses, and a history intertwined with the imperial family spanning over a millennium. At Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, nestled around Shakusui-en — an 800-year-old heritage pond garden — and in close proximity to lesser-known temples, guests can fully immerse themselves in a variety of Japanese traditions.
Experience the world of the geisha, known as geiko and maiko in the Kyoto dialect, with an Ozashiki Asobi evening of traditional entertainment in one of Kyoto's historic geisha districts, called hanamachi (flower towns). Other offerings include lessons on wearing traditional kimono or yukata, and guided tours of Kyoto via the hotel's rickshaws.
Book Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto on the MICHELIN Guide →
A Chiang Mai Elephant (Photo: Shutterstock)
Thailand: Raya Heritage
Nestled in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Thailand's northern region, Raya Heritage is dubbed as Thailand’s first “artisanal” resort — and it follows through with its promise. It offers a comprehensive experience that immerses guests in the region's rich heritage, incorporating local craftspeople to create unique furniture pieces, artefacts, and accessories that reflect the area's simple charm and historical character.
To enhance your familiarity with the surroundings, the hotel facilitates temple and market excursions, village tours, elephant interactions, jungle treks, rock climbing, and rafting adventures — all meticulously arranged through a personalised itinerary.
Book Raya Heritage on the MICHELIN Guide →
Embark on various mountainous expeditions through Santani Wellness Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Sri Lanka: Santani Wellness Resort & Spa
Kandy, the final capital of the Sinhalese monarchy from 1469 to 1818 and a UNESCO-listed city, blends sacred landmarks, tea plantations, and biodiverse rainforest in its offerings. Santani Wellness Resort & Spa promises a peaceful and restorative stay — with Ayurveda, detox, and yoga programmes on offer — and an abundance of experiences to understand the region better.
For tea enthusiasts, the Hatale Tea Factory is a must as you can immerse yourself in the art of tea-making amidst scenic plantations. Afterwards, take a leisurely downhill stroll through jungle canopies teeming with monkeys to reach the serene Narampanawa Temple.
Book Santani Wellness Resort & Spa on the MICHELIN Guide →
The Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National Park is part of Six Senses Fort Barwara's experience offerings. (Photo: Shutterstock)
India: Six Senses Fort Barwara
In the historic state of Rajasthan, maharajas once ruled amidst medieval forts and palaces — but what if we told you that you could explore all this and more with Six Senses Fort Barwara?
As a regal base for exploring the diverse activities and delights of the region, this sustainability-driven hotel — a fortified 14th-century Rajasthani fort — embraces the treasures of ancient India. Located just a 30-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park, visitors can embark on safaris to encounter the region's wild tigers, and experience a heritage and rewilding walk to discover the resort's horticulture, followed by a Temple Puja ceremony for blessings.
Book Six Senses Fort Barwara on the MICHELIN Guide →
Cultural experiences are often the highlight of travellers' journeys, particularly when hotels offer expertly curated itineraries, leveraging their deep regional knowledge to streamline the planning process. Situated in extraordinary destinations, these hotels not only facilitate but elevate the exploration, promising each guest an unforgettable journey enriched with cultural depth and discovery.
