Suites Across Asia Fit for a President

From soaring penthouses soaking up iconic city skylines to private havens in the most coveted corner of a beachfront resort, we’ve put together a selection of suites at hotels and resorts across Asia fit for a president. Suites where guests trade summit meetings for summit views, and leave the motorcade and security detail behind to lap up a host of indulgent touches that ensure a stay lives up to the suite’s presidential billing.

Akin to a Private Residence in Chiang Mai’s Sky

Perched on Meliá Chiang Mai’s 20^th floor, The Level Presidential Suite makes for one of the highest and most exclusive vantage points in Northern Thailand, placing guests eye-to-eye with famed Doi Suthep mountain rising in the distance and above the Ping River winding through the city below. The remarkable two-bedroom and two bathroom-suite spans 113sqm and evokes the feel of a private residence in the sky. It is home to generous separate living and dining spaces, a king bed and two single beds, premium tea and coffee facilities, and design details that pay homage to Chiang Mai’s rich Lanna heritage, including striking sculptures reminiscent of traditional “tung sai moo” flags. The centrepiece of the spa-inspired master bathroom is a picture-perfect freestanding soaking tub. Guests staying in the Presidential Suite experience an upgraded level of service and benefits, including exclusive access to 21^st floor executive lounge The Level Lounge.

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Beachfront Wonderland in Krabi

Banyan Tree Krabi’s majestic Presidential Suite is known as the Presidential Pool Villa, and it enjoys pride of place directly in front of the beach with stunning vistas of the Andaman Sea. It can be reserved as a three-bedroom unit or combined with two adjoining family beachfront villas to create a 7-bedroom wonderland of saltwater pools, gardens, canals, and multiple balconies, as well as its own private swimming pool. Designed as a retreat for multigenerational family vacations and intimate wedding celebrations, the Presidential Villa commands no less than a palatial 1,240 sqm as a seven-bedroom arrangement. Renowned as a resort for wellness and romance, Banyan Tree Krabi provides immaculate service, including a personalized butler - a Banyan Tree Host - specially for the Presidential Suite.

Cinematic Glamour in Hanoi

Channel cinematic glamour and presidential poise in Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s Charlie Chaplin Suite, where the silent-film legend honeymooned in 1936 (later hosting figures like U.S. President Bill Clinton). Newly restored in the historic Heritage Wing, this 70 m² haven fuses French colonial sophistication with Vietnamese touches: separate living room, balcony overlooking Con Coc Park, king-sized bed, art-deco marble bathroom with French bathtub, and bespoke furnishings. Enjoy Metropole privileges—high tea, evening cocktails, and 24-hour majordome service—while soaking in Hanoi’s layered history (the Metropole celebrates its 125th anniversary this year) from a suite fit for stars and statesmen alike.

Regal Seclusion in Cambodia

The Royal Villa sprawls over 3,423-square-feet two-bedroom in a sanctuary set amid 15 acres of manicured French gardens at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Facing the Royal Palace and minutes from Angkor’s temples, the villa blends 1932 Art Deco heritage with Khmer elegance through four-poster beds, private terraces overlooking the landmark 35-meter pool, a personal butler, wine cellar, and living spaces featuring antiques and Cambodian art. The accommodation has hosted royalty and world leaders, offering privacy and refined colonial charm alongside effortless access to the ancient wonders.

Regal Views in Tokyo

At 210-square-metres in a city where hotel rooms can resemble shoeboxes, Palace Hotel Tokyo’s top suite is expansive. The views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and the city skyline beyond are enjoyed from wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that stream an abundance of natural light. Imbuing a sophisticated vibe, the suite is shaded in earthy tones and decorated with contemporary furnishings throughout. Its spacious living room and dining area are accented with hints of muted gold, soft greys and a splash of apricot, while warm hues of gold and aubergine intermingle in the master bedroom. The hotel’s top abode is a feast of design flourishes, from the hand-tufted carpets to its elegant marble work, exquisite silks and Japanese lacquer work. The art hung from the walls is not so much decorative (though it is that) as worthy of contemplation.

A Secluded Suite Showcasing Vietnamese Craftsmanship

In a quiet corner of the resort with sweeping views across Mui Ne’s beach and the East Sea, the Presidential Suite at The Anam Mui Ne spans 122sqm and features separate lounge and dining areas, a kitchenette, expansive balcony and spacious bathroom with a picture-perfect clawfoot bath. The suite is adorned with handcrafted timber furniture made from sustainably sourced Vietnamese wood, bespoke encaustic mosaic floor tiles from Binh Phuoc and artworks by acclaimed local artists. Guests also receive a range of exclusive privileges, including private in-room check-in, a personal concierge, in-room breakfast, a 60-minute spa treatment or healing sound therapy, afternoon tea and a flower bath experience.

A Private Terrace Above Hong Kong

In a city where space comes at a premium, a private terrace is one of Hong Kong’s rarest luxuries. Commanding the top floor of The Hari Hong Kong, The Hari Suite with Terrace offers 80sqm of remarkable indoor-outdoor living accompanied by sweeping views across Central, Victoria Harbour and The Peak. Rather than viewing Hong Kong through floor-to-ceiling glass, guests step outside to soak up the private terrace overlooking the city’s iconic skyline. A separate living room and bedroom create the feel of a stylish Hong Kong apartment. Inside interiors Imagined by renowned British designer Tara Bernerd result in the suite coupling marble finishes with plush velvet furnishings in rich jewel tones to balance a layered, contemporary design with an elegant, residential feel. A marble bathroom with a standalone soaking tub and enclosed walk-in rainforest shower, private bar, and a welcome bottle of Champagne are among indulgences that round out the experience.

A Presidential Perch Above The Gulf of Thailand

Occupying a prime position on the 11th floor of Meliá Pattaya Hotel, The Level Presidential Suite luxuriates over 125sqm and complements panoramic views across the Gulf of Thailand with bright, contemporary interiors inspired by its coastal setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the suite with natural light. A soft palette, abstract artworks referencing shells and the movement of the sea, and clean architectural lines create a calm, understated aesthetic. A generous living and dining area, kitchenette and two bedrooms make the suite especially suited to entertaining or extended stays. The Level privileges including exclusive lounge access, personalised service and private check-in add another layer of exclusivity.

Experience the Ultimate Vantage Point over Boracay’s White Beach

Perched at the pinnacle of The Lind Boracay, The Lind Suite offers one of the legendary Philippine island's most exclusive addresses, combining the privacy of a luxury residence with uninterrupted views across the powder-white sands and turquoise waters of White Beach. Designed for guests seeking space, seclusion and a true sense of escape, the expansive suite features a generous bedroom, separate living and dining areas, and a spacious balcony that serves as its showpiece. Here, a private dipping pool, day couch and sun loungers invite long, unhurried afternoons overlooking Boracay's celebrated coastline, whether basking in the sunshine or watching the sky turn gold at sunset.

by Jade Bilowol, Balcony Media Group www.balconymediagroup.com

Ouro Preto: The Golden Heart of Brazil

In Minas Gerais, a city built on gold keeps its history in plain sight: in the steep streets, soapstone façades and Baroque churches that still shape daily life.

“Lost in time” is one of travel writing’s most overworked descriptions. Ouro Preto, in the mountains of Minas Gerais, makes a more convincing case than most. Its past is not sealed behind museum glass. It rises along the hillsides in tiled roofs, church towers, fountains and narrow cobbled streets, while the city carries on around it.

Congo’s Sapeurs: the African dandies who dressed their way to fame

With brilliant suits, polished shoes and an unshakeable code of conduct, Congo’s Sapeurs turned dressing well into an act of dignity. Then a Guinness advertisement introduced their extraordinary world to millions.

Against the dusty streets of Brazzaville, a man steps out in a canary-yellow suit, scarlet socks and immaculate two-tone shoes. Another twirls a silver-topped cane while displaying the label inside his jacket. Their clothes may be flamboyant, but their expressions are deadly serious.

Dublin: A City That Remembers Everything Except the Time

The Importance of Being in Dublin

A spirited guide to a city where the pubs are literary, the statues talk back and Oscar Wilde still seems to have the last word. From Georgian squares and Gothic cathedrals to Guinness, gossip and glorious contradiction, Dublin proves that the only thing worse than visiting is not visiting at all.

 A guide for the modern traveller with your guide, Mr Oscar Wilde

Dublin is a city in which the past is never dead, merely late for an appointment. It wears history as some men wear a boutonnière conspicuously, charmingly, and with the faint suspicion that it has been borrowed. The Vikings founded it, the English governed it, the Irish reclaimed it and the tourists now photograph it from every possible angle, including several from which it has never looked its best.

Havana’s Costumbristas: The Living Colour of Old Havana

Walk through Old Havana and you’ll soon spot them: women in bright ruffled dresses, towering headwraps, heavy beads and theatrical smiles, often holding an oversized cigar or a basket of flowers. They are commonly known as costumbristas, street performers who dress in traditional or folkloric Cuban-inspired costume and pose for photos with visitors.

Australia's Famous Abandoned Resorts

 From Island Escapes to Casino Ruins

Once promoted as luxury playgrounds, family resorts and high-roller retreats, a string of Australian holiday properties now sit closed, derelict or awaiting redevelopment.

Across Australia, former holiday resorts that once drew families, celebrities and international visitors have been left empty, partially demolished or overtaken by vegetation.

Sofitel Targets Family Travel With Eight Winter Escape Ideas for Australians

As Australian families look for ways to escape the winter chill, Sofitel has highlighted eight family-friendly destinations across Europe, Asia, the Pacific, North America and Australia, showing how luxury hotels are adapting to multigenerational travel.

The collection ranges from no-flight city breaks in Sydney to tropical escapes in Fiji, Bali and Thailand, as well as culture-led stays in Paris, Munich and Montréal. Across participating properties, Sofitel is emphasising practical family features such as interconnecting rooms, family suites, children’s menus, babysitting services, kids’ activities and its Le Petit Prince-inspired family program. At selected hotels, families can also access 50 per cent off a second room for children.