Journey to Asia: An elevated passage through Singapore, India, and Japan
Discover captivating bucket list getaways in Asia that promise to tap into all your senses.
By Alina Dizik | July 3, 2025
When it comes to immersing yourself in the thrills of Asia, go beyond the guidebook. The region’s most storied hotels combine some of the best service in the world with culturally rich experiences that anchor you in place. Whether you’re exploring Japanese wellness sanctuaries, ancient Hindu temples, or tasting your way through Singapore’s eclectic culinary landscape, these destinations promise to captivate and have you coming back from more.
Ancient retreat
Japan’s centuries-old wellness culture is still thriving at its secluded mountainside retreats. Just north of Kyoto at the foot of the mountains, a serene getaway awaits at ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Guests can unwind in the year-round onsen-thermal pool at The Roku Spa following soothing spa treatments. The hotel's bespoke rooms bring nature to the forefront with forest and river views, oversized soaking tubs, and local hinoki cypress finishes. Discover the Zen of traditional Japanese arts during the hotel’s washi paper making or Kintsugi experiences, where you revive broken pottery with gold and lacquer. You can even partake in a traditional tea ceremony at Roku Kyoto’s Tea House or savor an immersive dining experience at Tenjin Chef’s Table, where nature-inspired dishes are crafted before your eyes. A 15-minute drive from the hotel brings you to Kyoto’s center, where you can wander among Shinto shrines, hushed teahouses, and winding alleyways.
City chic
As the most populus metropolis in the world, nothing can match Tokyo’s fast-paced energy. Consider Conrad Tokyo as your tranquil yet well-connected home base. The hotel is located in the sleek Shiodome skyscraper, next to its namesake subway station. Expand your understanding of Japanese artwork by touring the hotel’s impressive contemporary art collection before finding your calm at Mitzuki Spa & Fitness, where you can melt away stress with invigorating massage treatments or one-on-one yoga classes. Indulge in an exquisite dining experience at China Blue, which features locally sourced ingredients and stunning views of Tokyo Bay. The hotel’s concierge can arrange for a private Zen meditation session guided by a priest from a Zen temple to help you on your wellness journey.
Foodie delights
Sometimes referred to as Tokyo’s more down-to-earth cousin, Osaka has enthralled travelers with its street food and experimental culinary scene for decades. Before trying the city’s renowned cuisine, check into Waldorf Astoria Osaka for a perfectly calibrated experience. Located in the modern Umekita district, the hotel is surrounded by walkable streets lined with cafés and boutiques. Start your dining journey at Tsukimi, where a contemporary approach to traditional Japanese cuisine is crafted at your table, or enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant day-to-night lounge, Peacock Alley. When you need a break between meals, unwind with a treatment at the Waldorf Astoria Spa or take a dip in the hotel’s indoor pool. Meanwhile, at Conrad Osaka, the gastronomical delights are as impressive as the bold art installations inspired by the local culture and natural landscapes. Savor a seafood feast at C Grill or indulge in a traditional teppanyaki meal as the chef prepares dishes right in front of you at Kura. For a different taste of Japan, soak in a hot bath infused with ingredients like green tea or yuzu at Conrad Spa.
Into the future
Singapore, the futuristic city-state, is a melting pot of cultures. Chinese and Hindu temples stand alongside sleek skyscrapers, colorful shophouses, and some of the world’s most innovative architecture. If you’re looking forward to Singapore’s world-renownd shopping, consider a stay at Conrad Singapore Orchard. The fashion hot spot of Orchard Road is just a block away. Back at the hotel, retreat to modern rooms, dine on Michelin-starred Cantonese classics at Summer Palace, or sip a cocktail at Manhattan, a dimly lit 1920s-inspired bar. Traveling with the family? Stay at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay for a city retreat. Overlooking Marina Bay, the 31-floor hotel has some of Singapore’s most spacious rooms and free kids breakfast options.
Cultural mecca
A visit to Pune, a sprawling city in India’s western Maharashtra state, is sure to ignite all your senses. For an elevated stay near the hip Koregaon Park neighborhood, check into Conrad Pune. The hotel is an easy hop to the city’s top sights, which highlight India’s complex history, and the concierge can direct you to must-see spots. Don’t skip Pune’s Aga Khan Palace, a 19-acre (7.6 hectare) complex which houses the Gandhi National Memorial Society and gives visitors a glimpse of Mahatma Gandhi’s former quarters. Or stop at the Raja Dinkar Kelkar museum, which houses more than 20,000 ancient artifacts, including kitchenware, musical instruments, and traditional tobacco pipes. Head back to the hotel to enjoy city views from the stunning outdoor pool. End the night at Masu, a cocktail bar at Conrad Pune, which features Bollywood-style DJ sets.
Urban unwind
India’s Bengaluru (also known as Bangalore) is often dubbed the country’s Silicon Valley — and rightfully so. Known for its colonial architecture, thriving café scene, and vibrant street markets, it’s easy to understand why the city attracts the country’s top tech talent. While there, make Conrad Bengaluru your ultimate escape. This Central Business District hotel has unforgettable views of Ulsoor Lake, wellness amenities, a rooftop infinity pool, and a mix of both international and local dining options. Visit Indian Durbar for a taste of time-honored curry and tandoori specialties. Reach peak relaxation at Conrad Spa, where the signature Grounding Ritual will help ease tired muscles during a two-hour-long skin treatment that uses locally sourced sandalwood oil and hot healing herbs. During your stay, don’t miss the nearby entertainment and shopping options around the famous MG Road and Brigade Road Junction.
Alina Dizik
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends, and dining. She lives in Chicago and has previously lived in New York, Europe, and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. Alina has visited more than 50 countries, and her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian, and other top publications.
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