Hidden Gems from Komodo to Nepal
Asia
Enchanting island escapes, misty rainforests, and landscapes straight out of a dream – Asia is a nonstop bucket list for luxury travelers. And while some destinations are already stealing the spotlight, Southeast Asia is still full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Looking to surprise your clients with something a little more under the radar? Here are a few of our current favorites that deserve a spot on their next itinerary.
Hidden Gems from Komodo to Nepal
Asia
Enchanting island escapes, misty rainforests, and landscapes straight out of a dream – Asia is a nonstop bucket list for luxury travelers. And while some destinations are already stealing the spotlight, Southeast Asia is still full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Looking to surprise your clients with something a little more under the radar? Here are a few of our current favorites that deserve a spot on their next itinerary.
Borneo Eagle Resort, Malaysia
Very remote: The Borneo Eagle Resort is located on the national park island of Pulau Tiga off the coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah. It can be reached by speedboat from the peninsula Kuala Penyu. What kind of client would love it here? Nature fans who appreciate luxury! There is a house reef in front of the resort for snorkeling. Diving and snorkeling excursions can also be booked. Those who prefer to stay on land can enjoy the flora and fauna on a guided hike. Potential and insta-worthy destinations: the two volcanic mud pools. The resort itself is absolutely boutique-level with its 13 one-bedroom villas in three categories. All accommodation offers sea views, with space ranging from 1,840 square feet (Pool Villa) to 3,100 square feet in the Spa Villa. Among other things, the villas are equipped with an included minibar that is refilled daily, a Nespresso machine, a bathroom with a rain shower and luxury amenities, a Bose home theater and a spa area. Why this? If clients book a treatment, they don't need to go anywhere – the therapists will come to the villa. When it comes to cuisine, the Borneo Eagle Resort focuses on local organic produce grown on the owner's farms on the mainland. Fish is also served – all in a mix of Asian and Western dishes. Good to know: A service ambassador is always on hand for guests, and yacht charters are also available.
Trade contact: Junei Voo, Senior Sales Manager
Fenides Liveaboard, Komodo & Raja Ampat
All aboard and off you go on an island adventure! On board the traditional Phinisi ship Fenides from Fenides Liveaboard, guests can explore the island world of Indonesia from the water. Luxury and elegance extend over three decks, with space for eleven passengers. The Fenides has been cruising on various routes since 2019 and is equipped to provide highlights for water sports enthusiasts. Professional diving equipment, SUP boards, wakeboards, fishing equipment, snorkels and diving goggles as well as kayaks are available on board. The shore excursions also have it all: visits to the protected Komodo National Park are possible with the chance of many cool animal sightings as well as excursions to local communities. Special beach barbecues on secluded beaches and hikes on the islands visited are also organized by the crew. On special voyages, the focus is on surfers who are looking for – and will find – the best waves in Indonesia. Accommodation on board the Fenides is in chic cabins furnished in light colors and with lots of dark wood. Three categories are available for booking: Master Suite, Double Cabin, and Twin Cabin. There are dining areas both inside and outside, as well as sun decks, a saloon and an air-conditioned camera and editing room for the photo enthusiasts on board.
Trade contact: Lorena Vazquez, Fenides-Team
DISPLAY - Discover Asia anew - with tailor-made luxury trips to Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and India. Away from the crowds, close to the extraordinary: Select Luxury Travel opens doors to hidden treasures - from private junk trips in Vietnam to palace stays in India. Hand-picked experiences, iconic hideaways and genuine expertise make every trip unique. Our trips are no ordinary luxury trips - they are works of art. With great sensitivity, in-depth know-how and uncompromising dedication, we create unforgettable experiences for your customers. Travel agencies benefit from attractive commissions and a dedicated team.
Kontakt: Alexander Chongkolnee, Senior Product Manager Asien
Silolona Sojourns, Indonesien
Silolona Sojourns, a provider of private sailing trips, operates two wooden ships in Southeast Asia, available exclusively for charters – and they’ve been doing it for over 20 years. Until recently, only the Silolona with five cabins was part of the fleet. Now, the slightly smaller Si Datu Bua with three cabins has joined, built by the founder’s son, who was so inspired by the family business that he studied shipbuilding himself. For summer, Silolona Sojourns has designed two special itineraries for families. Nature lovers can explore the Komodo archipelago with hikes and up-close encounters with the famous Komodo dragons. For those interested in culture, the route from Eastern Flores to Alor includes a visit to the Abui people, who welcome guests with ceremonial dances. These trips run from June through September. Night dives are included and available on all routes, with top dive sites in Flores, Alor, Raja Ampat, Banda, and Cendrawasih Bay. Other water activities like SUP, kayaking, wakeboarding, water skiing, and snorkeling are also offered. And when it’s time to refuel, guests are treated to gourmet meals by a team of private chefs who know exactly how to impress.
Trade contact: Chariskha Lidwyanthi, Marketing Specialist
Siri Sala, Thailand
A hideaway in the heart of the city – with space for just ten guests: Siri Sala is a private Thai-style villa that turns a stay in Bangkok into something truly special. Only one group is booked at a time, so guests enjoy total privacy and plenty of comfort. The villa features four permanent suites, plus two flexible rooms that can be used as bedrooms, a spa, a game room or even an office. Tucked away in the peaceful Bangkok Noi district right on the Chao Phraya River, Siri Sala is accessible by car or boat. It took five years to build, with a strong focus on sustainability – original elements like doors and windows from the century-old structure that once stood on the site were carefully restored and reused in each room. Siri Sala is the only private villa available for buy-outs in Bangkok, which makes it a standout. The design blends traditional Thai architecture with modern comforts, creating a truly serene urban retreat. The buy-out includes a long list of perks: an open kitchen for guest use or private chef service, a 65 feet saltwater pool, tropical garden, bar, a villa manager and a spa room. Guests can also book a van with driver or a private boat and crew.
Kontakt für Reiseprofis: Irma Go, Owner
Expo Osaka 2025
Expo Osaka 2025 just started! Until October 13, the World Expo will take place in Osaka, Japan. Theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." A total of 160 countries will be represented, with around 150 pavilions – most of them national, including some co-hosted ones like the one from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. In addition to country exhibits, several companies will present their own pavilion, and there will be eight thematic pavilions focusing on global challenges and innovations.
The venue itself is a visual highlight. The Expo grounds are located on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay. At the heart of it all is the Grand Roof Ring, an enormous circular wooden structure with a 213 feet diameter and a height of 65 feet. Designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, it’s now the largest wooden building in the world and is meant to symbolize global unity.
Over the course of the 184-day event, organizers expect around 28 million visitors, with about 90 percent coming from Japan and the remainder from around the globe. Daily events and activities will take place on-site, offering something new each day. Tickets are now available.
The Happy House, Nepal
Set in a 16th-century building that has weathered centuries of history, the property was recently restored with great care and attention to detail. Its name? Inspired by none other than adventurer Sir Edmund Hillary, who once called it his "Happy Place" – and the nickname stuck. Today, guests can choose between ten different rooms that skip the usual hotel frills like TVs, telephones, and minibars. But don’t worry, there’s Wi-Fi. What gives The Happy House its charm are the vibrant, hand-painted walls done in traditional local style, while the guest rooms themselves are sleek and modern. A cozy touch: every bed comes with a luxuriously soft cashmere blanket. A team of over 30 staff members is on hand to make each stay personal, and meals are cooked and served according to guests’ preferences. If your clients feel like it, they can even join the kitchen team to learn a few Nepalese recipes. The house also features a spacious living area with two fireplaces, a small spa, and a dedicated yoga and meditation center. Guests can choose from a huge variety of activities including scenic hikes, overnight stays in a Beyul camp, visits to local monasteries, and trips to the Beyul Arts Center, where Nepalese artists showcase their work. A truly special place worth discovering!
Trade contact: Ang Tshering Lama, Experience Expert
The Vietage Train by Anantara, Vietnam
Traveling in style is always an option in Vietnam – especially aboard The Vietage Train by Anantara. Running along the scenic coastline, it connects Danang and Quy Nhon, as well as Quy Nhon and Nha Trang. The train features two elegant carriages with just twelve seats each, plus a stylish bar complete with bar stools for a laid-back vibe. Depending on the route, guests are treated to different culinary experiences: a three-course dinner on the evening journey to Danang, and a beautifully curated afternoon tea on the way to Nha Trang. No matter the direction, drinks flow throughout – wine, cocktails, beers, coffee, and tea are all included. A relaxing 15-minute neck and shoulder massage is part of the experience, too. For those traveling to Danang and wanting a bit more rest, one of the Sleeper Booths can be reserved. The Vietage is perfect for Anantara guests looking to seamlessly connect the Anantara Hoi An Resort and the ultra-exclusive Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, which has just 26 beach villas. With The Vietage, the brand’s signature service carries over beautifully between both properties. That said, the train ride alone is reason enough to hop aboard – the coastal route along the South China Sea offers breathtaking views.
Trade contact: Ly Bui Hoa, Area Director of Sales Vietnam
+ + + Fact check: Earthquake situation in Bangkok + + +
On March 28, an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck the region around Mandalay in Myanmar, with tremors felt as far as Bangkok. While Myanmar – already struggling due to civil unrest – suffered severe damage and over 3,000 fatalities, Bangkok was largely spared. Apart from the tragic collapse of a high-rise under construction, which claimed several lives, no major damage was reported. Tourism experts currently in the country say hotel operations returned to normal shortly after safety checks were completed.
Expo Osaka 2025
Expo Osaka 2025 just started! Until October 13, the World Expo will take place in Osaka, Japan. Theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." A total of 160 countries will be represented, with around 150 pavilions – most of them national, including some co-hosted ones like the one from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. In addition to country exhibits, several companies will present their own pavilion, and there will be eight thematic pavilions focusing on global challenges and innovations. The venue itself is a visual highlight. The Expo grounds are located on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay. At the heart of it all is the Grand Roof Ring, an enormous circular wooden structure with a 213 feet diameter and a height of 65 feet. Designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, it’s now the largest wooden building in the world and is meant to symbolize global unity. Over the course of the 184-day event, organizers expect around 28 million visitors, with about 90 percent coming from Japan and the remainder from around the globe. Daily events and activities will take place on-site, offering something new each day. Tickets are now available.
DISPLAY - For customers who value good cuisine, Los Cabos, a destination known the world over for its culinary delights and sustainability, is just right! For the first time, the restaurant scene has been awarded 18 Michelin Guide stars. The gourmet restaurant Grand Velas Los Cabos received its first star and the farm-to-table farms Flora Fields and Acre are among the first to be awarded a Green Star. Exquisite cuisine combined with outstanding hotels, charming towns, diverse landscapes and activities - what more could a destination offer?
Mehr Informationen unter info@majunkesales.com oder auf Visit Los Cabos.
Let's ask the industry:
Do hidden gems always have to be hotels?
"Asia has long been a key destination for Art of Travel clients, though demand can fluctuate significantly. Right now, Japan is booming, while interest in China has dropped sharply compared to pre-Covid levels. Asia is a fantastic region for luxury travel, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. In some places, luxury means a private pool villa with a personal butler – nowhere else is the staff-to-guest ratio as high as in much of Asia. For me, true luxury also lies in aesthetics – design, atmosphere, and the feeling a hotel evokes. The sheer number of world-class restaurants makes Asia a paradise for food-loving luxury travelers too. When it comes to hidden gems, social media has changed the game. Just because something is popular online doesn’t mean it can’t still feel special. Hidden gems are deeply personal. For one traveler, it might be a champagne breakfast after a helicopter ride to a remote temple. For another, it's an hour of meditation with a Buddhist monk. I’ve just returned from Raja Ampat in Indonesia – truly one of the most beautiful trips I’ve ever taken. The real challenge in crafting luxury experiences is figuring out which gems actually match the traveler. After all, just because something is exclusive and expensive doesn’t mean it’s the right fit."
Oliver Engelhardt, Product Manager Asia at Art of Travel