Is Asia on your must-visit list? If so, you won’t be alone with millions of tourists flocking to this part of the globe. China, in particular, is the fourth-most visited country in the world. For many travelers, Asia is part of the backpacking trail; however, this diverse continent has so much to offer the luxury traveler, and the more you have to spend, the more incredible your experience. Here are some of the most expensive luxury travel destinations in Asia.
Shanghai
Known as the Paris of the East in its twenties’ heyday, its name still evokes images of glamour and decadence. Located on the east coast, China’s largest city has emerged as the epicenter of commerce and finance. With its futuristic skyline and a rich history rooted in its past as a port and a shelter for refugees during the World Wars, Shanghai is a place of many contrasts.
The city’s food scene is fast becoming one to be reckoned with, with 40 Michelin-starred restaurants including the multi-sensory immersive dining experience at Ultraviolet, where the mouth-watering 20 course tasting menu comes with an eye-watering price.
The beautiful Art Deco architecture is best enjoyed on foot and it’s a safe city to explore this way. British tourists will find the exchange rate gives them slightly less for their money than European and US travelers, with 8.97 Chinese yuan to the pound, compared to 7.99 yuan and 7.01 respectively.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is the third most expensive city for expats to live and consequently, it’s a very expensive place to travel – you could expect to pay over £6 for a coffee. You get 9.81 Hong Kong dollars to the pound, whereas US travelers can expect to get 7.75 Hong Kong dollars for their dollar.
Although travel to Hong Kong is not currently recommended to travel due to the political unrest, the city has a lot to offer the traveler. Home to a number of luxury hotels and fantastic restaurants, afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel is a revered tradition and a must-do on your visit. Or take a moonlit cruise along Victoria Harbour in a traditional red-sail junk boat and marvel at the spectacular Hong Kong shoreline with a cocktail in hand.
Singapore
Singapore is now the seventh most-expensive place in the world for expats to live, thanks to the rise in strength of the Singapore dollar. An estimated one in six households in Singapore have at least a million dollars in disposable income and the millionaire population is expected to grow to 363,000 by 2024, so it goes without saying that this sovereign island state off the coast of Malaysia is an expensive place to visit.
Singapore has a vibrant nightlife to explore. But it can be costly to eat and drink, especially if you want to treat yourself to dinner in one of the 44 Michelin-starred restaurants.
There are lots of luxury hotels to choose from, but for the ultimate in splendor, a stay in the Raffles Singapore can’t be beat. Famous as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, the Raffles has been newly renovated and makes for a truly luxurious base to explore Singapore.
Once you’ve soaked up the all the fun of the city, head out to the environs for the stunning Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dubai
One of the top tourist destinations in Asia, Dubai has become a by-word for luxury. Known for its extravagant architecture, high-end shopping and opulent royal residences, millions come to Dubai each year to experience a taste of pure decadence. It’s a safe country to visit, but tourists must take care to adhere to local laws and sensibilities.
As for the exchange rate, £1 will get you 4.65 dirham, 1 euro equals 4.15 and the US dollar will get you well 1.13 dirham. There are no end of luxury experiences to spend your money on, whether that’s dining at At.Mosphere, the world’s tallest restaurant, shopping for jewellery at Deira’s Gold Souq or escaping the bustle of the city for a night under the stars in a Bedouin camp.
Tokyo
Sensory-smashing Tokyo, with its skyscrapers and hi-tech dining, contrasted with beautiful temples and shrines has no shortage of luxury experiences.
If you like high-end shopping, then a trip to the Ginza shopping district will provide you with the perfect outlet to indulge yourself. You can even get your purchases delivered to your hotel for the ultimate experience.
With 226 and counting, Tokyo has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, including the three-starred Kadowaki. And make sure to have a cocktail in the New York Bar on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt, which had a starring role in the film Lost in Translation.
Not all beautiful things in Tokyo are expensive, however. One must-do experience is to ride the shinkasen, Japan’s high-speed trains which connect Tokyo with most of the country’s major cities. And if you’re visiting in the spring, you won’t fail to miss the spectacular cherry blossom (sakura) that blooms this time of year.
