Asia’s Rise in Global Hospitality: Inside the 2025 World’s Best Hotels List

As global travel continues to recover in 2025, The World’s 50 Best Hotels has revealed its third annual list—redefining what “ultimate hospitality” means in the modern world. but also symbolizes Asia’s growing dominance in the international luxury hotel scene.

Asia Takes the Lead in Global Luxury

This year’s list spans six continents and 22 destinations, with 20 hotels from Asia—an unmistakable sign of the region’s growing influence. From Tokyo and Bangkok to Hong Kong, Asian cities are increasingly celebrated for their ability to blend cultural depth with contemporary design, offering experiences that resonate deeply with today’s discerning travelers.

Rosewood Hong Kong, opened in 2019 and designed by Tony Chi, has become a modern icon of urban sophistication. Its infinity pool overlooking Victoria Harbour, the holistic Asaya wellness center, and the secluded Asaya Lodges transform luxury into a restorative experience. Rising from No.3 in 2024 to the No.1 position this year, it was also named The Best Hotel in Asia.

Within the hotel, DarkSide—a bar renowned for its moody jazz ambiance and exceptional spirits—continues to shine internationally. Ranked No.17 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and No.49 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021, DarkSide has become a symbol of Hong Kong’s sophisticated nightlife, where vintage craftsmanship meets modern elegance.

At No.2, the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River delivers serene riverside luxury in the heart of the city’s creative district. Its signature venue, BKK Social Club, ranks No.49 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and No.19 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, drawing inspiration from 1920s Buenos Aires. Known for its art deco interiors and Latin-infused cocktails, it has quickly become one of Bangkok’s most celebrated bars.

Meanwhile, Capella Bangkok (No.3) balances lush riverside gardens with understated elegance. Its stylish bar Stella, blending café sophistication and cocktail artistry, has been praised as one of the city’s most distinctive high-end drinking spots. Together, these three hotels define Bangkok and Hong Kong as twin capitals of modern Asian luxury—where design, culture, and service merge seamlessly.

A Dialogue of Luxury: Tokyo and Hong Kong

Tokyo continues to impress, with four properties on the list: Bulgari Tokyo (No.15), Aman Tokyo (No.25), Janu Tokyo (No.37), and The Tokyo Edition Toranomon (No.45)—each reflecting Japan’s mastery of minimalism and precision. Kyoto’s Hotel The Mitsui (No.46) also makes an appearance, proving that tranquility and detail remain the soul of Japanese hospitality.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s trio—Rosewood (No.1), The Upper House (No.10), and Mandarin Oriental (No.41)—showcases distinct interpretations of urban luxury. From art museum–like architecture to sky-high sanctuaries of calm, Hong Kong continues to demonstrate its ability to blend global sophistication with emotional subtlety.

Europe Holds Tradition, Asia Drives Innovation

Europe maintains a strong presence with 17 hotels. Italy’s Passalacqua (No.4) not only ranks highest in the region but also wins the Best Boutique Hotel Award, thanks to its lakeside intimacy and timeless charm. Yet compared to Asia’s inventive and sustainability-driven approach, Europe’s strength lies in its historical continuity.

In Asia, Desa Potato Head (No.18) in Bali received the Eco Hotel Award, becoming the region’s first carbon-neutral hospitality brand, while Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing (No.14) earned the Nikka Best New Hotel Award, highlighting China’s growing presence in the boutique luxury space. These accolades reflect an evolution in Asian hospitality—where sustainability and creativity are now core values, not afterthoughts.

Design and Spirit: The New Philosophy of Hospitality

The newly introduced Johnnie Walker Art of Design Award went to Singita – Kruger National Park (No.40) in South Africa, celebrating sensory innovation that pushes the boundaries of architecture and experience. From African wilderness retreats to Asia’s cosmopolitan landmarks, the competition has shifted beyond physical opulence to encompass narrative, emotion, and sustainability.

Another special honor, the SevenRooms Icon Award, was presented to American hotel visionary Ian Schrager, who co-founded Studio 54 and pioneered the concept of boutique hotels in the 1980s. Through projects like The Royalton, Delano, and Edition Hotels, Schrager’s influence continues to shape the DNA of modern hospitality worldwide.

Integrity Behind the Rankings

The World’s 50 Best Hotels list is curated by more than 800 experts from across the industry—including travel journalists, hoteliers, educators, and frequent travelers. To ensure fairness, the process is independently audited by Deloitte, with all votes confidential and insulated from commercial influence.

Beyond the rankings, this system mirrors a broader shift in global travel—from conspicuous luxury to experiential authenticity. In today’s landscape, being the “best hotel” is no longer about marble lobbies or brand prestige, but about finding harmony between design, culture, and sustainability.

The Golden Decade of Asian Hospitality

From Hong Kong’s Rosewood to Bangkok’s Four Seasons and Capella, Asia’s ascendancy is no coincidence—it’s the result of a long-term synthesis of creativity, cultural depth, and market maturity. This year’s list doesn’t just celebrate post-pandemic recovery; it signals a redefinition of global luxury.

True luxury is no longer a symbol of price—it is an expression of emotion and purpose.

As a new generation of travelers seek meaningful, sustainable, and locally inspired experiences, Asia is poised to lead the world into the next era of hospitality excellence. The 2025 list stands as both a reflection and a promise of that future.

👉 View the full list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025

source: www.theworlds50best.com