Mystical Orient What You Seek is Seeking You

We’re people of the Orient. We know everything. And what we don’t know, we can sense. The romance of the mystical Orient, from its magical landscapes, philosophies, and traditions, has long captivated the imagination of the world. La Polo brings you an exclusive peek into the luxe trends of travel of the Orient… Read on!

Luxury Travel Trends 2025

Luxury travel in the Orient, aka Asia, holds many hidden gems and surprises for the discerning traveller, who would want a bespoke itinerary that ranges from immersive local experiences to premium experiences.

From a whopping 90% of tourists seeking spiritual and wellness tourism, it is no wonder that the Orient is the mainstay of great life philosophies and mysticism, with 67% of these travellers choosing this destination.

400% of the marked increase in luxury travel in Asia and the 2025 Asian traveller experience have brought down the total Asian expensive destination experience.

High net worth travellers are choosing international travel with family to exotic locales which offer unfamiliar gastronomical experiences that are rooted in local cultures and sustainable practices and reconnect with volunteering programmes which encourage travellers to contribute to raising socio-environmental issues that are unique to such regions.

Tibet: Spiritual Majesty Meets Iconic Retreats

The mystical land of Shambhala – Tibet – has always intrigued travellers for its inaccessibility due to its geographic location in earlier centuries and later geopolitical complexity; the latter seems to have waned with the passage of time and diplomatic demands, giving the 21st-century travellers a comfortable experience in the Roof of the World, from a trip to Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake to “Lhasa Impressions” tours that include a detailed tour of the famed Potala Palace and Drepung, the largest monastery.

The private Vedic spa ceremonies, private tours of the Potala Palace, and the mountain temple retreats are the main tourist activities that have become attractive to guests as cultural luxury experiences.

The Songtsam Linka Retreat, Lhasa; the St. Regis Lhasa Resort; the Hilton Shigatse; and the Shangri-La Lhasa are uber-luxurious accommodations, which most travellers prefer.

Luxury tours range from 7 to 10 days, at an average cost of USD 6000.

STAR RATING: 4.5/5 (TripAdvisor).

TIP: Carry a copy of the book or watch Brad Pitt’s Seven Years in Tibet, or for a more realistic understanding, watch “What Remains of Us”—filmed secretly over eight years, based on the Tibetan resistance movement.

TOUR TWIST- Getting a Chinese visa and then applying for a Tibetan Travel Permit, which cannot be done individually but through a travel company. Also, the “sky burial” isn’t for the faint-hearted!

South Korea: Urban Buzz & Tranquil Luxury

The capital city of South Korea, Seoul, is the heartbeat of modern Asia. An expanse of glass and steel shares space with ancient palaces and serene temples. Modern Seoul is home to some of the best hotels in the world—Forbes rating (92% traveller satisfaction)—the Signiel Seoul, Banyan Tree Club & Spa, and Josun Palace, as well as temple stays that provide mindfulness programmes. Urban chic combines with easy tradition: Michelin-starred, wonderful dining, private birthday parties, and hot-stone spas overlooking the Han River. This is where cultured poise meets city sophistication, an Oriental escape in its coolest, most modern form.

Luxury tours typically include 5-8 days with an average pricing of USD 5500.
STAR RATING: 4.6/5.0 (TripAdvisor)

TIP: Go during the spring bloom for cherry blossoms or during Seoul Fashion Week to enhance the overall experience of a wonderful culture.

Tour Twist: Google Maps doesn’t function well due to security restrictions, so if you’re planning to navigate without local apps, it could be tough!

Taiwan: Island of Wellness and Custom Tours

Taiwan is a haven for enthusiasts of health and wellness. The island pairs untainted natural beauty with its rich tea culture and invigorating natural hot springs. Having produced more than 17 million metric tonnes of tea in the last year, tea drinkers come here to experience tea masterclass tours and private tea experiences at the Alishan tea plantations.

As for the renowned Mandarin Oriental hotel in Taipei, they provide a luxurious experience, recalibrating the body-mind connection through their spa and wellbeing hysteria with its unique wellness journeys, holistic forest bathing, and gourmet vegetarian dining experiences at the five-star Lalu hotel at Sun Moon Lake.

Luxury tours vary in length from 6 to 9 days at an average cost of USD 5000.

STAR RATING: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews)

TIP: The Beitou hot spring region just outside of Taipei offers natural therapies that the royals have revered for thousands of years.

TOUR TWIST: Being a cash-centric economy, you may miss the ease of online and credit card transactions.

Vietnam: Heritage, Cuisine, and Bespoke Comfort

Vietnam remains captivating in its cultural duality—where enchanting French colonial charm meets all things bright and modern. A central aspect of the bespoke travel experience is Ha Long Bay private cruises, luxury journeys on the Vietage train, and cooking experiences like those in Hoi An.

Beautiful resorts such as Four Seasons Nam Hai and Amanoi offer indulgent experiences combining eco-luxury and cultural intimacy.

Luxury tours are custom and range from 7 to 10 days, with an average cost of USD 5000.

STAR RATING: 4.7 out of 5 stars (Google Reviews).

TIP: You might consider a river cruise with a private market excursion led by a master Vietnamese chef.

TOUR TWIST: If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you may find yourself craving a “pure” dish without nước mắm (fish sauce) and mắm tôm (shrimp paste), which are de rigueur!

Philippines: Beach Luxury and Exclusive Escapes

The Philippines—composed of 7,641 islands—is Asia’s jewel of private-island luxury. Amanpulo, El Nido Resorts, and Banwa Private Island reimagine barefoot luxury. Here, aquamarine lagoons and coral gardens provide paradise for those who seek privacy.

Travellers in luxury enjoy island-hopping on private yachts, underwater photography outings, and sustainable reef explorations, which are a part of ecologically minded tourism.

Luxury stays range from 6 to 9 days, or approximately USD 6000.

STAR RATING: 4.8/5 (Forbes).

TIP: Book beachfront villas as early as possible, as high season sells out quickly.

TOUR TWIST: Safety concerns such as petty crime and potential overcharging by dishonest taxi drivers may require patience and vigilance during the trip.

Luxury Travel Storytelling: Reviews & Ratings

Destination Avg. Rating Unique Experience 2024 Luxury Visitor Count Tibet 4.5/5 Spa rituals, Potala Palace tours 78,000 S. Korea 4.6/5 Urban retreats, culinary journeys 2.3 million Taiwan 4.6/5 Personalised wellness, gourmet excursions 1.4 million Vietnam 4.7/5 River cruises, food tours 1.8 million Myanmar 4.7/5 Balloon rides, lake resorts 1.2 million Philippines 4.8/5 Island resorts, eco-retreats 890,000

Experiential Travel in Asia: Curating Luxury

From ultra-luxe stays which boast the best bespoke experiences, 61% of high-end luxury villa bookings in 2024 were accompanied by requests for add-on amenities and decisions made early on.

Experiences include travel by private jets; the travel itinerary and route can be decided by the traveller.

High-End Vacation Inspiration: Where Else to Go?

In 2025, Asia is a tapestry of contradictions: towering cities, monasteries in the rising mountains, hidden beaches, and time that seems to stand still. Whether you want the calm of a tea ceremony, the glitz of a city, or the unwavering silence of a private island, Asia will continue to be the source of timeless travel inspiration.

Best Luxury Travel Destinations in Asia 2025

Whether you are looking for an urban oasis or a getaway in a temple, the region invites every traveller to come and soak in its ​magic.

Evolving Oriental luxury travel in 2025, as we have called this year, signifies the year of all things meaningful—curated, intentional, and unforgettable.

What you seek is seeking YOU!