4 hotels in Asia-Pacific with breathtaking water views

Shanghai

InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland

The InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland was transformed in 2019 from an abandoned quarry with an 88m cliff face into an upscale hotel worthy of a Bond villain’s lair. Although it has 336 rooms, the prized suites are below the surface of the artificial lake at the bottom of the quarry. Through their huge windows are 6,000 fish, sharks and stingrays, swimming in thousands of gallons of saltwater specially brought from the South China Sea. The hotel also houses a restaurant with a similar underwater backdrop. There are light and water shows every night and the romantically minded can also share a kayak on the lake.

Brisbane

Reefsuites

Couples who are looking for more than just a bath may enjoy Reefsuites, two underwater hotel rooms which have just opened beneath Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Both rooms in Australia’s first underwater hotel feature floorto- ceiling windows that encourage guests to look out into a vast expanse of turquoise water while they contemplate the fragility of nature. At night, guests can turn on a light to observe nearby underwater life. The rooms are part of Reefworld Pontoon, a $10 million structure that involved replanting 4,000 pieces of coral.

Perth

The Ritz-Carlton

Another newish waterside hotel is The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, which marks the venerable luxury brand’s 100th property worldwide, and its return to Australia. The retreat is part of the landmark development at Elizabeth Quay. A heated outdoor infinity pool looks out over the Swan River, while the vitality pools, sauna and relaxation lounges promise “a healing connection to nature”. Spa treatments include the “couples submersion”, which involves a private and secluded spa suite, as well as a facial, scrub, signature massage and “bath submersion experience”.

Bangkok

Four Seasons Hotel

Opened recently is the new Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, a luxurious 3.6ha riverside resort designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, one the hottest architects in hospitality. The indoor and outdoor spaces are meant to echo the movement of the river with the courtyards, water features and cascading buildings, while facilities include a spa, two infinity pools with river views and a private boat jetty. For that extra romantic stay, there are suites with their own garden terraces. The 299 guestrooms are topped with a double-height presidential suite.