The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok

"Flanked by embassies on tree-lined Wireless Road, this member of the Luxury Collection cuts a relaxing figure in a mega-city known for its go-go-go energy. Take, for instance, the free-form rooftop pool which is shaded by native trees and blossoming plants and is the perfect spot to cool off from Thailand’s no-joke humidity. Among its eight bars and restaurants are spots dedicated to modern French cooking, Japanese kaiseki, classic Cantonese, and regional Thai; at the House of Smooth Curry, the set dinner menu includes such dishes as spicy river prawn salad, wok-fried chayote, and deep-fried grouper in sweet and sour tamarind sauce. The hotel was built on the grounds of the former Kandhavas Palace, so it’s only natural that guest rooms incorporate subtle nods to Thai royal motifs."