Portugal, Malaysia, South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam have just joined the list of countries that are home to elite, Forbes five-star rated hotels.
Viewed as one of the most elusive honors for a hotel, only 210 properties across the globe picked-up the five-star status as part of the 2019 awards, according to Forbes.
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The five properties that made history this year for their respective countries included a Raffles hotel, a historic Four Seasons and an exclusive resort in Malaysia frequented by the planet’s wealthiest citizens.
Here are some of the details about each of the five groundbreaking hotels.
Crockfords at Resorts World Genting, Malaysia
Located about an hour from Kuala Lumpur, Crockfords at Resorts World Genting is reserved exclusively for high rollers at the adjacent SkyCasino, says Forbes. On rare occasions, however, when one of the 140 rooms is not filled by a well-heeled gambler, the hotel makes them available to the public via its website.
But what makes the property five-star worthy? Notable offerings include is Tatami Suite, which features its own tea ceremony area in the living room. The Mahjong Suite meanwhile features a self-shuffling mahjong table. There’s also a massage chair. And all of the rooms are outfitted with marble bathrooms that offer steam and sauna facilities.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, Portugal
A property that dates back to 1959, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon was actually the first luxury hotel in Portugal.
This elegant property showcases a 1,000-piece art collection featuring Portuguese artists. The building is also known for its art deco and Louise XVI interiors.
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The Shilla Seoul, South Korea
A modern and stylish property, the Shilla Seoul offers a variety of perks. For instance, the accommodations are outfitted with the latest technology. There’s also a guests-only, 23 rd-floor Executive Lounge. And don’t miss the Guerlain spa or the foot bath lounge that overlooks the Namsan Mountain. Outside, you’ll find a sculpture garden filled with more than 20 works.
Raffles Istanbul, Turkey
A property that overlooks the Bosphorus, every room at Raffles Istanbul include floor-to-ceiling windows. The property also features a 24-hour butler and one of Istanbul’s most notable high tea offerings. The Four-Star spa meanwhile, includes an indoor pool and three hammams.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
The three tiers of infinity pools alone is noteworthy. But the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An also offers such luxe details as a spa where guests can be pampered in floating treatment suites that include indoor-outdoor decks. Yet another option here involves learning how to prepare Vietnamese food at the Nam Hai Cooking Academy.
The property’s guest villas feature outdoor showers, a garden, bedside bathtubs and patios with daybeds.
