Inside Asia’s luxury resort residences that are redefining high-end living

In the wake of a global shift in luxury lifestyle preferences, Asia’s resort residence market is undergoing a transformation. Once anchored in traditional concepts of high-end living, it is now adapting to post-pandemic changes, shaped by evolving consumer demands and the rise of new destinations.

The most significant development is the increasing demand for spacious, multifunctional properties, reflecting a wider shift in the luxury real estate market, where comfort and functionality are becoming as important as traditional luxury elements. Indeed, a recent Knight Frank report indicates that 45 percent of luxury buyers now prioritise larger homes in response to recent global changes.

“Post-pandemic, there’s a clear preference for larger spaces, as people seek properties that cater to both work and extended stays,” says Bill Barnett, co-founder of C9 Hotelworks, a leading hospitality and property consultancy.

This buyer preference evolution is paralleled by an ongoing emphasis on sustainability. A recent study by JLL revealed that 73 percent of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable offerings, a trend increasingly evident in luxury real estate.

“Sustainability is no longer an afterthought in luxury property development. It should be a key selling point,” Barnett adds. “Developers are starting to realise that green initiatives not only benefit the environment but also add long-term value to their properties.”

He highlights Six Senses for their sustainable ethos in the branded residences field, as well as the recently launched Gardens of Eden resort community in Phuket, which is pushing a dedicated green space ratio of 70 percent. Barnett says this is one of the factors behind the mixed-use project’s early success.

This focus on sustainability is part of a broader shift that includes a move towards urban properties and an expansion of brand offerings beyond traditional hotels. Indeed, the future of Asia’s resort residence market looks rosy, with brands scouting new locations to increase their market share. A July 2023 report by Savills noted that the APAC region has already witnessed a 216 percent increase in the supply of branded residences over the past decade, with the trend expected to continue.

Internationally mobile, high-net-worth individuals, less reliant on debt to finance their purchases, will continue to drive demand for these branded residences, according to Eri Mitsostergiou, director of world research at Savills.

“We anticipate new high-net-worth buyers to be looking for primary residences and second homes in branded schemes,” she says. “Future hotspots may include some of the cities that are going to witness a strong rise in such wealthy individuals, including Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing, and Shanghai.”

Other emerging areas include Japan’s winter resort destinations, like Hakuba, which has been attracting buyers who would traditionally have invested in established Niseko. Bohol in the Philippines, known for its natural beauty, is also becoming an in-demand destination for branded and nonbranded resort residences, according to Barnett.

However, challenges like the rising costs of hotel branding and complex property management legalities are prompting a more cautious approach in the market. “It’s a sellers’ market for brands, but developers and buyers are becoming more vigilant,” adds Barnett, although he notes that these challenges could potentially drive innovation in the sector, as developers seek to balance brand prestige with operational practicality and profitability.

As we look towards the future of Asia’s resort residence market, it’s clear that the industry is not just adapting to post-pandemic changes but is pivoting to the new demands associated with luxury living. From eco-conscious developments in Phuket to the rise of urban branded residences, the market is responding dynamically to the needs of a new generation of discerning, globally-minded buyers.

Aurelia Residences

Where?

Nestled amidst the Manila Golf Club, Manila Polo Club, and Forbes Park, Aurelia Residences offers an oasis in a bustling metropolitan setting. Renowned for its mix of upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment, this location is ideal for buyers seeking both exclusivity and convenience.

Why buy?

This Shang Robinsons Properties project boasts a limited collection of 285 bespoke units, featuring an assortment of three-bedroom, four-bedroom, and penthouse layouts. Its notable fusion of modern luxury with classic Italian style is the brainchild of esteemed architects and designers like Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP and FM Architettura d’Interni, promising a unique investment opportunity in a rapidly growing business district.

Wow factor

Slated for completion in 2024, the project stands out with its architectural elegance and attention to detail. Its defining characteristic is sprezzatura, an embodiment of sophistication that permeates its design. More than 5,000 square metres of world-class amenities, including a sprawling 40-metre resort pool, jacuzzi, and sauna, are sure to grab the attention of aesthetes and athletes alike.

Hanacreek

Where?

Hanacreek offers a blend of tranquillity and adventure in the forested enclave of Hanazono. Situated near Niseko Ski Resort and under Mount Yotei’s gaze, it serves as a gateway to both serene landscapes and a skier’s paradise, where natural beauty is an everyday experience. The proposed extension north of Hokkaido’s Shinkansen line further enhances its appeal.

Why buy?

Hanacreek stands out in Niseko for its innovative approach to upscale living. Offering 80 plots ranging from 10,750 to 226,600 sq ft, it gives residents the flexibility to design personal retreats or mixed-use properties. Led by Riccardo Tossani Architecture, this project marries environmental consideration to sophisticated living, allowing investors to tailor their space to their unique vision.

Wow factor

Each plot’s private onsen access is just the beginning. Future highlights include a clubhouse, fine dining, spa, and gym, creating a community that transcends individual properties. These facilities are designed to enhance the beautiful natural setting, offering a holistic living experience.

Kurraba Residences

Where?

Perched on Sydney’s iconic harbour in a coveted suburb, Kurraba Residences offers breathtaking views of the Lower North Shore. Surrounded by parks and nature reserves, SJB’s architectural vision ensures its contemporary aesthetics harmonise with the verdant landscape.

Why buy?

The charm of Kurraba Residences lies in its exclusive two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, including a lavish fourbedroom penthouse with a private rooftop garden. Echoing the classic 1920s apartment buildings synonymous with Sydney’s harbour, the brick-sculpted architecture reaches out to the water, symbolising harmony with the harbour’s natural beauty. Interiors by Mathieson Architects exude the luxury expected of a premier private home.

Wow factor

Kurraba Residences sets itself apart with exclusive amenities and services for its residents. These include a wine cellar room, dining area, secure garage with lift access, concierge service, and a communal rooftop garden with BBQ facilities. Completed in 2023, it redefines standards for harbourside living in Sydney, offering a lifestyle that combines luxury, convenience, and nature.

Rainbow Springs Condovillas

Where?

Located near Jakarta in “The Springs” of Summarecon Serpong, South Tangerang, Rainbow Springs CondoVillas is an opulent escape from urban life. Emphasising green, open spaces, the project stands out in an area enriched by lush settings. The heart of the project is its outdoor tapestry— seven gardens, including the Blooming Oasis and Lakefront Esplanade, that bring nature to residents’ doorsteps.

Why buy?

This development is characterised by its fusion of contemporary villa comfort with expansive outdoor facilities. The 32 low-rise buildings reflect thoughtful design, optimising space, light, and privacy. Their architecture is in harmony with the surroundings, providing lakeside and garden views that enhance the tranquil appeal.

Wow factor

It’s a playground for all ages, merging natural amenities with leisure spaces. Highlights include a members’ club, pool, youth village with a skate park, and more, all embodying family-centric and nature-embraced living.

Rawayana Beachfront Village

Where?

In Phuket’s prestigious Rawai neighbourhood, Rawayana Beachfront Village by Phuket9 spans 4,500 square metres of lush landscape. This development is a perfect blend of peace and convenience, situated moments from sandy shores, ideal for those searching for an elegant coastal bolthole.

Why buy?

The village offers a range of living spaces from cosy onebedroom apartments to expansive six-bedroom units. Each residence is a seamless fusion of contemporary style with organic accents, where wooden floors meet large windows, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.

Wow factor

Rawayana Beachfront Village elevates the residential experience with an array of dynamic leisure and lifestyle amenities. This community heartbeat includes an international food supermarket, a children’s entertainment park, and a variety of communal facilities. From the rejuvenation clinic to the sports complex, every aspect is designed to enrich the communal life.

Thung Lũng Thanh Xuân (Thanh Xuan Valley)

Where?

Located 40 kilometres west of Hanoi, Thanh Xuan Valley offers a much-needed escape from Vietnam’s boisterous capital. This upscale development blends contemporary living with the surrounding, picturesque pine forest valley, establishing a sophisticated residential haven close to urban amenities.

Why buy?

Thanh Xuan Valley, poised for completion by 2026, spans almost 2 million sqm with 1,079 units, each boasting ample space and upscale fittings. With architectural design by WATG and landscape design by Coopers Hill, it represents a unique investment opportunity in a rapidly growing area.

Wow factor

The project stands out for its integration of advanced technology and nature. A virtual concierge application enhances the resident experience with features like in-home camera surveillance and automated plant watering. The development’s commitment to an eco-friendly and health-centric lifestyle is also evident in its five-star resort area, healthcare centre, and ecological amusement area, all set within a stunning pine forest.

This article was originally published on asiarealestatesummit.com. Write to our editors at [email protected].