Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

This Lion City mainstay, built on reclaimed land, was renovated in 2005, with all 527 rooms and the dramatic, fan-shaped atrium receiving a facelift. Most harbor view rooms have glazed, acoustic floor-to-ceiling windows, which simultaneously provide scenic ocean views and deflect heat. Interiors are tastefully appointed with polished wood panels and textured ivory cloth, along with a range of Pan-Asian art, reflecting Singapore's multicultural heritage. For an incomparable dinner, witness an energetic cooking theater at Melt, where 30 chefs whip up Thai, Indian, or Italian dishes, among other global cuisines, at "live action stations," against the backdrop of a brightly back-lit bar. It's also one of the only hotels in Singapore to offer an extensive yoga program, with over 20 classes conducted weekly.