Inside Asia’s Most Exclusive Royal Residences and Ancestral Homes
Travel is often a quest for the new, but the most profound journeys usually take us back in time. There is a distinct magic in waking up within walls that have stood for centuries—where the floorboards whisper stories of princes, poets, and pioneers.
At Secret Retreats, we believe that heritage is not something to be viewed from behind a velvet rope in a museum; it is something to be lived. Across our collection, we harbor sanctuaries that were once private domains, now opened exclusively for those who seek to touch the soul of a destination.
Here are four iconic residences where you don’t just visit history—you sleep in it.
1. The Himalayan Kingdom: Stok Palace Heritage Hotel (Ladakh, India)
Perched overlooking the Indus Valley, Stok Palace is not merely a hotel; it remains the residence of the Namgyal dynasty. Built in 1820, this architectural marvel dominates the landscape of Ladakh with its traditional fortress-style masonry and intricate wood carvings.
Staying here is an immersion into Ladakhi royalty. Guests are surrounded by the family’s private collection of thangkas, royal jewelry, and ceremonial artifacts. The experience is stark, beautiful, and profoundly quiet, offering a rare glimpse into a way of life that has survived in the high Himalayas for centuries. It is arguably one of the few places on earth where you can sip butter tea in a courtyard that has hosted kings, all while gazing out at the stark beauty of the trans-Himalayan desert.
2. The Prince’s Sanctuary: Chakrabongse Villas (Bangkok, Thailand)
Hidden in the heart of Old Bangkok, just steps from the Grand Palace, lies an oasis of calm that feels a world away from the city’s frenetic energy. Chakrabongse Villas was built in 1908 by HRH Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath. Originally a retreat for the Prince to escape palace life, it remains in the hands of his granddaughter, Narisa.
The property sits directly on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, offering one of the most exclusive views of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). To stay here is to be a guest of the family. The villas blend traditional Thai architecture with an intimate, tropical garden setting. For a truly evocative evening, a private dinner on the riverside terrace—watching the river traffic drift by as the temple lights up—is an essential Bangkok experience.
3. The Last Prince of Laos: Satri House (Luang Prabang, Laos)
Luang Prabang is a town where time seems to pool and slow, and nowhere is this felt more deeply than at Satri House. Built at the turn of the last century, this was the childhood home of Prince Souphanouvong, the “Red Prince” of Laos.
The property is a masterclass in French colonial architecture blended seamlessly with Lao tradition. It is a place of deep shadows, polished hardwood, and art. The rooms are adorned with antiques and artifacts collected from across Indochina, creating an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet deeply personal. It feels less like a hotel and more like the private estate of a well-traveled diplomat, offering a serene escape just moments from the UNESCO-listed town center.
4. The Ancient Walled City: Jing’s Residence (Pingyao, China)
Deep within the ancient walled city of Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Jing’s Residence offers a luxurious portal to the Qing Dynasty. This property was once the mansion of a wealthy silk merchant, meticulously restored to preserve its original northern Chinese courtyard structure.
The transformation from ancient dwelling to boutique hotel has been handled with incredible sensitivity. The grey brickwork, upturned eaves, and intricate timber framing remain, but they now house modern luxuries including stone baths and understated, elegant furnishings. It provides a peaceful, private counterpoint to the bustling historic streets outside, allowing you to experience the grandeur of ancient China in absolute comfort.
Experience the Unwritten Stories These properties are not simply places to drop your bags. They are custodians of culture. By staying with them, you help preserve these architectural treasures and the stories they hold.
Ready to step back in time? Contact the Secret Retreats concierge to plan your heritage journey today.