Reviving the Past – Part 2: The Art of Living in Heritage Properties
Heritage Hotels that Tell a Thousand Tales
There is something truly magical about staying in a property that is both a living piece of history and a modern sanctuary. The Secret Retreats collection brings together properties that have been lovingly restored to preserve their rich cultural heritage while offering contemporary luxuries. Each hotel has embraced sustainability, ensuring that both cultural and environmental legacies are honored and nurtured. Here’s a deeper look at these delightful properties, where the past is not only preserved but celebrated.
Bari Kothi – Murshidabad, India
Bari Kothi, a once 18th-century merchant’s palace in Murshidabad, offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience Bengal’s cultural heritage and history. The property, with its intricate woodwork, marble courtyards, and frescoed walls, has been carefully restored to maintain its historic grandeur. The preservation process involved using local artisans and traditional techniques to restore every detail of this magnificent building. Sustainability also plays an important role at Bari Kothi, with an emphasis on sourcing produce and ingredients for the hotel kitchen from local farms and artisan growers, and in engaging in responsible tourism practices. This cultural heritage hotel offers a rare glimpse into the aristocratic past of Bengal.
Villa Song Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Once a stately colonial riverside villa, Villa Song Saigon today beautifully balances old-world charm and modern luxury. This property has been carefully restored to retain its colonial-era elegance while incorporating contemporary comforts. From the villa’s antique French furniture to its lush gardens, every aspect of the restoration respects the building’s history. Sustainability efforts are seen in every corner, with eco-friendly materials used during the renovation and a focus on supporting local artisans. Villa Song Saigon offers an opportunity to experience Vietnam’s colonial past in a sustainable, luxurious setting.
Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion – Penang, Malaysia
The Blue Mansion, was the home of the legendary Chinese merchant Cheong Fatt Tze, is an iconic 19th-century building that has been beautifully restored to become one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated boutique heritage hotels. The property’s distinctive indigo-blue façade and intricate Chinese and colonial architectural details have been meticulously preserved. The restoration efforts have included the use of local materials and a diligent attention to detail to ensure the Blue Mansion is today a shining example of responsible heritage tourism. A stay here is an invitation to immerse oneself in Penang’s rich cultural and architectural legacy while supporting responsible tourism initiatives.
Glenburn Tea Estate – Darjeeling, India
Tucked away in the Himalayan foothills, the Glenburn Tea Estate is a family-owned tea plantation that has been lovingly growing tea since 1859. Today the estate is owned and managed by the Prakash family, proudly known locally as the Chaiwala family. The colonial-style bungalows, with their sweeping verandahs and period furniture, offer an immersive step back to a more elegant time, and overlook breathtaking Himalayan scenery and the majestic Kanchenjunga range. Guests can experience life on a working tea estate, with guided walks through the tea estate, with the opportunity to learn about how the world’s favourite beverage is crafted and enjoy interactions with the local community. Sustainability is deeply rooted in Glenburn’s philosophy, from low-impact tourism to supporting schools and healthcare initiatives for estate workers and their families. This is heritage hospitality at its most authentic, a boutique hotel experience where timeless beauty meets thoughtful stewardship of land and culture.
Jing’s Residence – Pingyao, China
Jing’s Residence is a stunning example of a 260-year-old Qing dynasty courtyard mansion, lovingly restored to offer an intimate experience of China’s rich cultural heritage. The mansion’s original wood carvings, traditional brickwork, and delicate architectural details have been preserved with care. Sustainability is a core principle of the property’s operation, with eco-friendly materials incorporated during the restoration and an emphasis on supporting local artisans. A stay at Jing’s Residence offers a rare opportunity to connect with the rich history of Pingyao while enjoying a tranquil, sustainable escape.
MesaStila – Java, Indonesia
MesaStila, nestled in the cool highlands of Java, was once a plantation estate and has been beautifully transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel. The property retains its colonial charm with a blend of Javanese heritage, featuring traditional architecture, antique furniture, and expansive grounds surrounded by lush coffee plantations. The restoration was carried out with a commitment to preserving local culture, and sustainability is deeply embedded in its operations, from the use of locally sourced materials to eco-friendly farming practices. MesaStila offers a serene and sustainable escape into the heart of Indonesia’s coffee-growing region, where nature and heritage coexist in perfect harmony.
To travel Asia with Secret Retreats is to experience the art of travel with purpose. We curate hotels where every doorway tells a story, and where every stay supports something greater. These heritage homes, lovingly restored and thoughtfully reimagined, offer more than comfort, they offer and share with visitors a connection to culture, to craft, and to community. As guardians of Asia’s rich and diverse traditions, the Secret Retreats hotel collection invites you to journey deeper, tread lighter, and leave with more than memories.
