Asia has been known in the past as destination for travelers on a budget, looking for an exotic experience. But as there were no real luxury hotels and resorts in Asia, travelers looking for pampering and luxury in their holiday went to Europe or the Pacific islands. Nowadays, tourism employs over 250 million people in developing nations, and is the prime source of GDP income for many countries. Happily, now those looking for a luxury holiday in Asia can find one easily -it is simply a matter of deciding where to go in that wide and diverse continent! We look at what will be hot in 2008 in Asian travel.



China is a destination that cannot be overlooked for 2008. The Olympics will create an atmosphere of excitement, energy, hope and togetherness that is not often experienced while on holidays. Even recent natural events in China will not be able to dull the bright flame of the Olympic torch for globetrotters. There is a multitude of packages available, and in fact there have been over one hundred new hotel developments in China in the last four years, in anticipation of the Olympics. If you are looking for a luxury rest in Asia this year, a great place to start is China.

In many parts of the world, the weather is starting to nip at your ears a little when you go outside ... leaves are curling and browning, and the world is looking a bit greyer. However many Asian destinations are just heating up for summer in the last half of 2008 -Thailand is one of them. Thailand boasts luxury hotels at a fraction of the price you would pay for such facilities in Europe or the Americas, and the service of local staff is second to none. Try local adventures like elephant rides or Tantric massage courses for a genuine Thai experience.

India is another destination that is exploding onto the world travel scene. The country's economy is growing exponentially through the importance of information technology to the world today, and the number of luxury hotels and resorts is growing with it. India offers the beautiful sights that it has for hundreds of years, like the Taj Mahal, amazing wildlife, the Ganges, and refreshing tropical beaches. But in 2008, it also offers a standard of service which has not been equaled in the country's past, as far as tourism is concerned. Hotels and resorts in India now offer luxury and lavish comfort as well as culture, beautiful scenery and delicious native cuisine!

A recent survey of holidaymakers found that Hong Kong was named by 74% as their most likely travel destination for this year. So what is it about this small nation that captures the imagination of so many? It is a comfortable destination for Western travelers -Cantonese and English are both primary languages of the nation. You will also find such Western artifacts as Catholic churches and theaters showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster. This has meant that Hong Kong was one of the first Asian travel destinations to explore the luxury market fully. You'll find superb luxury hotels in Hong Kong, like the Shangri-La, the Four Seasons, or the Grand Hyatt. As a country which is used to providing sumptuous luxury for its guests, Hong Kong makes your Asian holiday experience a truly decadent one.

When you are looking for accommodation in this year's hottest Asian countries for luxury travel, remember to check out the reviews on the web -you'll soon find out the best places to stay for your luxury Asian holiday, where to go and what to see.