Double Triumph for Azerai: Two Properties Honored as Vietnam’s Premier Upcountry Escapes in the 2026 Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards

In the discerning universe of luxury travel, true elegance is rarely loud. It doesn't demand attention through flashy opulence; instead, it whispers through local context, thoughtful design, and a deeply felt sense of peace. This philosophy of "gentle luxury" lies at the very heart of Azerai, the sophisticated boutique hospitality collection envisioned by the legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha.

Proving that this understated approach continues to captivate the world's most sophisticated travelers, two of the brand’s flagship Vietnamese properties have achieved stellar recognition at the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026.

Honored among Vietnam’s finest upcountry hotels, Azerai Ke Ga Bay secured the coveted No. 5 position, while its cultural sister property, Azerai La Residence, Hue, followed closely at No. 6. Adding a personal triumph to the brand's sweep, Minh Phan Trong, the visionary General Manager of the Hue property, was officially named one of Vietnam’s top General Managers.

1. Azerai Ke Ga Bay: A Sun-Drenched Coastal Oasis of All-Suites and Villas

Azerai Ke Ga Bay

Tucked away on a pristine stretch of southern Vietnam's coastline, Azerai Ke Ga Bay has firmly established itself as a premier sanctuary for those looking to escape the high-octane energy of nearby metropolises.

Now a comfortable 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to a newly completed highway, the resort sits beautifully on 4.5 hectares of meticulously manicured, lush gardens. The geographic narrative here is spectacular: to the east, the resort is framed by the serene vistas of Hon Ba Island and its historic lighthouse, while to the west, soaring dunes paint a dramatic desert-meets-ocean backdrop.

The Travel + Leisure award adds to an increasingly glittering trophy cabinet for the coastal haven. Over the past year alone, the resort earned a highly coveted MICHELIN Key, was named one of Southeast Asia’s best boutique hotels by The Times (UK), finished as the global runner-up in Luxury Travel Advisor’s "Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World" contest, and took home the title of Vietnam’s "Best Boutique Resort" from Epicure magazine.

"This award reflects the dedication of our entire team in delivering gentle luxury, personalized service, and meaningful experiences in our serene coastal setting," reflects Julian Moore, General Manager of Azerai Ke Ga Bay.

2. Azerai La Residence, Hue: Art Deco Elegance and Heritage Preservation

Azerai La Residence, Hue

Hundreds of miles north, in the heart of Vietnam's former imperial capital, Azerai La Residence, Hue offers a starkly beautiful contrast rooted deeply in history and cultural heritage.

The soul of the resort is centered around a breathtaking 1930 colonial mansion, originally crafted for the French Resident Superieur. Celebrated for its distinctive streamline moderne Art Deco architecture, the property charms visitors with its long, sweeping horizontal lines, nautical accents, and an old-world elegance that feels entirely timeless.

The property's dedication to preserving the cultural fabric of Hue has garnered exceptional global praise. Earlier this year, it was named one of the world’s "500 Best Hotels" by Travel + Leisure—one of only 12 elite hotels in the entire country to make the cut. This follows a brilliant streak of accolades, including being named one of Vietnam’s best hotels by The Times of London, appearing on Tatler’s "Best of Vietnam" list, and earning recognition from MICHELIN as a top boutique choice for cultural getaways.

Minh Phan Trong, the award-winning General Manager of Azerai La Residence, Hue

"This recognition from Travel + Leisure is a wonderful testament to our team’s passion for preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Hue," shares Minh Phan Trong, the award-winning General Manager. "We are deeply grateful to our guests and proud to represent the timeless elegance of our historic property."

The Visionary Legacy of Adrian Zecha

To understand the magic of these twin successes is to understand the origin of the Azerai name itself. Derived from the initials of its legendary founder, Adrian Zecha, blended with the latter portion of the Persian word carvanserai—the historic, storied old inns that once sheltered travelers along ancient Middle Eastern trade routes—the brand is entirely dedicated to creating spaces of unique beauty and deep cultural interest.

Whether you seek the rhythmic whisper of the ocean waves against the villas of Ke Ga Bay or the storied, imperial romance of Hue's artistic past, Azerai’s double victory proves that heartfelt hospitality and mindful design remain the ultimate luxury.

Planning Your Next Mindful Escape

Discover the timeless allure of Adrian Zecha's award-winning sanctuaries for yourself:

• To experience Azerai Ke Ga Bay: Call +84 (0) 252 3682 222, email reservations.kegabay@azerai.com, or explore online at azerai.com/azerai-ke-ga-bay/.
• To experience Azerai La Residence, Hue: Call +84 (0) 234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com, or explore online at azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/.