The Empire Brunei
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Jerudong
Vibe
A seven-story atrium with soaring marble pillars and gold balustrades opens onto a sprawling coastline facing the South China Sea.
“Gilded coastal hideaway”
A 180-hectare coastal estate featuring an 18-hole championship golf course, five pools, a cinema, and bowling alley.
Palatial ocean-facing rooms and suites appointed with marble bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, private balconies, and complimentary minibars.
Dedicated spa hydrotherapy suites, Balinese bodywork, three fitness centres, and a glass-enclosed indoor lap pool.
On a private coastline in Jerudong, across 180 hectares of tropical grounds overlooking the South China Sea.
“Gilded domes, Italian marble floors and crystal chandeliers hint at the iconic hotel’s royal origins, while its sprawling grounds offer an oasis of tranquility.”
Rooms
Rooms open onto wide private balconies with sea views, paired with deep soaking tubs and marble-clad bathrooms.
Wellness
A glass-walled indoor lap pool complements private spa suites that offer hydrotherapy baths and traditional Balinese therapies.
Backstory
Commissioned by the royal family as a private guesthouse, the palatial estate opened its doors to travelers in 2000.
Eat & drink
Afternoon tea comes with live piano in the lounge, while open-air tables at beachfront Pantai serve regional seafood curries.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.