Gilded coastal hideaway
A seven-story atrium with soaring marble pillars and gold balustrades opens onto a sprawling coastline facing the South China Sea.
Where it shines
Remarkable
A 180-hectare coastal estate featuring an 18-hole championship golf course, five pools, a cinema, and bowling alley.
Notable
Palatial ocean-facing rooms and suites appointed with marble bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, private balconies, and complimentary minibars.
Notable
Dedicated spa hydrotherapy suites, Balinese bodywork, three fitness centres, and a glass-enclosed indoor lap pool.
What they say
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
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.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a private coastline in Jerudong, across 180 hectares of tropical grounds overlooking the South China Sea.
The rooms
Rooms open onto wide private balconies with sea views, paired with deep soaking tubs and marble-clad bathrooms.
The lagoon pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A massive outdoor lagoon pool borders the South China Sea, lined with palm trees and paved stone sundecks.
The spa and gym
Marble treatment suites host Balinese bodywork and scrubs, and gym cardio machines face the manicured golf greens.
Restaurant
Pantai
Pavilion dining rooms along the beachfront serve pan-Asian curries and fresh local seafood right beside the water.
At the table
Dining options across the estate include teppanyaki counters, grand buffet spreads, and Italian tables overlooking the atrium.
How it began
Commissioned by the royal family as a private guesthouse, the palatial estate opened its doors to travelers in 2000.
Good to know
Stay here
The Empire Brunei
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.