Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Hotel

“Asia Gardens is one of those rare hotels that genuinely feels like an escape. The tropical gardens, waterfalls and collection of beautifully designed pools create the impression that you’ve travelled much further than the Costa Blanca. Each pool has its own atmosphere, whether you’re after peaceful relaxation, a leisurely swim or simply a different spot to spend the afternoon with a book. A particular highlight was the 9am Qi Gong and meditation class. The instructor was excellent, making the session accessible and enjoyable regardless of experience. For an hour, the usual mental clutter disappeared and I left feeling calmer, more focused and ready for the day ahead. The hotel also deserves credit for its vegetarian options. Too often, vegetarian menus feel like an afterthought, but there was a genuinely varied choice across the restaurants, with plenty of fresh and interesting dishes. Our room was equally impressive. The super king bed was gloriously comfortable and made it dangerously easy to justify an afternoon nap between pool visits. If there is one area where the guest experience could be improved, it would be the reliance on wristbands. Having to present or scan them repeatedly throughout the stay felt slightly at odds with the otherwise seamless luxury experience. A more discreet digital solution, such as room-key recognition or app-based identification, would feel more in keeping with the hotel’s premium positioning. That said, this is a minor observation in what was otherwise a wonderful stay. Between the wellness programme, exceptional surroundings, comfortable rooms, excellent food and abundance of pools, Asia Gardens remains one of the most relaxing hotels I’ve visited. A place that reminds you that slowing down is sometimes the most productive thing you can do.”

“Great place but wasted potential. We went for 3 nights with out little boy who's 2.5 for a 'recharge' break. Now the hotel grounds and lobby are stunning, check in felt 5* and the pools genuinely are amazing. Absolutely no complaints. Where I feel it really lacks is captialising on the basics. A morning coffee for me is essential, staying round europe and the world at other 5* spa resorts (not all inc) I'd expect to be able to purchase a morning coffee of a high quality - at Asia Gardens you are stuck with a quite poor breakfast buffet, machine coffee which is in paper cups to take out the busy dining hall. Given the pristine seating areas (like outside the Koh Samui restaurant) it's criminal not to be able to unwind. Beyond the front desk, service was 'ok'. Poolside in the heated pool we ate and drank all day, each time I would have to go to the bar to request drinks and food, did not feel premium. Huge potential here and I'd love to go back IF the basics were fixed. Otherwise, hotels like Nous in Santorini are a better option.”

“My husband and I stayed at Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa in Alicante from 1st–4th March and had a lovely stay. The front desk staff were very welcoming and helpful throughout our visit. The breakfast restaurant team were friendly and attentive each morning and, on our last day, kindly opened an hour early to serve us a hot breakfast as we had to leave for a flight — an extremely thoughtful gesture. The staff in both the Koh Samui and Polop restaurants also provided excellent service and made our meals very enjoyable. I would also like to mention how helpful the staff were when I thought I had lost my handbag. They went out of their way to assist me, which I really appreciated. Thank you to the entire team for making our stay so enjoyable. We left with wonderful memories and will definitely be returning. My husband and I would not hesitate to recommend Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa to anyone visiting Alicante. With our best wishes.”

“We expected so much more after seeing the appealing pictures and in the knowledge that the hotel is part of the prestigious LHW group. This is a decent four star hotel with a beautiful garden. However, it is far far away from being luxurious and has some issues that make me want to not come back. Our room was spacious and clean. The interior shows its age and there are just two chairs and a small table on the balcony, no sun loungers. Housekeeping is a lottery, some days you will get new towels or hygiene supplies, some days you won’t. The hotel has a free WiFi throughout, but the cover is patchy and the connection (40Mbps at best, mostly 2-5) unstable. Mind you, it’s not password protected, so all security warnings went off on my machines. I‘d be careful about using it to access my ebanking. Excellent gym with the latest Technogym equipment. Restaurants vary in quality: Lombocci was abominable, Koh Samui decent and the pool grill really good but, alas, not open for the evening. Now for the deal-breaker: the loungers at the pool are old, rusty and quite full of bird droppings. The covers vary, but the birds leave their marks and it is not getting cleaned. The hotel issues green cards entitling you to one (!) towel per day. So, if your towel is wet or you want a second one as the first one is covering the bird poo, good luck. Not collecting the green card at the end of the day results in a €35.- penalty. Quite the attitude for a luxury hotel. The main pool closes at 19:00. Don’t worry, the pool boy will unmistakably let you know that it’s time to leave and no, sorry or please are not part of his vocabulary. The hotel is hosting conventions and is not really oriented towards the individual tourist imho. You may check the final bill, as we've had someone else's drinks on it. The hotel took it off the bill without any fuss, but you still should check it.”

“Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars The Verdict: A stunning botanical oasis that feels like a tropical escape in the heart of Spain, but one that is increasingly held back by outdated management practices, rigid room configurations, and a "nickel-and-dime" service culture. ### The Highlights: A Visual Masterpiece It is impossible to ignore the fantastic grounds. The hotel’s greatest asset is its landscaping; the lush, tropical gardens are genuinely immersive, making you feel as though you’ve been transported to Bali or Thailand. The variety of pools and the sheer scale of the exotic plants create a sanctuary-like atmosphere that is, visually, every bit the 5-star experience. ### The Rooms: Design Flaws & Layout Frustrations While the Balinese-inspired decor is charming, the functionality is lagging. The "3rd Bed" Issue: A major grievance for couples or travelers seeking a clean, minimalist space is the presence of a permanent 3rd bed (often a daybed or sofa bed) in many Deluxe rooms. Even if you don't need it, it is frequently non-removable, cluttering the room and eating up valuable terrace space. The "Outdated" Feel: While the materials are high-quality (teak and stone), some of the tech and fixtures are beginning to feel tired. For a hotel that commands these rates, the rooms should feel like a fresh sanctuary, not a crowded showroom. ### Service & Amenities: The "Nickel-and-Dime" Culture This is where the hotel loses its "Leading Hotels of the World" luster. True luxury is defined by seamlessness, but at Asia Gardens, there is a palpable sense of being charged for the basics. Tennis & Facilities: In most global 5-star resorts, the use of a tennis court is a complimentary amenity for guests. Here, it is an additional cost—a small charge that leaves a big, "un-luxurious" aftertaste. The Towel Card System: Perhaps the most glaring sign of outdated management is the towel card system. Requiring guests to carry plastic cards to exchange for towels is a relic of 3-star mass-market tourism. At this price point, fresh towels should be readily available at every pool station without the need for a "security deposit" mentality. ### Dining: Good, Not Great The food is perfectly edible and often quite fresh, but it lacks the culinary "wow" factor required of a top-tier resort. Value for Money: The pricing reflects 5-star luxury, but the execution feels closer to a standard high-end buffet. It’s "safe" food that doesn't quite match the adventurous spirit of the Asian theme. ## Summary for the Discerning Traveler Asia Gardens is a victim of its own beauty. It looks like a paradise, but it operates like a large, corporate-managed hotel. If you go for the grounds and the spa, you will be happy. However, if you are accustomed to the effortless, "everything-included" service of an Aman or a Four Seasons, the constant extra charges and the clunky towel cards will likely frustrate you. It remains a beautiful property, but it is currently a "word removed" from the elite tier of global hospitality.”