Orient

The hotels in this gorgeous book aren't just hip: some are funky, some are sophisticated, some are minimalist. Many are an experience in and of themselves, and all are marvelously luxurious. In his introduction, Ypma (who's penned eight previous Hip Hotels books) finds that what makes the Orient so compelling is the prevailing ""passion for the new in terms of art, architecture and interiors"" matched with ""the historic appeal of the old."" Flipping through the pages of this book is itself an escape: lush ferns at the Begawan Giri Estate in Bali practically cover an ancient-looking stone staircase; a frothy bubble bath awaits a lucky visitor to Amankora in Bhutan. Outdoor terraces with pillowed benches are centered around small fireplaces at Aman-I-Khas in Rajasthan, India, and a veranda on the upper floor of a room at Puri Ganesha Villas looks out over the Bali Sea. Ypma offers a two-page description of each hotel, explaining its history, architecture, interior and amenities. Contact information (as well as rates, in baht, US dollars, Hong Kong dollars and other currencies) is given for each hotel as well. Full-color and b&w photos.