Asia is having a moment - here are the new openings travellers shouldn't miss

Equipoise Resort, Bali: Sorry kids - this hotel might look like something straight from the pages of a fairytale but you're won't be allowed to check in to this curvaceous 18-pavilion resort sprouting from terraced rice paddies near Ubud in central Bali. It's an adults-only affair at Equipoise Resort. The Indonesian eco-sanctuary, fashioned from soaring bamboo arches and reclaimed timber, promises serenity and a "transition into stillness" - cue signature round beds, infinity pools, flowing lines, leisurely visits to nearby waterfalls and restorative wellness rituals. See equipoiseresort.com

Capella Kyoto, Japan: Kyoto is all hustle and bustle these days, making clever hotel selection even more important. Last month, a brand-new addition to the city's luxury hotel scene opened its doors. Capella Kyoto, designed by revered architect Kengo Kuma, is on the boutique side, with just 89 rooms, but the beauty lies in the hotel's nod to traditional townhouses known as machiya. It's close to Gion, the city's historic geisha district and - better yet - neighbours a traditional theatre that hosts geiko and maiko dance performances, allowing you to skip the madding crowds entirely if you wish. To really splash out, book into one of the six onsen suites. See capellahotels.com

InterContinental Penang Resort, Malaysia: Anyone who's experienced the InterContinental's brand of understated luxury will be ready to hit the 'book' button once this beachfront property opens later this year. Located on Penang's northern coast at Teluk Bahang, a 40-minute drive from Georgetown, the InterCon is taking over the site of the much-loved Penang Mutiara Beach Resort. Expect on-point service, extraordinary dining and balmy sea breezes. See ihg.com

1887 by Andre, Singapore: As the name suggests, there's more than a touch of time-travelling involved at this new 42-seat fine-diner within the revered Raffles Hotel Singapore - and there's a rather big culinary name attached, too. Chef-patron Andre Chiang, who's attracted a constellation of Michelin stars over his career, now leads the hotel's historic formal dining room. Not only that, he's reinterpreting heritage dishes - such as "turtle soup" - from the hotel's culinary archive (the 1887 part of the name, if you're wondering, references the year the hotel was founded) by adding a haute French spin - and no turtle, naturally. As if that's not enough, you can also feast the eyes on greenhouse-inspired interiors by Bill Bensley, a designer renowned for his exuberant flair. See raffles.com

Kasa Palma, The Philippines: Head to the Manila neighbourhood of Makati City to find the dual kitchens of one-Michelin-starred Kasa Palma: one plates up French-inspired degustation menus using ingredients such as Palawan spiny lobster and compressed longan while the semi-outdoor jungle kitchen kicks out wood-fired a la carte dishes: think red snapper, fried tiger prawn wraps and smoked wagyu fat frites. As the shell-lined walls hint, this place celebrates hyper-local seafood. See kasapalma.com

Mingles, South Korea: You can have a mighty fine time chowing down on street stall snacks throughout Seoul - but it's also here that you can find South Korea's only restaurant enjoying three-Michelin-star status. Mingles' chef-owner, Mingoo Kang, celebrates what he terms "New Korean" fine dining. On his dinner menu, you might find creations such as seasonal fish toast, ginseng chicken skewer, sweet bibimbap with black barley pudding, and chestnut-honey ice-cream. Mmm. See restaurant-mingles.com

Rainforest Wild Asia, Singapore: Singapore's nature-themed Mandai Wildlife Reserve precinct is home to world-famous attractions such as Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. Last year, it opened another destination called Rainforest Wild Asia. Billed as Asia's first wildlife adventure park, it's home to 36 animal species such as Francois' langurs, lesser mouse-deer and Malayan sun bears. Tick off the animals while negotiating log crossings and forest trails, climbing karsts, plunging from tree canopies and exploring the cavern. See mandai.com

Legoland Shanghai Resort, China: China is dialling up the tourism incentives this year, allowing Australian passport holders to visit visa-free for up to 30 days. If you have kids aged two to 12 who are Lego-obsessed, this is the time to point yourselves towards this freshly opened theme park. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, it could also be a good idea to check in at the end of the day to the Legoland Hotel. Its themed rooms include some especially designed for little ninjas. See legolandshanghai.cn

Museum of Narratives, Japan: Anyone familiar with architect Kengo Kuma's timber community centre at Sydney's Darling Square will immediately recognise his hand in the swirling lines that comprise Tokyo's Museum of Narratives. Opening in late March, the 10-storey building has a mission: to present exhibitions, performances and workshops that will pass culture to the next 100 years. The museum's rooftop garden space also includes a communal foot bath - an idea we hope catches on at other institutions. See montakanawa.jp

Khao Yai Art Forest, Thailand: If you love art installations in unusual settings, and can't reach Marfa, Texas to see that cool Prada "store" by Scandi art duo Elmgreen & Dragset, do we have news for you. Khao Yai Art Forest, a three-hour drive north-east from Bangkok (a shuttle service is available), includes a site-specific installation, K-Bar, by the pair (every second Saturday of the month, it becomes something more). Other intrigues snuggled into the teak forest include a fog experience. See khaoyaiart.org

Pho Museum, Vietnam: Billed as Vietnam's first culinary museum, Ho Chi Minh City's Pho Museum opened in January. Trace the evolution of the country's fragrant ubiquitous dish and learn about its social significance. Handily, the admission fee (about $40 adult) includes not only the museum tour but a meal of - you guessed it - pho. See phomuseum.com