Celebrate the “Year of the Detour” as BWH® Hotels and WorldHotels™ Reveal Off-the-Beaten-Path Alternatives to Popular Vacation Spots Across the Asia Pacific
2026 is the “Year of the Detour.” As travelers strive to escape the crowds and enjoy authentic local experiences, many are planning detours along their journeys that let them uncover less-crowded destinations and hidden gems with a deeply rooted sense of place.
While travelers continue to venture to globally popular destinations, many are now adding stops to lesser-known locales. Recent data shows that 63% of travelers will likely explore a “Detour Destination” on their next getaway. Whether it’s an inspiring upcountry retreat away from Bali’s beaches or an urban escape to Bangkok’s lively neighborhoods, BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise comprised of WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels, offers more than just a place to sleep; it offers fresh perspectives and opportunities for discovery.
With 18 distinct brands that cater to every type of traveler, BWH Hotels invites travelers to explore its world-class resorts and hotels in six “Detour Destinations” across Asia Pacific.
Sama Sama Hotel KLIA, WorldHotels Elite
Putrajaya, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is an exciting city with an iconic skyline, crowned by the famous Petronas Towers and Merdeka 118 skyscraper. For those who want to discover a different side of Malaysia’s capital region however, Putrajaya – the country’s administrative capital – is an ideal place to visit. This city is a hidden gem with lakes, gardens, and exquisite architecture, including the pink Putra Mosque.
Departure Detour: Many rooms offer views of Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s runways, which make them great for plane-spotting, while also being fully soundproofed for complete relaxation.
Hangzhou Goethe Hotel, WorldHotels Distinctive
Hangzhou, China
China’s Yangtze Delta is one of the most populous regions on Earth, where approximately 250 million people live in a cluster of megacities – most notably Shanghai. Just a short high-speed train ride away, Hangzhou blends China’s modern dynamism with a rich cultural heritage. West Lake, the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape, has attracted China’s poets and artists for centuries.
Idyllic Detour: Hangzhou Goethe Hotel is perfectly positioned on West Lake Avenue, just a five minute drive from the serene shores and shady paths of West Lake.
Sydney, Australia
One of the most historic parts of Sydney, Darling Harbour has been transformed from a railway goods yard and industrial port into a buzzing waterfront lifestyle district. The area’s rich history can still be discovered in revamped warehouses, brickwork lanes, and heritage buildings. The Australian National Maritime Museum lets all ages explore the city’s seafaring past in fun and interactive ways.
Downtown Detour: Aiden Darling Harbour is a stylish urban retreat offering guests easy access to the heart of the city, surrounded by lively markets and local attractions.
Best Western Premier Agung Resort Ubud
Bali, Indonesia
Nestled in the jungle‑clad hills of Bali, Indonesia’s “Island of the Gods,” the artistic town of Ubud connects guests with the spiritual heart of this idyllic destination. Visitors can escape the crowds of Bali’s southern beaches and reconnect with nature through exhilarating experiences, including a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, white‑water rafting on the Ayung River, jungle treks, and photography tours of the lush rice terraces.
Dawn Detour: Wake up early and enjoy a moment of mindfulness with an outdoor yoga session on the rice field as the sun rises above the forest canopy and the dawn chorus fills the air.
SureStay by Best Western Iconic Ari-Jatujak
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is an inspiring city that bursts with life and color, and visitors who make a detour from the popular downtown districts will be rewarded with authentic experiences. Easily accessible via the city’s BTS skytrain network, the youthful Ari district stimulates the senses with its trendy cafés and streetside eateries. Chatuchak Weekend Market, which features 15,000 stalls, is just a short distance away.
Red Dip Detour: After an immersive day of discovery in Bangkok, take a revitalizing dip in the hotel’s bright, cherry red outdoor swimming pool!
Portopia Hotel, WorldHotels Elite
Kobe, Japan
Japan’s Kansai region attracts millions of travelers every year, mostly to the charming heritage city of Kyoto or the vast metropolis of Osaka. But Kansai’s third major city, Kobe, is well worth a detour. Its lively waterfront district has a wide range of attractions, from art museums to animal sanctuaries, and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial is an emotional reminder of the quake that devastated Kobe in 1995.
Diverse Dining Detour: Keen foodies can discover 12 restaurants and bars at Portopia Hotel, including specialist teppanyaki, kushiage and sushi venues.
