Fodor's Expert Review The Empire Hotel & Country Club

Asia-meets-Versailles splendor at this spectacular 5-star hotel right on the South China Sea, almost like its own fiefdom, with a private beach, four swimming pools, a full-service spa, golf course, and eight dining choices. Owned by the Sultan of Brunei, it takes its place among his other luxury hotels around the world, including Le Meurice in Paris and the Beverly Hills Hotel in the United States. Over-the-top though it may be, it still manages to be tasteful, for the most part, and the spacious rooms offer every modern comfort, many with wonderful views of the sea.