6 Best Hotels in Jeju-do, South Korea

Located on a hillside in the center of Jungmun, this luxurious retreat has a longstanding reputation for being one of the island's best hotels. Known for its rich, European-style décor, Shilla is a favorite among honeymooners and couples looking to indulge at a glamorous beach getaway. The rooms are simple yet tastefully decorated in rattan furnishings and each bathroom is equipped with a small TV. There's also an on-site shopping arcade, a Jeju crafts shop, and a travel agency.

Two old Jeju-style stone homes directly abutting in the quiet port town of Jocheon have been masterfully renovated as a rental house, and the results are spectacular: The old stone walls and other parts of the homes have been preserved, while the old wood doors and other materials have been recycled as furniture. There's a fully equipped kitchen, of course, as well as outdoor barbecue grill. There's even an outdoor bathtub shielded by a stone wall. If you're looking to combine comfort with a healthy touch of local culture, Blind Whale is the place to be. The home can handle groups of up to four, but no children are allowed.

Stylish, contemporary, and fully loaded with all the usual amenities, this remote getaway is a popular family destination and just minutes from the beach. Stay in one of the large rooms on the hotel side, with plush linens, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with great views, or on the resort side in a more modest (but still spacious) condominium. The light-filled, marble-floored lobby is always bustling with excited children headed to the kids' game room and adults gathering to listen to live music ensembles. This is a great option for families looking for a lively but luxurious vacation.

This luxurious piece of paradise is right on the beach and in the heart of Jungmun, a trendy town packed with new restaurants and attractions. Rooms are spacious and the beds have excellent mattresses and goose-down comforters. Opulent amenities include a private Louis Vuitton outlet, a fully loaded gym, and one of the best health spas on the island. Children are thrilled by the lava-spewing nightly volcano show, the beautiful pond (which becomes an outdoor skating rink in the winter), and Kids World, an activity center that will keep the little ones busy all day.

This sprawling resort owns most of the scenic cape Seopjikoji, and in addition to the stunning natural backdrop, it boasts architecture by renowned masters Tadao Ando and Mario Botta and even its own art nouveau museum. The Bella Terrace "condo" has well-appointed rooms and suites with views of the sea. There are some good, architecturally inspired dining options as well.

One of the most interesting and original hotels on Jeju, Podo was designed with the concept of traditional cottages and the nearby mountains in mind. Noted for its innovative architecture and use of natural light, the undulating titanium roof is inspired by Jeju's oreum (parasitic volcanoes) and units are interconnected so that the hotel resembles a cluster of grapes when seen from above. Each room is decorated in a mix of traditional Jeju and modern Japanese décor. The chic Tahitian-style rooms each have a private Jacuzzi with therapeutic hot springs piped in straight from the source. It's located in countryside on the exclusive PRIX golf course.