Husband-and-wife owners Dato Sean and Datin Karen H’ng have brought Penang’s colonial past into the 21st century with the opening of Macalister Mansion (228 Macalister Rd.; George Town; 604/2283-888; doubles from US$265). Revamped by Singapore firm Ministry of Design, the 100-year-old building is now a contemporary showpiece with just eight individually designed suites featuring Bisazza-tiled bathrooms and original artworks that reference the life of Norman Macalister, the island’s British governor from 1808 to 1810. Come evening, guests can sample a fine selection of single malts in the Den or head straight to the nearly all-white Dining Room for a menu highlighted by quail confit and Dover sole—dishes Macalister himself would surely have approved of. –Harry Jacques