As I craft travel itineraries, I always have an eye toward authentic, sustainable and community-based experiences and operators. What that means on the accommodation side of things is locally run and -owned establishments where the money paid for your hotel stay remains in that community.
Enter the “boutique hotel.” This generally smaller, more intimate and quainter (though still very comfortable) type of accommodation is generally not associated with international chains (although sometimes they are city-wide or a collection of properties in a certain country). You can usually expect fewer than 100 rooms and a dedication to personalized service. These are the types of hotel where you know where you are at all times, where the culture shines through - in other words, it’s not just another standard hotel room.
Boutique hotels own their distinctive character, or theme in some cases, including adult-only, pet-friendly, castle hotels, design-forward hotels, spa-based hotels, eco-conscious hotels and independent villas. There are plenty of budget-friendly boutique hotels, too, that don’t sacrifice on upscale design and amenities.
To whet your appetite for a boutique hotel stay, here are a few of my favorites around the world. Take a peek, then reach out so we can arrange your one-of-a-kind holiday.
For a Romantic South Africa Safari: Jabulani
Live out iconic safari daydreams at Jabulani, a seamless combo of classic safari lodge and fresh, modish design elements. Lounge in one of just six suites, connected by a gently swaying suspension bridge.
Join other guests in the elegant dining room and lounge or on the wooden deck beneath the leadwood trees - from here, you can glimpse the waterhole where you might see wildlife stopping by for a sip.
Days are filled with early morning and sunset safari drives, visiting with the elephant herds, setting off on helicopter flights and seeing the savannah from above on a hot-air balloon ride.
Live Out Royal Dreams in an Irish Castle: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Dublin
The four-star, 18th-century Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Dublin is located near historic Dalkey, Ireland, and the pretty coastal town of Dun Laoghaire. From here, you’ll have panoramic views over Dublin Bay and beyond. Family-owned and -run, the castle hotel is in its third generation.
Tranquil stays exude old-world charm (and a hefty dose of modern luxury) and the impeccable rooms and suites offer plush duvets, hand-picked accessories and walk-in power showers.
Gather with guests in the lodge, take a swim in the indoor pool and don’t miss the Library Bar, either for afternoon tea and scones or pre-dinner cocktails.
Indulge in an Artistic Stay Outside Verona: Byblos Art Hotel
Your time at the 16th-century Villa Amista at the gates of Verona, Italy, is not only intimate and restful, but inspiring and colorful. The Byblos Art Hotel is a stunning amalgam of historic and contemporary artwork, furnishings by Alessandro Mendini and several world-famous artists. The villa guest rooms includ bright colors and plastic shapes, painting and marble elements by Ron Arad, Philippe Starck, Ettore Sottsass and others.
The Amista Restaurant is just as enticing, with its regional and international flavors using rare and oft-overlooked vegetables from the hotel’s private garden.
Indulge in Countryside Spain
Not every boutique hotel comes with a high price tag; case in point, the New Can Furios, a gorgeous stone-walled country house/hotel in Mallorca, at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains. Feel like you have the hotel all to yourself as you stroll through the immaculate gardens or soak in the outdoor pool.
Stylish, air-conditioned rooms are modernly decorated, with bright colors, and some even feature a rustic stone wall to give you a cool sense of place. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. The hotel has relationships with several Mediterranean-style restaurants throughout Mallorca and can give recommendations.
There are countless more boutique hotels throughout the world, perfect for those who seek a quieter, more immersive stay as part of their vacation. Let’s work together to find the ideal one for you and your travel tastes.
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