Have you ever stayed at a boutique hotel? If not, it’s time to try it. Believe me, they’re a whole mood!
If you’re a globetrotter who is always on the lookout for unexpected discoveries that are the direct opposite of the chain hotel experience, my approved list of boutique hotels could be just right for you.
Top Notch Boutique Hotels of the World
Cartagena, Colombia
Conveniently located near all the action and within a 5-minute walk to the Walled City, Allure Chocolat by Karisma Hotels & Resorts is a 34-room city hotel that will woo you. The rooms are small, but contemporary and chic, and they feature either city or waterfront views. One particularly delightful part of your stay is that at check-in you get to select a fragrance from their Aromatherapy & Pillow Menu that will be used in your room. A nicely stocked mini-bar that includes Jose Cuervo rum and their onsite full-service restaurant, Red Knife, that’s run with a farm-fresh philosophy, are also cool factors.
Lima, Peru
Hotel de Autor is in the exclusive and residential Miraflores area of Lima. The property has four bedrooms that were al designed differently, with an eclectic and tasteful mix of furnishings. Its dining room is a converted garage, and it has a small rooftop garden area and terrace where you can relax after a busy day of sightseeing. The decadence of its claw-foot tubs cannot be denied, nor its convenient walking distance to many shops and restaurants (including those in the famous Larcomar Shopping Center).
Hoedspruit, South Africa
There are a ton of safari accommodations in South Africa, but Waterbuck Game Lodge, part of the Thornybush Collection, is especially rustic and sweet! It’s a private, four-suite lodge nestled next to a watering hole on a reserve that is home to colorful birds, monkeys and diverse wildlife. Ideally suited for couples, families or small groups of up to eight people, guests can enjoy facilities that were designed to blend into the natural environment and provide maximum opportunities for rest and relaxation. Their rooms feature en-suite bathrooms AND outdoor showers, a cozy library with a fireplace, and a private patio for game viewing.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Literally only steps from the happening 5th Avenue, Magic Blue Spa Boutique Hotel is a tropical oasis that somehow manages to sneak 44 elegant and minimalist rooms into the heart of a busy city without you realizing you’re that close to traffic and civilization. You get champagne as a welcome drink, and there’s a small spa on-site that offers daytime massages and treatments like shiatsu and reflexology. While not on the beach, a stylish pool and poolside bar provide the often-sought-after water respite, and guests get access passes to trendy beach clubs only three blocks away.
Irish Town, Jamaica
Perched 3,100 feet above sea level in the cool hills of Saint Andrew, Strawberry Hill Resort is picturesque getaway is of 13 Georgian-style cottages that have heated beds, plank floors, vaulted ceilings and French doors that lead to private balconies offering either jaw-dropping views of Kingston or surrounding mountains. Local meals can be enjoyed at the restaurant, which overlooks a scenic infinity pool. And the bar, where Red Stripe and Appleton flow freely, used to be frequented by global music icons like Bob Marley and the Rolling Stones for creative inspiration, revitalization and renewal. It was there that Bob found refuge in the 1976 when a failed attempt was made on his life. You can also visit Island Record’s (and hotel owner) Chris Blackwell’s legendary Gold Room that displays platinum and gold records of Bob Marley and The Wailers’ albums. Plaques of other musicians like U2 and Mellisa Etheridge who were once signed to Island, are also proudly exhibited on the walls.
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