If you’ve been following along with my travels and adventures over the course of the last few years, you would know that I’ve slept in just about every style of accommodation known to man.
From sleeping in the open air in the Sahara desert to tent camping my way down the Pacific Coast during my bicycle tour, to hostels, beachfront villas and even the same one bedroom suites that Leonardo DiCaprio and Gisele Bundchen prefer to stay at when they visit Kruger National Park in South Africa. Price tag: upwards of $1,600 per night.
While I do enjoy roughing it from time to time, there’s one style of accommodations that I love most when traveling. Can anyone guess what my favorite type of accommodation is?
Psst… I’ve mentioned this to you guys several times over the years.
Boutique Hotels
Yes, that’s right. I said it!
Out of the hundreds upon hundreds of hotels that I’ve stayed at throughout the years, some of my most memorable stays have been at boutique hotels.
What is a Boutique Hotel?
The term boutique hotel was made popular in N. America and the U.K. to describe hotels that have anywhere from 10 to 100 rooms with modern decor, custom amenities, small, private, intimate atmospheres, and more. If interested, feel free to read more here.
Since I’ve been fortunate enough to stay at a variety of different boutique properties across the globe, I thought I would share some of my favorites with you below.
You know, in case you happen to want to splurge a little on your next vaca.
The Anglers Hotel
Location: South Beach, Miami
Number of Rooms: 45
Why I love it: The Anglers Hotel is a beautiful little sanctuary tucked away from the madness of South Beach. Their brunch is known to be one of the best in SoBe.
Tip: If you’ve got the cash to splurge, go for the Tower Duplex Suite! Don’t miss my video tour of the Tower Duplex Suite.
Sense Beach House
Location: South Beach, Miami
Number of Rooms: 18
Why I love it: The location of Sense Beach House simply can’t be beat. This beautiful little boutique property offers comfy rooms, an incredible rooftop pool and best of all, it sits on the quieter side of Ocean Drive.
BOOK YOUR ROOM AT SENSE BEACH HOUSE NOW!
Tip: When you’re not soaking up the sun on South Beach, do yourself a favor and head on up to the rooftop pool. Trust me, you’ll never want to check out of this place.
Hansar Bangkok
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Number of Rooms: 94
Why I love it: If I had to choose my most memorable boutique hotel stay, it would be right here at the Hansar Bangkok. I mean, just look at this room. The combination of the wood, modern decor and the tub sitting in the middle of the floor. This is hands down one of my favorite places on Earth.
BOOK YOUR ROOM AT HANSAR BANGKOK NOW!
Tip: If you’ve got the cash to splurge, go for the Vertigo Suite. Don’t miss my video tour of the Vertigo Suite.
Alma Del Pacifico
Location: Playa Esterillos Este, Costa Rica
Number of Rooms: 20
Why I love it: The Alma del Pacifico is hands down one of the most beautiful beach front properties that I’ve ever stayed at. From it’s proximity to the beach, to the privacy of the property, to the wide variety of colorful plants and flowers lining the walkways, the Alma del Pacifico is your best bet if you’re looking to stay on Costa Rica’s central pacific coast.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT ALMA DEL PACIFICO NOW!
Tips: Splurge on one of Alma’s ocean view villas. You won’t regret it. Also, be sure to schedule a surf lesson with Brett from Bretts Board Rentals and you’ll be riding waves into shore in no time. Don’t miss my video tour of the Ocean View Villa.
Singita Lebombo
Location: Kruger National Park – South Africa
Number of Rooms: 15
Why I love it: If you’re looking for the most unique luxury boutique hotel experience on the planet, look no further. Singita Lebombo is where Leonardo DiCaprio, Gisele Bundchen some of Hollywood’s biggest stars kick back when they’re not out on a game drive in Kruger National Park. Singita Lebombo consists of 15 ultra private, glass walled villas perched up on the cliffs overlooking the wildlife in the N’wanetsi River below. When I tell you that this is the most incredible place that I’ve ever stayed, I mean it.
Tip: If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime South African safari experience, stay at Singita Lebombo. Don’t miss my video tour of Singita Lebombo.
Conclusion
Go ahead, feel free to call me a hotel snob if you’d like.
All I know is that there’s nothing more refreshing than a few nights stay at a boutique property. As a matter of fact, after writing this post, I’m on a mission to find my next one. Hmm, where to go next?–
A great list and some lovely pictures. All of them look stunning. You are certainly right to say that boutique hotels have an inherent charm that larger chains lack. The designs are innovative and surprising and now there are luxury boutique hotels all around the globe.
Nice blog post. I have stayed in dozens of boutique hotels around the world, and always recommend staying in this style of hotel as they reflect the culture and atmosphere of their country more accurately than any other style. A few of my favorites include Morgan’s Rock in Nicaragua, Caves Branch in Belize and the out of this world Mashipi Lodge in Ecuador’s cloud forest.
Thanks for the comment and the recommendations, David!