Boutique Hotels
Sometimes, it's the little(r) things
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Which came first? Endless Privileges® or the Art of Life®?
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
What’s better than boutique hotel service? Butler service.
Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Which came first? Endless Privileges® or the Art of Life®?
We don't know which takes precedence here, but there's no doubt that both are at their finest at this 35–room resort. Each of these suites overlooks the ocean, and so does each guest as they arrive and depart via private yacht from mainland Cancun. And that's only the start of the only–at–Zoëtry luxuries. A complimentary 20–minute Thalassotherapy treatment, twice weekly sunset rides on said yacht, welcome bottle of tequila, a gift of a handmade beach bag, and comped green fees at a nearby course are all special to this property. Also unique to it are its two restaurants: Casa Rolandi, serving Swiss–Northern Italian cuisine, and Le Métissage, fusing French and Mexican flavors in healthy, creative ways.
However, ubiquitous to this brand is thrice–daily maid service, laundry service, BVULGARI® bath amenities, no check–in/–out times, plus full access to every other AMResort in the area with the Sip, Savor & See program, as Zoëtry claims the crown as the crème de la crème of the portfolio. With a high staff to guest ratio, anything you'd like is only an ask away.
Travaasa Hana
Maui, Hawaii
Be the first to wish the sun a good morning.
Thanks to its enviable location on the eastern tip of Maui, this resort is actually the first on the island to greet the new day, meaning guests can get started on making it a fabulous one before literally anyone else. Other firsts? This is the #1 boutique hotel and #1 experiential retreat in the state, as voted by the readers of Hawai'i Magazine in their 2018 awards.
It won this designation with its 70 very spacious rooms and suites, including an all–inclusive category with private ocean view lanais. Another thing that helped it become a fan favorite is the open–air Preserve Kitchen & Bar restaurant, which focuses on in–season, local ingredients, served to the sound of live Hawaiian music and hula performances throughout the week. Travaasa Hana continues to embrace its authenticity with experiences like lei making, ukulele lessons, Hawaiian spear throwing, and other activities … again making sure that your "good morning, sun" turns into "good night, moon."
Hermitage Bay
St. Mary’s, Antigua
Like an insider peek into an A-lister’s private life.
This Condé Nast Traveler Gold Lister makes all–inclusive feel more like a stay with a celebrity friend than a vacation at a boutique resort. Only 30 suites—cunningly set in the hillside of a natural bay for privacy or in the tropical gardens that line the beach—assure that no expense was spared in making each one exceedingly detailed, down to outdoor showers, louvre windows, and the purple– and greenheart woods sourced from sustainably managed forests in Guyana.
The customization of the resort extends beyond just the accommodations. Every day, the menus change at the on–site restaurant, which masterfully mixes modern European cuisine and techniques with Caribbean and local favorites and American classics. Led by Executive Chef Desroy Spence, his team spoils guests on a personal level—a luxury that only a boutique resort can provide. Local ingredients make their ways into the kitchen and the beverages best enjoyed in the lounge next to the beach and pool.
Relais Santa Croce
Florence, Italy
When “palatial” has nothing to do with size.
There are only 25 rooms and suites in this historic 18th century palazzo based on a Leonardo da Vinci design, but each and every one shows that living like a Medici has nothing to do with quantity and everything to do with quality. Set in the cobblestoned center of that famous merchant family's home town, this hotel has details like original frescoes, hand–sculpted reliefs, a dramatic chandelier, oversized windows, soaring ceilings, and fine Italian furnishing.
The dining room at the on–site Guelph's and Ghibellines Restaurant brings just as much style to the simple act of eating, enhancing the sumptuous surroundings with classic Tuscan cuisine with modern twists and the finest gourmet ingredients. Seek some on your own, though, by going on a wine–tasting expedition in the countryside, or hunting truffles there for a literal taste of wealth.
Apotek Hotel
Reykjavik, Iceland
Big on character.
Designed by the former State Architect of Iceland Guðjón Samúelsson in 1917, these 45 rooms—including eight junior suites and a fancy, two–floor tower suite—are the latest reincarnation of one of the oldest and most cherished buildings in the country's capital. A former apothecary located in the heart of Reykjavik's most prestigious shopping, entertainment, and cultural district, it's a remarkable work of design further accented by original art within by sculptor Guðmundur Einarsson.
But all of its beauty isn't just in its past. Comfortable modern design and cuisine that speaks to global flavors, with its mix of Icelandic and European influences and an Argentinean grill, bring it—and guests—fully into the present. Yet with the thrill of the northern lights and all of the nightlife and attractions of Reykjavik, it's hard to be anything but in the moment.
Casa Velas
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
In nobody’s shadow.
It's hard to compete with the excellence of the Grand Velas Resorts. So little sister Casa Velas simply doesn't, instead standing out on its own with a slew of awards that include AAA Four Diamond rating, four stars on the Forbes Travel Guide, and a bevy of other recognitions. This more intimate property provides a more private estate–like atmosphere in landscaped gardens along the Marina Vallarta Golf Club's fairways—where guests get 30% off green fees, as well as at the Vista Vallarta.
But back at home base, the exclusivity continues. The gourmet Mexican cuisine at its on–site restaurant, Emiliano, is special to the resort, and the Asian flavors and sushi of Casa Velas Private Ocean Club is solely for guests of their 80 plush suites. Because a smaller resort certainly does not mean smaller rooms; each suite is exquisitely furnished and decorated with textures and colors inspired by the traditions of Mexico, including pieces by nationally acclaimed sculptor Sergio Bustamante. However, with hosted paint classes—along with tequila tastings, yoga, cooking classes, and more—you might be bringing home some made–in–Mexico art of your very own.
Le Sivory by PortBlue Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A small resort for big appetites.
With only 55 rooms, two bars and four restaurants is already a high–ratio offering. But when those dining venues are all concepts by Chef Cristian Matias Baez, it's three more than what's needed. The must–eats at this AAA Four Diamond, all–inclusive, adults–only resort in Uvero Alto include the Chef's Madness menu at the ten–table OMI and international gourmet at GastroAtelier, which lays claim to four diamonds on its own merit. An 8,000–bottle wine cellar makes pairings even more perfect than the quiet couples that visit.
Adding to its private, understated appeal is a beach that's free of all but the hotel's guests, but for an ambiance more peaceful still, there's the Aquarea Spa & Wellness facilities. Sit back in the whirlpool or let the hydromassage jets do their work after a session in the sauna. That's all included with a stay, as well as access to the pint–sized fitness facilities. You can use that to earn one of their many available treatments, several of which include massage.
Hotel Vernet
Paris, France
Standing out where design is tantamount.
It says a lot about a property when its aesthetic is particularly noteworthy in a city known for design. Housed in a Haussmann building in between the Golden Triangle of Paris and the Place de l'Etoile on the fashionable Champs–Élysées, this 57–room boutique has lost none of its style in its 2014 renovations. Preserved: unmarred limestone, black ironwork balconies, and a luxurious feel, thanks to interior designer Francois Champsaur, who brought modern calm into each of the accommodations.
A sleek look also follows guests into the bar and restaurant, where those who look up are greeted by a fresco by Jean–Michel Alberola and those looking down can admire the complementary carpets by the same artist. However, what's on the table provides stiff competition for visual appeal: inventive and enticing modern French dishes grace them, crafted by Executive Chef Richard Robe, who offers seasonal menus à la carte, via tastings, and as prix fixe offerings—all at a discount to guests.
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
What’s better than boutique hotel service? Butler service.
Personalized service is one of the biggest reasons worldly travelers go for smaller properties, and this AAA Four Diamond villa hotel is no exception. Its 80 rooms and suites all come with 24–hour butler service that includes packing and unpacking, setting up the in–room jetted tub, shining shoes for that date night, and aromatherapy set–up in addition to oceanfront views from the private balcony. That theme continues on at the two bars and three restaurants, a daytime one and two dinner options helmed by Executive Chef Elias Sapien.
Of course, more evening choices are available thanks to the property's location right at the entrance of downtown Puerto Vallarta. And not only is it beachfront and town–adjacent, it's also close enough to the Marina Vallarta Golf Course and Vista Vallarta's two courses to offer a 20% discount for guests. Also part of any stay: a five–minute welcome massage—a perfect teaser for the resort's spa services—use of the Bali beds on the beach, two pools, and the fitness center.
Casa Colonial Beach & Spa
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
The first and the only.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Dominican Republic, we mean. This northern coast gem is the sole claimant of this prestigious title in this country, and it earns its place through a plethora of upscale touches. The design in all 50 suites is "colonial chic," retaining elements of the time like stately wood furnishings and sheer curtains, updating them with modern lines and draping styles and accenting them with contemporary art.
Similarly steps away from the resort's private beach are its two restaurants, Veranda for daytime meals and French–Caribbean Lucia, whose fine–dining atmosphere belies the mangrove jungle views right outside of its floor–to–ceiling windows. But it's ocean vistas that greet you when you're in the Bagua Spa, a 12,400–square–foot feng shui sanctuary that merges indigenous Dominican healing traditions with European spa practices and Eastern principles.
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