The Best Luxury Boutique Hotels

Tucked into the scenic countryside of the Norwegian fjords, Åmot is both cosy and calm. This rural haven has just ten rooms and two dedicated hosts who will welcome you with open arms. Although it often feels more like a family home than a hotel, it’s certainly not short on activities; enjoy the yoga studio and rejuvenating spa treatments, or embark on outdoor adventures in the surrounding fjords.

The adults-only Villa Nai 3.3 is one of the smallest boutique hotels on this list, offering only five rooms and three suites. Located on the island of Dugi Otok off the coast of Zadar, its cutting-edge design blends seamlessly into a landscape of ancient olive groves overlooking the sea. The menu at its exceptional open-air restaurant highlights the award-winning olive oil produced on the property.

The Fife Arms has long been one of our preferred properties in the Scottish Highlands, with an inviting atmosphere that’s at once intimate and grand. Each of its 46 rooms has its own theme and distinctive decor, ranging from antique furniture to contemporary art. And when you venture beyond its grounds, you’ll find the castles and lochs of Cairngorms National Park to be just as impressive as the hotel itself.

Set on the Left Bank of the Seine in the Latin Quarter of Paris, Relais Christine is a former private residence that has been transformed into an authentically elegant boutique hotel. Its 48 rooms and suites feature antique furnishings, while the Guerlain spa offers tantalising signature treatments. Although Paris is gorgeous all year round, we recommend visiting from March to May for spring flowers and smaller crowds.

Covent Garden Hotel is an icon of contemporary style in the heart of London. Located near the West End theatre district, it stands out for its bold patterns, bright colours and unique touches, from four poster beds to avant-garde art. There are plenty of traditional comforts too: think crackling fires and afternoon tea. The hotel also has a library, drawing room and cinema screening room, along with an exquisite brasserie.

For more than a hundred years, Villa Spalletti Trivelli was an aristocratic residence and gathering place – but over the last couple of decades, it’s become one of Rome’s most sought-after boutique hotels. With just a dozen rooms, a sumptuous library, walled gardens and a rooftop terrace, the villa combines an atmosphere steeped in history with a convenient location just steps away from the city’s main attractions.

Crossing the threshold of Fausto feels like coming home – even when home is an ocean away. This five-bedroom neoclassical house in Lima’s lively Miraflores neighbourhood dates back to the 1920s and has been converted into a superb boutique hotel. Small touches like an open pantry and honesty bar add to the informal atmosphere, while the living room and roof terrace invite you to mingle with other guests – though there are never more than a handful. Visit between January and March to enjoy the city’s streets and coastline under sunny skies.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the workings of a world-class wine estate up close, Clos Apalta is an absolute must. Although it’s only been open for just over a decade, this boutique hotel in Chile’s wine region is built on seven generations of winemaking expertise. All of its rooms, villas and casitas overlook the idyllic vineyards of the Colchagua Valley, which you can explore on private winery tours.

Imagine waking up to a front-row view of Lake Atitlán, with cloud-covered volcanic peaks rising up in the distance. That’s just an average morning at Casa Palopó: the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Guatemala and one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the world. Settle into one of its 15 gorgeous rooms and suites, which effortlessly blend local heritage with contemporary design, bold colours and truly unparalleled vistas. Here you can spend your days kayaking and zip lining through the wilderness, hiking volcanoes and visiting nearby Mayan villages.

Casa Polanco promises a peaceful getaway amid all the energy of Mexico City. Tucked into the residential Polanco neighbourhood beside the leafy Parque Lincoln, this 1940s mansion boasts high ceilings, arching doorways and no shortage of natural light. If you’re hoping for sunny weather, March–May is the best time to visit, though autumn and winter (October–February) bring pleasantly cool temperatures and lots of local festivals and fairs.

If you’re looking for a classic safari experience with an extra element of privacy and customisation, Little Chem Chem is for you. The sister property of Chem Chem Lodge – part of our Positive Impact Collection – this smaller camp comprises six safari tents in a secluded corner of the Chem Chem Concession. You can also book it for exclusive use to have a piece of this pristine wilderness all to yourself. Go on sunrise and nighttime game drives, walking safaris and even hot air balloon rides to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras and more.

Wilderness Little Kulala is the ultimate desert lodge, combining the spirit of a boutique hotel, unbeatable luxury and a far-flung location near the rippling red dunes of Sossusvlei. Its 11 climate-controlled villas feature private pools, outdoor showers, picture windows and rooftop terraces that are equally apt for sunsets and some of the best stargazing in Africa. We especially love the wine cellar and the sensational cuisine, which emphasises locally sourced ingredients, as well as the main lodge’s comfortable lounge and library.

Set atop the cliffs right beside Walker Bay, Birkenhead House promises an unforgettable stay on South Africa’s whale coast. The ambience calls to mind a sophisticated beach house – albeit one where each room feels like a palace and where your every need will be met by an incredibly attentive staff. Perhaps the only thing more spectacular than the service is the constant presence of whales in the waters below.

Entering La Sultana Marrakech feels like finding a secret hideaway deep in the labyrinthine medina of Marrakesh. Encompassing various hidden courtyards, a scenic roof terrace, a courtyard swimming pool, a vaulted pink marble spa and three decadent dining spaces serving Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, this boutique hotel almost seems like a world of its own. Each of its 28 rooms and suites is intricate and colourful, evoking a quintessentially local version of luxury that retains a sense of history and authenticity.

The Siam Hotel strives to provide guests with a sanctuary of peace and quiet amid all the beautiful chaos of Bangkok – and it certainly succeeds. Its high ceilings, lush greenery, dark wood and ornate details create a sense of elegance that infuses each of its 38 suites and pool villas. Set on the shores of the Chao Phraya River in the leafy Dusit district, it’s also within easy reach of the Thai capital’s top attractions. That said, you don’t even have to leave the hotel grounds to take a hands-on cooking class or try Muay Thai training with an expert coach.

Luang Prabang is the cultural heart of Laos, and Satri House is among its most beautiful boutique hotels. Its 31 rooms and suites are distributed between several colonial-style buildings with a relaxed and peaceful ambience and two outdoor pools. The sumptuous decor reflects aspects of local culture as well as the property’s royal history; it’s the former home of the 20th-century prince (and former president) Souphanouvong. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a sunset cruise or even an overnight stay aboard the hotel’s private boat.

Villa Samadhi describes itself as a ‘nest’ – and maybe it’s the thatched roofs or the complete sense of comfort, but we have to admit that this description feels accurate. Wonderfully romantic, perfectly authentic and conveniently located within walking distance of central Kuala Lumpur, this adults-only boutique hotel is the ideal spot for a dreamy urban getaway. Its 21 rooms boast Malay styling and antique touches, plus private plunge pools and balconies. Sit back and relax beside the ‘lagoon’, a courtyard pool enhanced by the soothing sound of fountains.

There’s no better place to stay in Kazbegi National Park than Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. Although it has more than 150 rooms, it embodies the sense of exclusivity and care that’s common to the world’s best luxury boutique hotels. Take in privileged views of the mountains or forest from your private balcony, or head to the lounge to curl up beside a crackling fire with a glass of local qvevri wine.

Perched atop the rocky isle of Heissa – the sole surviving Nubian island in the Nile – BenBen is a genuine oasis surrounded by the historical intrigue of Aswan. Its rooms and suites are crafted from natural materials like granite and cork; all of them have outdoor jacuzzis, and many also offer stunning views of the river. The expansive Infinity Suite is especially alluring, featuring panoramic windows and a large private pool. The on-site YAM Restaurant serves both international and Egyptian cuisine, while the Philae Bar offers coffee, juices and traditional beverages.

A true desert oasis in the Egyptian Sahara, Lazib Inn invites you to step into a world of tranquil beauty and carefully curated details. Located in the picturesque village of Tunis, the hotel offers 21 individually decorated suites, a sauna and Turkish hammam, an outdoor jacuzzi and three panoramic swimming pools. Its hilltop position lends it privileged views of Fayoum and the nearby Lake Qarun.