NEWSA Celebration of Uniqueness: Inside the World’s Best Boutique Hotels
Dec. 19 2024, Published 1:40 a.m. ET
As consumers continue to embrace travel that’s about more than just seeing the sights, the Boutique Hotel Club Awards honours destinations that redefine luxury and authentic experiences.
This year’s award winners deliver not just a place to stay but also where guests are drawn into the culture, design and natural beauty of each locale.
From secluded nature paradises to architecturally rich city sanctuaries, these properties are setting the bar high for tourists looking forward to meaningful getaways and memorable moments.
Art in design: The destination as the experience
Leading the awards this year is Akademie Street Boutique Hotel in South Africa, crowned World’s Best Boutique Hotel and Best Relaxation Retreat.
Nestled in the historic town of Franschhoek, it combines old-world charm with artistic elegance, blending Dutch heritage with modern spaces.
With individually designed suites framed by the breathtaking Franschhoek mountains, private plunge pools and lush garden courtyards, Akademie Street feels like a retreat within a retreat. A special place for visitors seeking rest and rejuvenation.
Other unique sanctuaries from around the globe also made their mark.
Casa Polanco in Mexico City captures the essence of Mexican artistry in Polanco, one of the capital’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. Rich with original Mexican art, it is in Casa Polanco where modern luxury meets with the city’s cultural legacy.
In Amsterdam, the Faralda Crane Hotel takes guests on an entirely different adventure.
Set in a converted industrial crane, it offers panoramic city views from sky-high suites. Each room features Dutch craftsmanship and avant-garde design, providing guests with an extraordinary perspective on one of Europe’s most creative cities.
For those seeking the allure of natural landscapes, Carlin Boutique Hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand, exemplifies the fusion of architecture and nature.
Expansive windows open onto views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, allowing guests to bask in the splendour of New Zealand’s outdoors.
Where nature meets luxury: Coastal and forest retreats
The Boutique Hotel Club Awards also honours properties that found the perfect balance between nature and luxury like Lekkerwater Beach Lodge on South Africa’s Western Cape.
What makes this property a standout is its location. Situated along a secluded coastline in the famed De Hoop Nature Reserve in Cape Province, it overlooks pristine beaches and the Indian Ocean.
It also offers visitors a chance to escape city life, with breathtaking sunsets and whale-watching moments providing an unforgettable natural experience.
In Bali, Munduk Moding Plantation offers eco-luxury at its finest.
Tucked in Bali’s lush highlands, it provides an authentic retreat dedicated to sustainability. Here, guests can explore coffee plantations and tropical gardens. Their eco-friendly villas may also appeal to environmentally conscious travelers who want an intimate experience with nature.
The Crocodile Hunter Lodge in Queensland, Australia, connects luxury with the wild.
Located near Australia Zoo, this lodge brings the wilderness to life. With private bungalows, close encounters with native wildlife and safari experiences, it’s the perfect quick getaway for guests eager to immerse themselves in Australia’s unique natural beauty.
The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is the namesake of the late Steve Irwin — known as the original ‘Crocodile Hunter,’ who captivated audiences worldwide with his boundless passion for wildlife conservation.
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Local flavours and fine dining
For boutique hotels, dining often showcases the flavours and culinary heritage of their regions like that of the award-winning Velaa Private Island in the Maldives. There, guests find themselves on a culinary journey that reflects both international and Maldivian influences.
Additionally, one of the highlights of Velaa Private is its overwater restaurants and private dining experiences, making it an ideal retreat for food-loving travelers looking to experience Maldivian cuisine at its finest.
In Bali, Desa Seni Baturiti offers an authentic farm-to-table experience. The hotel’s mission to focus on sustainable farming and support the local agricultural industry is worthy of recognition.
Here, ingredients are sourced directly from the property’s organic gardens and nearby farms. Each dish also reflects the richness of Bali’s agricultural heritage.
The three Rs: Romance, Relaxation and Renewal
For those looking for romantic getaways, the Boutique Hotel Club Awards recognised Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa in Stellenbosch, also known as South Africa’s wine country.
Known as the World’s Best Honeymoon Hotel, this intimate retreat offers stunning views, private verandas and rolling vineyards. It’s truly a haven for honeymooners and couples seeking serenity.
San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, is another beloved romantic retreat. Steeped in Hollywood history, this charming property offers private cottages with period furniture, wood-burning fireplaces and secluded gardens.
Travelers looking to spend their time in Europe may also want to visit Italy’s Borgo Egnazia. It stands out for its rustic elegance and serene spa, recreating the feel of a traditional Italian village.
With earthy tones, local stonework and a focus on wellness, it offers a tranquil retreat that appeals to anyone interested in romance, relaxation and a touch of Italy’s rural charm.
A year of inspiration for sophisticated travelers
These award-winning boutique hotels offer much more than just a place to stay. They invite guests to connect with each destination on a deeper level, whether through distinct design, culinary exploration or the breathtaking beauty of nature.
According to Cally Squires, award panellist of Boutique Hotel Club: “Each recognised property is a testament not merely to hospitality, but to creativity and heart.”
For travelers ready to venture beyond the ordinary, these boutique hotels promise an escape that’s as rich in experience as it is in discovery.
