You’ll be able to keep on the most lovely, most luxurious motels on the earth, however usually which means you are one among 500 company. At a boutique lodge, nevertheless, you might be by no means handled as one among many. If you keep at a property with only a handful of rooms — be it oceanfront villas or thatched-roofed chalets — you’ll be able to anticipate a degree of service that is usually unattainable at large-scale motels. From non-public safaris by means of Kruger Nationwide Park Space to customized butler service and personal cooks, the world’s greatest boutique motels know tips on how to ship.
To make sure high quality and a next-level dedication to service, we reviewed every top-ranked lodge featured within the 2021 Journey + Leisure World’s Greatest Awards and put collectively a curated record of simply 14 properties with fewer than 20 rooms. The result’s a smattering of intimate properties that do not skimp on service — whether or not it is a safari lodge in Botswana or an adults-only retreat within the Costa Rican jungle.
Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara, Kenya
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bathtub-mahali-mzuri-BESTHOTEL0222-fc1e3d485b1b49608516a84f17393d76.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bathtub-mahali-mzuri-BESTHOTEL0222-fc1e3d485b1b49608516a84f17393d76.jpg)
Mahali Mzuri, which implies “lovely place” in Swahili, was named the no. 1 lodge in T+L’s World’s Greatest Awards — and it is simple to see why. The luxurious safari camp within the Kenyan bush has simply 12 trendy tents, every with an en-suite toilet and personal deck overlooking the wildlife residing inside the Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
Whilst you settle into your private home away from dwelling, a staff of cooks are busy getting ready three meals a day to gas days spent swimming within the outside infinity pool, cruising the savannah on sport drives, or melting right into a spa therapy.
Grace Resort, Auberge Resorts Assortment, Santorini, Greece
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grace-hotel-01-GRRESTHOTELWB21-b667eaa1baed4c4ab01952a1f15c5ecf.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grace-hotel-01-GRRESTHOTELWB21-b667eaa1baed4c4ab01952a1f15c5ecf.jpg)
Located on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, this immaculate five-star lodge has a handful of accolades to its identify because the no. 1 lodge in Greece and no. 6 on the earth. It is recognized for among the greatest sundown views on Santorini.
And due to the property's dimension — simply 20 rooms and suites — no element is neglected. Every visitor is handled to expansive indoor-outdoor areas with unobstructed sea views and perks like complimentary breakfast and clifftop yoga.
Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Chobe Nationwide Park, Botswana
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/belmond-savute-elephant-lodge-013-TOPHOTELSWB21-ebcd47f7122849c79efb87de5fbb52f1.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/belmond-savute-elephant-lodge-013-TOPHOTELSWB21-ebcd47f7122849c79efb87de5fbb52f1.jpg)
The Savute Elephant Lodge someway manages to be each stylish and wild, with 12 luxurious tented rooms overlooking the expansive Chobe Nationwide Park. Every day, elephants parade by the property whereas the close by watering gap welcomes hyenas and cheetahs. To make issues much more luxurious, three meals a day (included in your keep) are paired with advantageous wines and loved alfresco with views over the savannah.
Nobu Ryokan Malibu, California
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/us-resort-hotels-nobu-ryokan-malibu-00-USRESORTSWB21-dfd682c18e4046aaac31f50eacf3e3b2.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/us-resort-hotels-nobu-ryokan-malibu-00-USRESORTSWB21-dfd682c18e4046aaac31f50eacf3e3b2.jpg)
Nobu Ryokan Malibu, which is owned by acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa of Iron Chef fame, takes the standard Japanese ryokan expertise and elevates it right into a five-star expertise that feels extra like a retreat than a lodge. The property’s 16 polished rooms have a Zen-like really feel, picket soaking tubs, skylights, and fireplaces and/or patios.
As you would possibly guess, the beachfront property (upgraded rooms have ocean views) additionally has an upscale restaurant operated by chef Nobu and entry to Malibu's Carbon Seaside, an unique spa, and a racquet membership.
andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Non-public Sport Reserve, South Africa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/andbeyond-phinda-vlei-03-SAFARILODGESWB21-594076c56ed74f76ab9efb525abc2efd.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/andbeyond-phinda-vlei-03-SAFARILODGESWB21-594076c56ed74f76ab9efb525abc2efd.jpg)
With simply six rooms to take care of, the staff at Phinda Vlei Lodge has no downside going above and past for each visitor. Set on the sting of a uncommon sand forest within the Phinda Non-public Sport Reserve and overlooking a powerful wetland system, this safari lodge is all about wildlife — and romance.
The property has a repute for it's secluded, intimate really feel, and boasts a staff of educated safari guides who introduce company to the enduring Huge 5, amongst different native wildlife.
Pickering Home Inn, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pickering-house-inn-034-TOPHOTELSWB21-7d013b4a3c674eeb8c8bc0fcf8542477.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pickering-house-inn-034-TOPHOTELSWB21-7d013b4a3c674eeb8c8bc0fcf8542477.jpg)
Set inside a landmark mansion close to Lake Winnipesaukee, this modern visitor home has simply 10 rooms, every with its personal distinct feel and look. Included in each say is a connoisseur each day breakfast and light-weight snacks which are greatest loved on the inn’s expansive coated deck. As if the lodge itself wasn’t charming sufficient, it is also set on the sting of the idyllic city of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
The Roundtree, Amagansett, New York
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/roundtree-amagansett-05-USRESORTSWB21-e1aa2cee117f481e8d5aae8804e3d86d.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/roundtree-amagansett-05-USRESORTSWB21-e1aa2cee117f481e8d5aae8804e3d86d.jpg)
The Roundtree in East Hampton has what it takes to appeal even essentially the most jaded of lodge company — luxurious rooms and suites, renovated cottages, and perks like loaner bikes and seaside gear. With simply 15 meticulously renovated rooms, you’ll be able to anticipate a next-level dedication to service and a focus to the little issues — from high-end linens to curated experiences that embody cooking courses and vineyard excursions.
Gibb's Farm, Karatu, Tanzania
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gibbs-farm-053-TOPHOTELSWB21-73a951a8b0ee4783adc2b380f9b4ca93.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gibbs-farm-053-TOPHOTELSWB21-73a951a8b0ee4783adc2b380f9b4ca93.jpg)
It is subsequent to inconceivable to beat the situation of Gibb’s Farm, a circa-1929 farmhouse and safari lodge set on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. And whereas company can be drawn to the fastidiously laid out lodging — 17 cottages and two homes — the actual draw is the property’s expansive gardens, which embody an herb backyard, rose backyard, cactus backyard, vegetable backyard, and a medicinal backyard.
Along with Tanzanian safaris and actions across the farm (assume: baking courses and occasional bean selecting), company are handled to true farm-to-table meals influenced by Tanzanian and English delicacies.
Matetsi Victoria Falls, Matetsi Non-public Sport Reserve, Zimbabwe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/matetsi-victoria-falls-00-AFMERESHOTELWB21-40fc426454594fef9d0d88b9bed0d309.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/matetsi-victoria-falls-00-AFMERESHOTELWB21-40fc426454594fef9d0d88b9bed0d309.jpg)
It is about greater than twice-daily sport drives and strolling safaris on the Matetsi Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The family-owned property sits proper on the banks of the Zambezi river close to the most important waterfall on Earth: Victoria Falls.
The property has 18 stand-alone suites (together with two household suites) and a personal villa with 4 en-suite rooms, an outside pool, and an expansive outside eating space the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in meals ready by your individual non-public chef.
Khwai River Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Moremi Sport Reserve, Botswana
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/belmond-khwai-river-lodge-063-TOPHOTELSWB21-6f618bdf67774734905b7d32f620bffa.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/belmond-khwai-river-lodge-063-TOPHOTELSWB21-6f618bdf67774734905b7d32f620bffa.jpg)
The Khwai River Lodge in Botswana serves up the right mixture of journey and calm. It is without delay each a basecamp for giant sport drives and a retreat with all of the bells and whistles — together with a peaceable infinity pool, luxe tents with spacious decks, and in-room massages.
With fewer than 20 suites, you'll take pleasure in impeccable service, full board, and a personal deck completely located for elephant viewing.
The Bushcamp Firm's Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa Nationwide Park, Zambia
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bushcamp-company-mfuwe-lodge-08-SAFARILODGESWB21-416aabb0e28e4c5f90ef9b1a222fcc2f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bushcamp-company-mfuwe-lodge-08-SAFARILODGESWB21-416aabb0e28e4c5f90ef9b1a222fcc2f.jpg)
With an enviable location proper in South Luangwa Nationwide Park, company at Mfuwe Lodge will turn out to be accustomed to seeing wildlife in any respect hours of the day. In actual fact, elephants have been recognized to parade proper by means of the lodge in the hunt for the property’s wild mango tree. Visitors rave in regards to the 18 not too long ago refurbished chalets, luxurious Bush Spa, and the workers’s wonderful consideration to element.
andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger Nationwide Park Space, South Africa
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/andbeyond-ngala-safari-lodge-071-TOPHOTELSWB21-a5b0aa70743f42728e34a4e34209e4d7.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/andbeyond-ngala-safari-lodge-071-TOPHOTELSWB21-a5b0aa70743f42728e34a4e34209e4d7.jpg)
The Ngala Safari Lodge is perched on the border of Kruger Nationwide Park overlooking a wildlife watering gap. Along with a hard-to-top location wealthy with wildlife sightings, the South African property has a small smattering of thatched-roof cottages that includes cover beds and personal verandas.
When not out exploring the park, company on the 20-room boutique lodge can benefit from the outside pool and scorching tub or an evening underneath the celebs within the Ngala's treehouse.
Sasaab, Samburu, Kenya
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sasaab-071-TOPHOTELSWB21-2ca48c47ec8145058dbe89c0d086c7dc.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sasaab-071-TOPHOTELSWB21-2ca48c47ec8145058dbe89c0d086c7dc.jpg)
It does not get extra customized than the Sasaab, a five-star boutique lodge with simply 9 tented rooms, every with a personal veranda, plunge pool, and furnished deck searching over the wilderness. Along with normal safari choices, you’ll be able to view the Kenyan panorama by helicopter or camp in a dome tent with wide-open evening sky views.
Casa Chameleon, Mal País, Costa Rica
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/casa-chameleon-03-CENTAMRESHOTWB21-1c3cc681522541508696b5c1d4a0a6e4.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/casa-chameleon-03-CENTAMRESHOTWB21-1c3cc681522541508696b5c1d4a0a6e4.jpg)
Courtesy of Casa Chameleon Mal Pais
This adult-only paradise has simply 10 villas, every overlooking the acclaimed browsing seashores of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. To stability out days spent within the surf and sand, the secluded jungle property provides a collection of physique remedies, health courses, and delectable Costa Rican fare (all-inclusive meal packages can be found).