REASONS TO TRAVEL NOW

15 boutique hotels that ooze personality.

no. 1 Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Sri Lanka

From a private butler to an ‘ask-me-anything’ WhatsApp service to an enviable beach-side location amid a coconut plantation, everything about this Anantara property on Sri Lanka’s southern coast is made to invoke awe. There are rain showers within the villas, BOSE sound systems to play your favourite music, a baby pool with trained lifeguards, and a Child & Teens Club with childcare professionals on hand. While you go for wine tastings, or a swim in the pool, or get yourself an Ayurvedic massage, your children can be taken care of by trained professionals, making this property the perfect fit for relaxing family holidays. From the moment you wade into the resort, a personal butler is at your beck and call. The resort’s secluded location also suits couples seeking some quiet time together. Villas from ` 70,000; anantara.com

no. 2 La Mamounia, Morocco

Palatial, original, and marvellously elegant, La Mamounia in Marrakech is an Instagrammer’s dream. This ancient palace turned into a hotel in 1923, and since then, has been a favourite of many esteemed guests. Its architecture, design, and even the choice of colours are inspired by the Moroccan way of life. When here, dine at one of the three gourmet restaurants or the poolside brunch parlour, drain your stress away at the luxurious hammam, dip in the crystal clear courtyard pool, or spend time in the in-house art gallery that displays contemporary artwork of new and veteran artists. The property employs a special play on your senses by combining the perfect blend of fragrances and elements of the earth, all based on ancient Moroccan traditions. Book one of the Exceptional Suites for an extravagant experience, for instance the ‘Churchill Suite’ fuses English and Moroccan sensibilities. Doubles from ` 36,000; mamounia.com

no. 3 Drake Bay Getaway Resort, Costa Rica

In its vision to be the finest eco-luxury boutique resort on the planet, Drake Bay leaves no stone unturned. By building only five luxe cabins using recycled construction material and engaging guests in several responsible rural-tourism activities, Drake Bay is a statement in sustainability. Located on the gorgeous coastline of the Osa Peninsula, at a stone’s throw from the world-famous Corcovado National Park, the resort has access to both, hills and beaches. It is nestled in the middle of a forest, and activities like jungle walks, bird watching, scuba-diving, and zip-lining are available; during August-September, you can also go whale-watching. For a true Costa Rican experience, the resort arranges excursions with local guides. A three-night all-inclusive package starts at ` 85,500; drakebaygetaway.com

no. 4 Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa, Tuscany

Imagine you’re sitting by a rooftop pool, the finest Chianti wine in your hand and sweeping views of a thousand acres of olive groves to gawk at. Imagine living in a baronial 12th-century castle, home to many noble Florentine families, with furnishings from a bygone era, heavily frescoed walls, and even a pocket-sized chapel. Imagine relaxing in a 1,000-square-metre spa, parts of which look out to the open sky, after a day of hiking along green rolling hills. At Castello del Nero, you can have all of this. Equidistant from both, the artistic mecca of Florence and the historic city of Siena, the 900-year-old castle has been restored into a luxury bespoke property without tampering with its architectural heritage. Below the vaulted ceilings of the castle’s former stables is La Torre, a Michelin-star restaurant that uses the freshness of seasonal ingredients to perform culinary magic. You’ll leave this Italian countryside property wide-eyed, wondering why you didn’t come here before. Reopens March 21; rooms from ` 35,000; castellodelnero.com

no. 5 Hotel Unique, Brazil

The famous Japanese-Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake has many architectural marvels to his credit, but nothing beats the half-moon-shaped gigantic Hotel Unique. Located in vibrant São Paulo, the hotel itself is a destination worth flying for. Choose one of its luxury suites for the best views, swim in the heated pool that has its own underground sound system, party at the rooftop sky bar, or just relax by the windows that offer phenomenal vistas of the world below. For a sizzling holiday, opt for the ‘Dream Purple Experience’ that comes with a surprise gift hamper of sensual delights, or choose the ‘Blue Experience’ that involves spa therapy and a range of Caudalie gift items. Indulge in delicately prepared food by Chef Emmanuel Bassoleil, who brings in the best of Brazilian cuisine on the table. Perfect for both, group gatherings and intimate getaways, the buzzing city of São Paulo makes for a stunning backdrop to your holiday album. Rooms start at ` 25,000; hotelunique.com

no. 6 La Residence, South Africa

Situated an hour outside Cape Town, this 16-suite hotel sits on a 33-acre private estate replete with plum orchards, rows of grapevine, and olive groves. Each palatial suite plays with vibrant colours, Indian chandeliers hang from the roofs, plush velveteen fabrics adorn the beds, and curated artwork stares down from the walls. But what makes La Residence stand out among the many properties in Franschhoek Valley is its attention to detail. When you are done swigging glasses of Shiraz, explore the extensive tea menu ranging from Moroccan to Rooibos. Several springboks, a regal swan, two horses, and peacocks strut about in the yard. The china used is one of its kind, handpicked from a popular antique shop. Couple suite from ` 70,000; theroyalportfolio.com/la-residence

no. 7 Suryagarh, Rajasthan

Walk into the grandeur of Rajasthan’s past at the fort-like hotel of Suryagarh located in Jaisalmer. Built with love and passion by heritage specialist Ravi Gupta, Suryagarh isn’t a real fort, but acts the part well. Spread on a quiet 40-acre land with the Thar in distant view, Suryagarh reeks of royalty—peacocks dancing in the verandah, intricately designed interiors, lush green gardens, and modern amenities aglow with a regal shimmer. The speciality dining Legends of Marwar celebrates the region’s royal cuisine, and the bar Draksh complements the fare beautifully. Indulge in open-air luxury dinners, participate in music nights, learn archery, or unwind at the spa. For some adventure, opt for a guided experience of the ‘haunted’ village of Kuldhara, or indulge in sundowners in the middle of the crimson desert. Doubles from

` 18,000; suryagarh.com

no. 8 Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan

A victory of sustainable development and community engagement against years of copper mining, Feynan Ecolodge is a nod to conscious tourism in Jordan. Inspired by caravanserai, Feynan maintains a setting steeped in nostalgia with its interlinked courtyards, rugged construction, and candlelit rooms; a time-travelling spice merchant would be right at home here. Located in the dry and wild Dana Biosphere Reserve, it offers a chance to hike, climb, bike, and sip on refreshing Bedouin tea under a starry sky. At Feynan, you find devices running on solar power, water sourced from a spring, and a near plastic-free experience with composting and recycling built into the ethos.

The culturally sensitive property compensates for the lack of alcohol with its delicious vegetarian meals produced by the local community. Feynan ensures that every penny you spend goes into conservation of Jordanian culture and natural resources. Rooms start at ` 15,000; ecohotels.me/feynan

no. 9 Capella Hotel, Singapore

Located on Sentosa Island, this colonial-style hotel is an easy respite from the fastpaced life of Singapore. The bungalows, dating back to the late 1800s, have been restored thoroughly, the large grounds are landscaped with gardens, and there’s the vast sea along the boundaries. Experiences include rum-tasting, cooking classes with star chefs, cocktail masterclasses, and private yoga sessions. The hotel pays special attention to its wellness programmes at the award-winning Auriga Spa, which include a customisable spa-cation itinerary. The villas, designed by Jaya Ibrahim, intertwine the elements of natural beauty with modern minimalism. For an extravagant experience, stay at the Manor. Doubles start from ` 35,000; capellahotels.com

no. 10 Awarta Nusa Dua Resort & Villas, Indonesia

Recognised as the ‘World’s Best Boutique Hotel’ by

Boutique Hotel Awards in 2018, Awarta Resorts in Bali has redefined excellence. The landscaping is impressive—from the bamboo arch passageways to the 100-year-old bonsai trees. Two frangipani trees have been painstakingly restructured to represent an arch of love, under which you could pop that all important question or simply have a private romantic dinner. Upon arrival at the Denpasar Airport, your butler whisks you away in a Chrysler with ample champagne—an apt induction into life at Awarta. Whether you need a one-bedroom villa or a three-bedroom house, they all come awash with a private pool and faux waterfall. Villas from ` 35,000; awartaresorts.com

no. 11 Ett Hem, Sweden

Neither hotel nor resort, Ett Hem is a home built with love and care by a family that lived in it for many years before visitors had a chance to experience its luxury. Situated in the gorgeous city of Stockholm, the 97-year-old property features 12 rooms, each decorated with Scandinavian arts and crafts, some of which were collected by the owners over years. Just like any successful household, the menu for the day is decided based on the fresh ingredients available and the mood of its residents. One can eat in one’s own room, the gardem, or even the library. You are invited to feel at home and grab a snack or drink from the well-stocked kitchen whenever hunger pangs surface. The house dresses up for Christmas, on the first of December each year, making it the perfect time to cosy up in its festive premises. Ett Hem also makes for a great base for skiing. Doubles from ` 38,000; etthem.se

no. 12 Ashford Castle, Ireland

Old is treated as gold at this 800-year-old majestic castle located on the shores of Lough Corrib lake in the Mayo county of Ireland. Every brick and stone of this 1228 structure is steeped in history, and its restoration brought together a community in Ashford. The Quiet Man was shot here and is now proudly shown in the in-house theatre. The Hideaway Cottage (a former boathouse) tops the chart among the 83 well-adorned rooms, with its antique furniture and magnificent artwork. While at Ashford, enjoy the creative cooking of Chef Phillipe Arineau, and sip on a wide range of rare whiskeys and wines. Explore activities that were once meant for lords and ladies—falconry, horseriding, and archery. The Corrib Rooms start at ` 62,000, ashfordcastle.com

no. 13 Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia

Situated on a solitary rugged cliff constantly lapped by the ocean, Southern Ocean Lodge’s location on Australia’s secluded and quiet Kangaroo Island is its biggest draw. Shaped like a long train with the view of the fierce ocean available from every corner, this eco-friendly property redefines conscious luxury. Each of its 21 ultra-modern suites features a large glass wall, and modern amenities including a personal music system, in-suite bar, heated floors, bespoke furniture, and a Baillie bed for peaceful sleep. Savour the daily changing menu personally crafted by Chef Ashor Blackford that uses exotic ingredients of the Kangaroo Island paired with the right wines. The icing on the cake is the sumptuous spa experience and a view of the rapturous ocean from the comfort of your jacuzzi. A three-night package starts from

` 2.3 lakh per person; southernoceanlodge.com.au

no. 14 Lily Beach Hotel & Spa, Maldives

From the moment you hop out of the seaplane and onto the private island of Huvahendhoo, you are acutely aware of how far from the madding crowd you have come. Since it’s an all-inclusive resort, guests don’t need to think twice about availing any service—from massages to fine wine and premium spirits. In spite of being a large property, Lily Beach Hotel makes sure guests feel like their holiday is completely private, except during the buffet meals when everyone descends into Lily Maa. Each day of the week focusses on a different cuisine; the range varies from Japanese to Maldivian. The restaurant also offers a wide range of cheese and seafood. There’s an endless choice of day-time snacks at two pool bars and three à la carte restaurants. Starts at ` 1.06 lakh; lilybeachmaldives.com

no. 15 Borana Lodge, Kenya

Imagine a set of eight luxury cottages located in a 32,000-acre wilderness. To give you company, there are endangered rhinos among other big game animals in sight as you dip for an evening swim in an outdoor pool. This makes for the setting of Borana Lodge, nestled in Borana Conservancy, a non-profit working towards wildlife conservation in Kenya. When here, dine on fresh food in a treehouse, or pamper yourself with a special safari facial and spa. Hop on a horse and spot the area’s wildlife, a tradition that the founding Dyer family has maintained; take a helicopter ride over the vast conservancy; get a sneak peek into Maasai culture in conversations with village elders; or help rescued animals while at Borana. Rooms and experiences start at ` 53,096; boran.co.ke