Boutique bedding
From top-end to affordable, Mark Daffey surveys stylish accommodation choices on Air Niugini’s network.
BALI
Nestled amongst rice paddies and surrounded by coconut palms just outside the cultural hub of Ubud, Sandat Glamping Tents (glampingsandat. com) is far removed from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s beaches. This little slice of heaven contains five safari-style tents – each with its own plunge pool – as well as three luxury lumbung (rice barns), all fitted with locally made furnishings that include hand-crafted bamboo beds. Prices from PGK570 a night.
In the same region, on a ridge above the Ayung River, Bambu Indah (banbuindah.com) is a stunning collection of individually designed bamboo buildings and antique Javanese teakwood bridal homes. It combines sustainable practices in a luxury environment. Prices
from PGK260 a night.
Smack bang in the middle of the island, amongst the cooler climes of the Central Highlands, is Desa Atas Awan (desaatasawan.com). This ‘ Village Above the Clouds’ offers just three suites, all designed by a local architect. Prices from
PGK210 a night.
BRISBANE
Located in fashionable New Farm, Spicers Balfour Hotel (spicersretreats.com/spicersbalfour-hotel) is minutes from Brisbane’s Storey Bridge. Step inside this iconic Queenslander and you’ll discover a chic interior that’s welcoming and warm, perfectly complementing its personalised service. Prices from PGK534 a night.
CAIRNS
Within easy reach of Cairns International Airport, and nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and the pristine tropical rainforests of North Queensland, you’ll find Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa (kewarra.com). Beautifully appointed deluxe bungalows and spacious suites are spread across 30 hectares of lush tropical gardens that are set on half-a-kilometre of private beachfront. Prices from PGK380
a night.
FIJI
Countless resorts are strung out along Fiji’s Coral Coast, between Nadi International Airport and the capital, Suva. The first of those to be built, Crusoe’s Retreat (crusoesretreat.net), has been entertaining guests for over 50 years.
With only 28 traditional bures and a welcoming staff, this is Fiji at its most authentic and relaxed. Participate in daily bush hikes, cooking lessons or kava ceremonies. Prices from PGK180 a
night.
In an unrivalled location, where the rainforest meets the ocean, Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort (surfingfiji.com) is designed for discerning travellers who want seclusion, service and satisfaction, but using sustainable practices. Matanivusi bears the distinction of obtaining the world’s first ‘sustainable surf resort’ certification. Prices from PGK1300 a night.
HONG KONG
Hong Kong’s first boutique hotel, J Plus, celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2014 with a makeover. Rebranded J Plus Hotel by YOO (jplushongkong.com), the extensive refit applied refreshingly bright designs to each of the hotel’s 66 graffiti-inspired studios and suites. Prices
from PGK450 a night. Outstanding concierge service is what separates the Lanson Place Hotel (lansonplace.com) from other boutique operations in Hong Kong. All of its 194 rooms and suites boast oversized glass windows, allowing natural light to flood every corner of the room.
Prices from PGK700 a night.
Nestled among five-star hotels in the historical Tsim Sha Tsui district,
Hop Inn on Hankow (hopinn.hk) is an affordable alternative (from PGK158) in pricey Hong Kong. Living spaces and rooms are decorated by talented local artists and illustrators.
MANILA
The Bayleaf Hotel (thebayleaf.com. ph) is ideally located within the historic walls of Intramuros. The hotel has 57 vibrant rooms and suites, two panoramic restaurants and a roof-deck bar with stunning views of Manila’s skyline. Prices from PGK215 a night.
If you imagine a boutique hotel as a stately colonial estate set among manicured gardens, then The Henry Hotel (thehenryhotel.com) fits that picture perfectly. This collection of five 1950’s houses inside a large Pasay City compound is all the more significant in a city that struggles to preserve its heritage buildings. Each of its 32 rooms (from PGK250 a night) blends nostalgic touches with the sort of technological amenities required by contemporary travellers.
PORT MORESBY
Port Moresby’s Grand Papua Hotel (grandpapuahotel.com.pg) doesn’t strictly fit the mould of a boutique hotel – it’s a 16-storey building. However, the capital’s first deluxe hotel has 161 rooms and suites and some of the best eateries in town. Prices from PGK760
a night.
Contrasting with the Grand Papua’s sleek, contemporary lines is the Raintree Lodge (theraintreelodge.com), which has been described as Port Moresby’s best-kept secret. The lodge is a tropical oasis in a suburban setting (it’s in Boroko), with 12 spacious rooms around a Balinese-style courtyard garden.
Prices from PGK500 a night.
Also, don’t miss the Airways Hotel (airways.com.pg).
SINGAPORE
Spread across five restored shop-houses from the early 20th century, Hotel 1929 (hotel1929. com) has 32 individually designed rooms fitted with a mix of classic designer and retro vintage furniture. Prices from PGK320 a night.
Across town in Little India, separate designers created themed masterpieces
across each of Wanderlust’s (wanderlusthotel. com) four levels. No two rooms are alike and the result is a juxtaposition of styles … think Frank Gehry sofas beside Trent Jansen seats crafted out of recycled road signs, or friendly monsters cradling room lights versus room-sized rockets filled with aliens. Prices from PGK320
a night.
Hotel Clover The Arts (hotelclovertheartssingapore.com) continues the funky-as-can-be theme in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District. What makes this hotel’s 44 rooms special is that each was painted by local art students who won selection through a national competition. Styles vary from urban graffiti to pop art, retro kitsch or Zen Japanese. Prices from PGK260 a night.
SYDNEY
If you had to pick one spot to stay in Sydney, where else would that be than somewhere with harbour views, right next door to the Harbour Bridge? Well then, that place would be Pier One (pieronesydneyharbour.com). This converted wharf facility on Walsh Bay blends unique history with contemporary style. Stay in one of 189 federation-style rooms then stroll around the historic streets of The Rocks. Prices from
PGK350 a night.
Nestled in the heart of groovy Darlinghurst, the 40-room Kirketon Hotel (kirketon.com. au) is located a short distance from practically anywhere noteworthy in Sydney. Guests here talk about the hotel’s warmth and relaxed ambience, especially inside its award-winning cocktail bar. Prices from PGK300 a night.
VANUATU
Set amidst flame trees and tropical gardens in an unrivalled location at Samoa Point, The Havannah (thehavannah.com) feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet it’s just 25 kilometres from Port Vila. With a maximum of 34 guests, The Havannah is a luxury retreat catering exclusively for adults.
Prices from PGK960 a night.
Mangoes Resort (mangoesresort.com) is another adults-only, full-service resort of 29 lagoon or garden bungalows on Efate Island. Many feature their own plunge pool, serenely set high on a cliff with sensational views over the sparkling sapphire-blue waters of a South Pacific lagoon. Prices from PGK460
a night.