Summer is here, and it is blazing hot, hotter in some countries than expected. Several hotels opened just before the summer or are due to open their doors before the season ends. Haven’t booked your summer hols just yet? We’ve listed a few boutique properties worth keeping on your radar. If we’re missing any, feel free to send us an email. Otherwise, enjoy browsing through some beautiful properties worldwide.
AMERICAS
Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquets New York
Destination: New York
Style: Playful, contemporary and sophisticated
Suitable for: City dwellers
Barrière is a reputable luxury brand in France, known for offering luxurious resorts, before opening its first property in the United States last year. This summer, their second hotel in North America is due to open, with Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet. The hotel resides in New York’s Tribeca district. Its 96 rooms and suites, deluxe spa and restaurants, including a Parisian brasserie by Pierre Gagnaire, are sure to attract European and American clientele.
Villa Mara
Destination: Carmel Point, San Francisco
Style: Contemporary with rustic features
Suitable for: Cultural and beachside fans
Tucked away in the Carmel Point neighbourhood, just a few steps away from the sandy beach of Carmel-by-the-sea in San Francisco, is where you’ll find the idyllic Villa Mara. The relaxed seaside property has 16 guest suites decorated with curated vintage and custom-made furniture; some suites have views overlooking the sea. Interior designer Lisa Loch was recruited to create a stylish and contemporary haven with well-appointed details. A cosy sitting room, a jewel-box bar, terraces with water views and the village within walking distance.
AFRICA
Dukes Camp
Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Style: Environmentally sustainable luxury lodge
Suitable for: Individuals activated by culture, family, friends and groups
In June, Natural Selection opened Duke’s Camp in the northern Okavango Delta of Botswana. More than half of the safari tented property is crafted from recycled and “upcycled” materials. Each has its own ensuite bathroom and private viewing deck.
Sanctuary Tambarare
Destination: Sanctuary Tambarare, Kenya
Style: Luxury safari camp
Suitable for: Family, friends and couples
Opened in June, Sanctuary Tambarare has a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Black rhinos, the Big 5 and high predator densities are at the 5-star luxury safari lodge. Guests can embark on game drives at night, enjoy specially prepared meals by the camp chef (they bake the bread in the bush), daily drives and more. There are ten luxurious tents, all of which feature Masai-influenced textiles, teak floors and an en-suite bathroom. A private veranda looks out onto magnificent views of the neighbouring area.
EUROPE
7Pines Hotel
Destination: Sardinia, Italy
Style: Serene idyllic retreat
Suitable for: Eco-conscious friends, families, couples and nomads
7Pines Resort Sardinia is a beachfront resort offering sanctuary and pure relaxation. Fragrant gardens and secluded beaches help create a calming environment and complement the 76 individual suites and rooms available. Guests can create unforgettable culinary experiences at either of the three restaurants and bars, each with a unique viewpoint and ambience.
The Hoxton Barcelona
Destination: Barcelona, Spain
Style: Hip, playful and creative
Suitable for: Modern couples family and friends alike
The latest Hoxton opening in Poble Nou Barcelona opened recently. Located in one of Barcelona’s creative and upcoming neighbourhoods, the stylish gem of a hotel doesn’t disappoint. Firstly it effortless acts as a hotspot for locals and visitors, our kind of hotel. Secondly, the 240-room hotel has impressive city views, which guests can see from the rooftop pool. There’s a nod to all things local from the vermouth, sustainable fabrics and community-focused events. They also have a Detroit-style pizzeria, Four Corners and Mexican restaurant called Tope, perfect for dining pre or post activities in the city.
Cali Mykonos
Destination: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Style: Understated chic and stylishly hip
Suitable for: Hotel romantics and individuals looking to pamper themselves
This 5-star boutique hotel is set to open in July this year. The hotel is impressive, with all 40 rooms and villas featuring pool views, and the resort has amenities that include a restaurant, pool bar, infinity pool and more. Greek mythology is a key inspiration and works harmoniously with the minimal aesthetic and architecture.
Boys Hall
Destination: Berkshire, England
Style: Grade II-listed 17th-century building
Suitable for: Individuals in pursuit of some country dwelling and culture
The Boys Hall hotel has been under extensive restoration for some time and is due to unveil a new look and feel later this summer. Kristie and Bradley Lomas are behind the 17th Century house, which has become an iconic property in Kent. Boys Hall offers ten unique en-suite bedrooms, a 70-cover oak-beamed restaurant with two outside terraces and a pub.
Fleur de Loire
Destination: Amalfi, Italy
Style: Heritage hotel
Suitable for: Friends and couples
You’ll find Fleur de Loire hotel on the banks of the Loire in Bloise, a beautiful place. It oozes history, with the original building built based on the command of Gason d’Orléans, brother of King Louis XIII. The 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel and restaurant led by two-Michelin-starred chef Christophe Hay is a timeless place where guests can disconnect and reconnect. There are 44 rooms, including 11 suites, a gourmet restaurant, a bistro, a pastry kiosk, a swimming pool and a Sisley spa.
Sommerro
Destination: Oslo, Norway
Style: Historic city decadence
Suitable for: Families, friends and couples
A decadent stay is on the cards at Sommerro hotel in Oslo, Norway. The new hotel, scheduled to open late this summer, will have 242 rooms oozing opulence in one of the capital’s oldest neighbourhoods. It promises to feature Oslo’s first rooftop pool and various restaurants featuring traditional and Nordic cuisine for all to enjoy.
Passalacqua
Destination: Lake Como, Italy
Style: Lake-front, Italian bourgeoisie
Suitable for: Friends, family and couples
Get ready for a stunning new hotel on the picturesque Lake Como, set to get many talking this year and beyond. Passalacqua, rightfully commands attention thanks to the immaculate gardens, spectacular views and interior design. The 24-suite hotel is a short boat ride from Como city and is discreetly located, as it’s sectioned off from the village of Moltrasio. A former private villa dating back to 1787, guests can expect sheer opulence from the property.
Cosme, Paros
Destination: Paros, Greece
Style: Understated luxury
Suitable for: Friends, family and couples
Cosme is a property that evokes nothing but experiences. Based in the quaint town of Naoussa, the hotel is part of Marriot Bonvoy’s Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts and is the ideal escape for those seeking understated luxury. Greek interior design studios,ID Laboratorium, worked on the architecture and has done a phenomenal job ensuring that it is reminiscent of its surroundings. Take, for example, the half-moon pool that mirrors the bay and the pathways. Cosme Paros oozes Greek hospitality and is sure to make quite the splash on Paros island.
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/paslc-cosme-a-luxury-collection-resort-paros
ASIA
Cap Karoso
Destination: Karoso, Southwest Sumba, Indonesia
Style: Luxe Indonesian launchpad
Suitable for: For nature and culture lovers with a luxe twist
Cap Karoso refer to itself as a “luxe launchpad for exploring the Indonesian island of Sumba”. The 47-room hotel will likely attract those who want to immerse in Indonesian nature and culture. The beachfront property stands out, as age-old intertwines with contemporary art to showcase Sumbanese heritage and tell the island’s story. Details inside the rooms include art designed by locals, ceramics by artisans, textiles by thread makers and much more. Some facilities and amenities include a Julang restaurant, a spa, a swimming pool, and a beach club. Guests can also enjoy an open-air cinema.
