Any hotel connoisseur will tell you: the best hospitality experiences are not just about amenities. They’re born from staying at properties filled with unique personality and warmth. These charming hotel destinations have both these qualities in spades. This means either by way of lavish decor, extra attentive service, or meals that taste like they could’ve come out of a local grandmother’s kitchen. These are seven unforgettable spots that are sure to lay the groundwork for a memorable vacation that feels anything but cookie-cutter.
Hotel: Thyme
Location: Gloucestershire, England
Tucked away in the bucolic Cotswolds hills, the peaceful Thyme feels a bit like staying at an extraordinarily chic family’s English countryside estate. The rooms are spread among secluded houses and cottages and filled with cozy, garden-inspired appointments and one-of-a-kind antiques. The food and drinks are all fresh from nearby farms and served in the property’s rustic-chic barn restaurant, opulently furnished drawing room, or serene poolside dining space. The on-site Meadow Spa, named one of Vogue’s top 100 spas in the world, offers botanically-charged treatments in airy, straight-from-a-storybook spaces.
Hotel: Padam
Location: Paris, France
Padam is an intimate boutique hotel is located in Paris’s quiet and exclusive 16th arrondissement. It reflects all of the neighborhood’s sophisticated charm via a Haussmann style facade, eclectic decor, and bistro-style restaurant. It also has an on-site hammam area, as well as proximity to some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées boulevard.
Hotel: Casa Bonavita
Location: Attard, Malta
Casa Bonavita is a richly appointed hideaway, set in a historic building, so every room has a distinct mood. Think an airy suite with the dreamiest view or a secluded set of rooms tucked atop a flight of hidden stairs. The unifying factor, however, is that every corner of this place is full of bold textures and vivid colors, as well as well-preserved old world architectural details. There’s plenty of equally beautiful dining areas as well—all focused on lovingly made Mediterranean cuisine. And, a spa decked out in dramatic Moroccan style tiles.
Hotel: Coquillade
Location: Provence, France
It’s near impossible, of course, not to enjoy oneself in the South of France countryside. But if you really want to take the experience up a few notches, consider Coquillade. This is a luxuriously understated retreat, which feels a bit like you’re living in a quiet Provençal village. The rooms and suites all feel quite private and overlook the rolling green landscape — which includes an on-site vineyard. There is also a spa with outdoor hot tubs tucked away in the center of the property. And while guests have the option of renting an electric bike to explore the neighboring area, no one would blame you for wanting to linger at one of the resort’s many open air restaurants with a book and glass of locally-sourced vino instead.
Hotel: Hotel Metropole
Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Hotel Metropole is an opulent getaway that has been in the beating heart of Monaco since the nineteenth century. But recently, it’s been updated to boast luxe reimagined rooms courtesy of famed interior designer Jacques Garcia, and a Guerlain spa complete with exclusive treatments from the brand. Something that’ll remain unchanged? The Karl Lagerfeld-designed rooftop pool, as well as the hotel’s vast art collection on display. This includes several original works from the likes of Picasso, Francis Bacon, and Andy Warhol.
Hotel: Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel
Location: Antibes, France
Set between the glamorous city of Cannes and a relaxed Nice countryside, the five-star Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel offers easy access to any South of France experience you’re looking for. That said, you may not want to leave the property. After all, it comes complete with a private beach, airy Cali-cool-inspired decor, the Michelin-starred Les Pêcheurs restaurant, and thoughtful wellness offerings, like outdoor yoga and Monastery skincare treatments.
Hotel: Turtle Inn
Location: Placencia, Belize
As part of Francis Ford Coppola’s hospitality portfolio, Turtle Inn is a beach-y escape full of touches from the famous director’s family. These include personal photos, and decorative objects hand-picked by his daughter Sofia (who also has a Laurent Deroo-designed villa on the property that guests have the option to rent). All the rooms are oceanside in thatched cottages, and guests have several laidback-but-elegant dining options to choose from. This means a Napoli-style pizzeria, candlelit seafood restaurant Mare, and the Gauguin Grill. The spa is tucked away in a serene and separate Balinese Rice House and offers treatments such as traditional Thai massages and a full body sea salt scrub.
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FAQs
Q: Does Coquillade have its own vineyard?
A: Yes. Coquillade is surrounded by its own vineyard in the heart of Provence, allowing guests to enjoy local wines alongside countryside views, open-air dining, and easy access to the region by electric bike.
Q: Is Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel home to a Michelin-starred restaurant?
A: Yes. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Les Pêcheurs, has earned a Michelin star and specializes in refined Mediterranean cuisine served just steps from the sea.
Q: Who owns Turtle Inn in Belize?
A: Turtle Inn is part of Francis Ford Coppola’s collection of luxury retreats. The property includes personal touches from the Coppola family, from curated décor to a villa designed by Sofia Coppola that guests can reserve for private stays.
