2016's Best Boutique Hotels: My Top Picks for Where to Stay

When it comes to perfecting the art of hospitality, no one does it better than those who dedicate their lives to it. At the World Boutique Hotel Awards in London, November 2016, we gathered a room full of these experts.

We sat down with some of the world's most renowned hoteliers and asked them: 'What’s the most memorable hotel experience you’ve ever had, and why?'

Their stories varied from enjoying freshly baked bread at a communal breakfast in Chile, to celebrating a magical New Year’s Eve by a Buddhist temple in Indonesia. But one thing they all shared was the dedication of hotel staff who went above and beyond to ensure a truly unforgettable stay.

Gregor Nassief, owner of Secret Bay – named the World's Best Boutique Hotel of 2016 – says, 'The best boutique hotels whisk you away to a place that feels both completely new and deeply familiar, a home you never knew you were missing.'

“More often than not, someone else's love story becomes part of your own.”

Here are the responses from the other award winners.

A delayed honeymoon in Valparaiso.

Secret Bay: Dominica is renowned as the Caribbean’s 'nature island.'

Secret Bay: Dominica is celebrated as the 'nature island' of the Caribbean. Courtesy of Secret Bay

Gregor Nassief is the owner of Secret Bay, a prestigious eco-luxury resort in Dominica. In 2003, he and his wife finally took their long-delayed honeymoon to Valparaiso, Chile.

We decided on a quaint hotel called Luna Sonrisa, a beautifully renovated 100-year-old house in Cerro Alegre. We stayed in the only room with a private bathroom, a cozy space painted in raspberry red with a vanilla-painted ceiling.

Our favorite part was breakfast at the communal table, where the owner's wife would serve fresh bread from her bakery, Pan de Magia. Everything was presented on handmade local clay plates and had that special touch that only love can provide.

Secret Bay; Ross Blvd, Dominica, West Indies; +1 767 445 4444

Luna Sonrisa; Templeman 833, Cerro Alegre, Valparaiso, Chile; +56 32 273 4117

A 'dessert room' inside an Italian palace.

Capri Palace: A subtle blend of elegance.

Capri Palace: A refined yet understated elegance. Courtesy of Capri Palace

Alain Bachmann, the general manager of The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, a design hotel nestled in Bali’s lush paddy fields (World’s Best Relaxation Retreat 2016).

In 2014, he enjoyed a 'romantic escape' to Italy's Capri Palace.

What made it so unforgettable? Impeccable and incredibly friendly service, a spacious and luxurious room, plus exceptional dining experiences, including a ‘dessert room’! It’s like being a child in a (gourmet) candy store!

And all of this set on a stunning island, exuding understated elegance.

Chedi Club Tanah Gajah; Tengkulak Kaja, Jl. Raya Goa Gajah, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia; +62 361 975685

Capri Palace; Via Capodimonte, 14, 80071 Anacapri, Isola di Capri, Italy; +39 081 9780111

Wildlife encounters in a South African game reserve.

Vigilius Mountain Resort: Eco-luxury in the heart of South Tyrol.

Vigilius Mountain Resort: Eco-luxury in South Tyrol. Courtesy of Vigilius Mountain Resort

Gertrud Grassl is the marketing head at Vigilius Mountain Resort, a five-star wellness retreat in South Tyrol (World’s Best Sustainable Hotel 2016).

In 2015, she traveled to Woodbury Tented Camp, located in South Africa's malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve.

“South Africa is a timeless land where the untamed, harsh forces of nature reign. I longed for a journey that focused on simplicity and the essential elements of life, offering me a chance to connect deeply with a world far removed from Western life. My greatest wish was to visit a private reserve and experience wild animals in their natural habitat.”

“An unforgettable experience: The lounge offered panoramic views over the vast savannah, while at night, the sounds of wildlife and nature filled the air inside the tent.”

Vigilius Mountain Resort; Pawigl 43, Vigiljoch, 39011 Lana BZ, Italy; +39 0473 556600

Woodbury Tented Camp; Amakhala Game Reserve, South Africa; +27 (0) 42 235 1109

A family reunion in Mumbai.

Over Yonder Cay: A secluded paradise. Courtesy of Over Yonder Cay

Janus Kamradt is the villa manager at Over Yonder Cay, a private island in the Bahamas (World’s Best Private Villa 2016).

In 2007, he and his family accompanied his adopted younger sister Emily on her first journey to her birth country, India.

We visited Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Nagpur (her birthplace), but it was our stay in Mumbai that truly stood out. Originally, we had reservations at the Taj President, but upon arrival, we were greeted by the GM of the Taj Mahal Palace and personally escorted to the Heritage Wing VIP check-in.

From that moment, everything was exceptional. It was clear that the hotel had been informed, either by the concierge or someone from the Delhi location, about my sister’s arrival and her journey to her native country with her adopted family.

“The rooms were breathtaking, showcasing colonial luxury at its finest. The service was unforgettable in countless ways. I still remember the butler’s name and many of the staff members, which is more than I can say for any other hotel I’ve stayed at over the years.”

Over Yonder Cay; The Bahamas

Taj Mahal Palace; Apollo Bunder, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 011, India; +91 22 6665 3366

A ‘uniquely curated’ New Year’s Eve experience in Indonesia.

Mary Jordan is the owner of Kau Manor, a beautifully restored 13th-century manor house and the former residence of Baltic German explorer Otto von Kotzebue (World’s Most Inspired Design Hotel 2016).

She first visited Amanjiwo Luxury Resort in Java, Indonesia, about 15 years ago.

“The hotel’s architecture was circular and unique, nestled amidst jungles and rolling hills. We celebrated New Year's Eve there, and it was a beautifully curated evening—artistic and musical. It was so unforgettable that I returned in 2011 for my wedding. The food and service exuded kindness and elegance.”

Kau Manor; Triigi küla, Kõue vald, Harjumaa, Estonia; +372 644 1411

Amanjiwo Luxury Resort; Ds. Majaksingi, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia; +(62) 293 788 333

A birthday celebration in Guatemala.

Las Lagunas: "Every day felt extraordinary," says Steller. Courtesy of Las Lagunas

Yens Steller is the owner of Drake Bay Getaway Resort, a Costa Rican eco-lodge and hotel (The Americas’ Best Romantic Retreat 2016).

He reminisced about a trip to Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel in Guatemala to celebrate the birthday of his co-owner Patrick Ludwig from Drake Bay.

“From the airport pickup to arranging all our tours and offering us their best cabin, we cherished every moment. The cabin’s bed was positioned next to a serene lake, with a breathtaking view of the water right from the bed.”

“The staff, from the gardener to the front desk, were warm, welcoming, and attentive. Their local gourmet dishes were both delicious and unique.”

“On Patrick’s birthday, to our delight, they surprised us with a special table set with beautiful floral decorations and a lovely bottle of wine.”

Drake Bay Getaway Resort; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; +506 6003 7253

Las Lagunas; Flores Petén 17001, Guatemala; +502 7790 0300