Explore the top four boutique design projects of the year
Whether you’re looking for a unique and interesting trip, or to simply get away from it all, consider these destinations. We know many of our readers like to keep their travel destinations on the more exotic side, so we have also included some information on African and Costa Rican tented luxury destinations. No matter where your travels take you, you will want to consider these uniquely designed boutique hotels.
1. Zannier Hotels Sonop
Designed by Zannier Hotels
When travelers to Africa are looking for an extraordinary experience staying in a lodge surrounded by an incredible desert landscape, they stay at the Zannier Hotels Sonop. This luxurious oasis retreat is constructed as a tented desert camp that provides the ultimate travel experience in a harsh Hadap region of Namibia. The 10 tents comprising the oasis sit atop boulders and provide a glimpse into the British colonial experience of the 1920s. Don’t let the term tents scare you away, as each unit is elegantly appointed with luxurious carpets and fine antiques that harken back to an age of wealth and sophistication.
The desert views from the lodge are one of the most awe-inspiring scenes in the world, and travelers can experience the hostile beauty of the stark surroundings from the comfort of this boutique hotel. When guests wish to venture out and get a first-hand look at the Namib desert, there is an extensive list of excursions available to provide this unique look at life in a world unlike most have ever seen.
Not only are the lodging amenities top-notch, but the dining experience at the Zannier Hotels Sonop is out of this world. Beautiful candelabras create the ambiance, as the staff provides a level of service that impresses even the most discriminating guests. After dinner drinks in the cigar and cocktail lounge are equally impressive. The luxuries don’t stop there, however. Hotel guests also enjoy the comfort of a heated infinity pool overlooking the desert, as well as spa and fitness center amenities.
2. Nayara Tented Camp
Designed by Luxury Frontiers
Nayara Tented Camp is joined by footbridges with Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens to make up the Nayara Resorts sister properties in the romantic Arenal Volcano National Park in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. These properties, tucked away in the rainforest, overlook the Arenal Volcano and offer a family-friendly, luxurious get-away in an environment where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Nayara Tented Camp is the newest of the three hotel properties and consists of 29 luxuriously appointed tented accommodations, which are located higher on the hillside and provide a safari experience for guests. When travelers are looking for unobstructed views of the volcano, this is the place to stay. The air-conditioned accommodations are a welcome respite from the humid climate of the region. There is no other place in the area where you can experience the natural springs while lounging with wildlife, such as indigenous sloths, right next to you.
If you are looking for luxury accommodations in Central America, this is the place to visit. This boutique experience is available year-round to travelers who wish to experience the luxury canvas lodges of the region. Since its opening in December 2019, this boutique hotel has provided a year-round oasis for travelers who want to experience a wild atmosphere with the finest accommodations. The rainforest provides the canopy, but the staff goes above and beyond to make sure every traveler gets the wild experience they want in a safe environment.
3. Asbury Ocean Club Hotel-Drawing Room
Designed by Anda Andrei
When you are looking for an unparalleled experience on the east coast of the United States, the Asbury Ocean Club is the destination for you. At this boutique hotel, you get the beach house experience with incredible ocean views and lush surroundings that most travelers only dream of. The ocean view from the pool is unlike any other place you can stay on the Jersey shore, and the proximity to New York City makes this a destination that can’t be beaten.
When you stay by the ocean, it is important that your accommodations reflect the beauty of the shoreline, and you get that here with ceilings that draw your attention to the natural beauty of your surroundings. The dunes are reminiscent of the New England landscapes that we all dream of, and the pool-side dining menu allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while feasting on local delights. If that’s not enough, you will also enjoy the gigantic Italian table that travelers marvel at.
The gym that this boutique hotel offers is perfect for any traveler who seeks to stay fit. It was designed by Jay Wright, of the Wright Fit, famous the world over … and offers spa experiences, as well as daily yoga classes, Pilates, tai chi, meditation, and jogging excursions along the shore that will leave you feeling stress-free and relaxed. If you are looking for a boutique hotel on the Jersey shore, there is no place quite like this. The natural surroundings of the Asbury Ocean Club have made it a destination for travelers from around the world.
4. The Living Room at Shinola Hotel
Designed by Gachot Studios
Travelers to the Detroit area are always amazed by this luxury hotel in downtown Detroit. The Shinola Hotel is committed to making a lasting experience for every visitor. It offers an experience unlike anything else in the world, including exceptional timepieces and leather goods that you can’t find anywhere else. Located in the historic Woodward shopping district of the city, the boutique hotel aims to provide specialties that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. The goal is to give visitors a glimpse into a part of the heart of America that they will only find in Detroit.
When the hotel was designed, the architect hoped to incorporate existing historic structures into the modern concept and include the famous Singer sewing machine factory into the boutique experience. This brilliant concept resulted in a 129-room hotel, a neighborhood anchor, which provides so much more than a place for weary travelers to spend the night. It is a community center, which has brought new life to the community.
If you have never been to Detroit before, it isn’t easy to decide on the most beautiful, cultural place to stay, but the Living Room at Shinola Hotel should be your premier destination. This boutique hotel, with over 50 rooms, offers food and beverages that have earned the distinction of James Beard awards, as well as a historic location with retail stores, a gym, a gorgeous atrium, and an ideal space for events, conferences, and meetings. When you visit Detroit, this is the place to be.
Whether it’s an adventurous getaway you’re looking for, or a beautiful change of scenery, these unique hotels will not disappoint. Enjoy a boutique experience and make the most of your trip with these unique travel experiences.