Inside four of the most luxurious boutique hotels to open this year
Some of these might have you refreshing your post-COVID bucketlist.
We don't have a set date yet for when international travel will be possible again, but there’s no shortage of places that are set to open their doors to the new and different world that be post-COVID.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World represents some of the most bespoke hotels around the globe, and has 15 new hotels opening in the first half of 2021 alone.
Check out four very different properties that are opening this year, and share which one is your favourite with our Newshub Travel Facebook group.
The Battery
San Francisco, United States
This new hotel is located within a former candy factory and is so exclusive, entry to the social club is strictly invite-only or by booking a stay at the hotel.
As well as the VIP club, you get access to art exhibitions, wine and spirit tastings, musical performances and plenty of family-friendly events.
Designed with an opulent, bohemian interior by interior designer Ken Fulk, the Battery stands out with its art-filled communal spaces and each hotel room is made unique with vintage lounge chairs, antique bar accessories along with an eclectic mix of artwork.
The original large factory windows flood the hotel with natural light, and for when the sun goes down, the rooms also have a large Japanese soaking tub.
The Battery is so serious about its tea, teabags are not provided in-room. Instead call room service and a “tea-rista” will come and serve you.
To further treat yourself, the 575 square-metre penthouse suite has a rooftop infinity hot tub alongside your own fire pit overlooking the Bay Bridge.
Across the road is The Musto Bar. Hover your hand over the Winston Churchill bust, and a secret door to The Green Room, a luxury boutique bar will appear in front of you.
Q92 Noto Hotel
Noto, Italy
Soak up Sicily’s baroque past at the Q92 Noto Hotel, a recently restored 18th-century palazzo in the heart of Noto along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
Once a nobleman’s palace overlooking the Noto Cathedral, the palazzo’s interiors have been transformed into a private residence. Classic design styles are used alongside contemporary features and antique furniture, giving the building a unique sence of understated luxury.
Nearby, Val di Noto, an expansive area of Sicily, is a magical countryside filled with ancient olive and almond trees, and some of the prettiest beaches in Italy.
Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges
Carruba di Riposto, Italy
Garden lovers will find themselves in flora heaven at Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges, a carefully restored 19th-century Sicilian house surrounded by a 10,000 square-metre garden, hoe to over 5000 varieties of Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants.
Its citrus and olive groves are one of the largest plant nurseries of its kind in Europe with many specimens exhibited at the historic Chelsea Flower Show. This part of Italy is proud of its agricultural heritage, and Donna Carmela is evidence of its humble beginnings with rough stone walls surrounding the elegant old farmhouse.
With views of the Ionian Sea to scenic landscapes of Mount Etna, each lodge is tailored for relaxation and peaceful seclusion. The on-site restaurant specialises in Sicilian dishes accompanied by an extensive wine list, as you’d expect. It includes wine’s created by the hotel’s own vineyard.
Homewood
Bath, United Kingdom
Set in 20 secluded acres of the rolling West Country landscape just outside of Bath, Homewood is an eclectic Georgian country house hotel.
This hotel is driven by a sense of fun in everything it does, from frilly chandeliers, antique clock-lined walls, to life-size giraffe and teddy bear grass sculptures playing on its expansive lawns.
The rolling hills of Somerset form a perfect backdrop with sweeping views across the Avon Valley. There’s also a spa, heated outdoor swimming pool and a romantic bar.
Homewood has recently launched Mallingford Mews, a ‘home from home’ offering 10 new beautiful rooms designed by the owner Ian Taylor.
Taylor has sourced artworks, antiques, books, fabrics and lamps with picks from his personal collection to give each room a personality of its own. Four feature an outdoor hot tub with a private terrace providing views across Avon Valley.
