In with the new: 9 boutique hotels we can’t wait to check into

Holiday planners, we’ve drawn up a hit-list of the hottest new hotels around the world – so you can stop the frantic search, and browse our boutique options at your leisure. We’ve got our eyes on a fresh-faced former farmhouse in Mallorca, an industrial-chic renovation on the banks of Porto’s River Douro, and a glamping retreat in Thailand – plus lesser-trodden destinations in Andorra, Norway, and Vietnam.

1. The Lodge Mallorca, Mallorca – Spain

Opening May 2023

From the same boutique hotel brand behind blissful Balearic big sister, Finca Serena, The Lodge is one of the latest retreats to land on Mallorca – and oh, she’s a beauty. Fragrant fields of lavender, almond trees, olive groves and orchards unfold around the former farmhouse, covering 157 hectares of this private nature reserve. Sandwiched between rugged beaches and quaint mountainside towns, it’s an inspiring location – and a gateway to the ‘other side’ of the island.

Inside, expect mellow tones, exposed stone and hewn wooden features in suites that are dotted around the estate – giving you space to breathe and, in some cases, private pools or gardens. Spend slow, idyllic days saluting the sun with private yoga classes, melting away tensions with a Natura Bissé massage, or stretching out in the shade of a carob tree beside the striking infinity pool. And when adventure calls, the hiking trails which criss-cross the Sierra de Tramuntana are on your rural doorstep.

2. The Rebello, Porto – Portugal

Opening May 2023

Set on the southern banks of the Douro in amongst Porto’s wine warehouses, The Rebello is a riverside newcomer which wears its industrial heritage on its slick and stylish sleeve. The loft-style rooms and suites come with soaring windows, monochrome detailing and walk-in showers, plus terraces in some. There’s a destination spa with both an indoor and outdoor pool – and up on the rooftop, fresh-from-the-pizza-oven dishes are served from midday to midnight, when this hip bar really comes into its own. In between, stop by the Café & Store – an eclectic mix of gourmet supermarket, boutique and art gallery, it’s perfect for picnic prep ahead of a day of exploring the city and beyond. After all, you’re just a tram-ride away from the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort, Rapallo – Italy

A rose-pink Liberty-style landmark tucked between rolling green hills and the Gulf of Tigullio, Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort has all the glitz and glamour of its Grand Touring days, but is thoroughly up-to-date on all other fronts. Bringing the glorious outdoors into the pastel-hued rooms and suites, doors open up to balconies – and woodland or sea views. Step outside for laps of luxury in the pool, or indulge in some ‘me time’ at The Erre Spa, the showstopping centrepiece of the hotel.

By day, enjoy crisp pizzas, herby focaccia and poké bowls pool-side, followed by homemade gelato. For dinner, choose from La Veranda with its wraparound views from the terrace, or inventive fine dining at Le Cupole – with menus curated by an Alain Ducasse protégé. And if you can tear yourself away, Portofino and the colourful Cinque Terre villages are just along the coast.

4. Eilert Smith Hotel, Stavanger – Norway

Named after the local architect who created the original functionalist building (who spent lots of time in his cabin and salmon-fishing with friends), Eilert Smith Hotel is a masterclass in 1930s design on the outside – with its curved lines and monochromatic exterior. The Nordic-chic interiors lean into fresh white tones and wooden accents, and each of the 12 individually designed rooms and suites comes with a personal kitchen. We’d recommend plumping for Eilert’s Residence, which features wall-length windows that curve around its private terrace and flood the penthouse suite with natural light and panoramic views of Stavanger and its harbour.

On the first floor of the hotel, you’ll find RE-NAA – one of Norway’s destination dining spots, and double Michelin-starred restaurant. Guests can sample inventive menus inspired by fjord and field – with flavours drawn from across Rogaland, and bread which is made at the restaurant’s own Stavanger bakery.

5. The Blackpine Hotel, Escaldes-Engordany – Andorra

An ode to the Pyrenees Mountains, The Blackpine Hotel combines the cool romance of Andorra with the honey-coloured warmth of an eco-conscious interior. From building materials to its day-to-day workings, it’s the perfect harmony of alpine comfort and climate care. All exterior rooms boast views to the main square, so you can get a taste of town life between relaxing and hitting the slopes. Choose from rooms with king size beds, walk-in closets, and free-standing bathtubs – or opt for a suite with all three. Mineral-rich thermal springs give the area its status as a natural spa region, and the on-site ski storage means you can make the most of the snow-covered mountains in winter.

6. Marasca Khao Yai, Khao Yai – Thailand

Marasca Khao Yai is a back-to-nature boutique with all the trimmings; multi-room suites, private plunge pools, firepits and the finest linens – ensconced among the lush jade greenery of Khao Yai, a UNESCO world heritage site that’s home to natural wonders and brimming with wildlife. At this mountain-framed retreat, you can sleep cocooned by canvas in a glamper tent, taking in the stars from the hot tub, telescope to hand for stargazing.

Spread out in the three-bedroom Home Haven Villa with private plunge pools, or get cosy in a charmingly decked out VW van parked alongside your outdoor deck and firepit (complete with marshmallows for toasting). When it’s time to eat, you’ll be dining at canopy-level on farm-to-table produce in the treehouse-inspired tea house and farmer’s café, followed by cosmically-inspired cocktails on the out-of-this-world Stardeck.

7. The Anam Mui Ne, Mui Ne – Vietnam

Wrapped within verdant foliage and overlooking a golden stretch of sand, The Anam Mui Ne is a beachfront resort which epitomises tropical tranquillity. The rooms are brimming with locally-inspired touches and old-world Indochine charm, including Vietnamese artworks, deep brown teak furniture (sourced from sustainably-planted forests), and customised antique tiling. Relaxation rules throughout the serene spaces, from the rainfall showers and claw-foot tubs in the bathrooms, to the scent of lemongrass drifting from the spa.

Foodies will find no shortage of dining options – whether you’re in the mood for classic street food, gourmet fine dining, and beach barbeques, you won’t be going hungry here. For a breezy open-air dining experience to the sound of lapping waves, visit Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar. And for dining on sun-draped terraces, a trip to The Indochine won’t disappoint. If you’d like to master the art of Vietnamese cooking yourself, book a private class with the chefs to discover the best-kept local secrets.

8. Angel Beach Resort, Galle – Sri Lanka

Featuring cold cocktails, tropical temperatures, and blisteringly good sea views, Angel Beach Resort is a standout spot for some Sri Lankan R&R. Set steps away from Unawatuna Beach’s golden sands, and close to historic Galle, this hip boutique is the place to recharge – or let your halo slip – during your explorations of the island’s south coast.

The resort’s cool, comfortable bedrooms are restful spaces when you need to escape the Sri Lankan heat. Think rattan furniture, tastefully tiled bathrooms and rain showers, while standard and courtyard rooms also feature private terraces and balconies. Splash out on the Angel Suite for a freestanding tub and views of the Indian Ocean. Morning or evening, the Day Club is where the magic happens here – exotic cocktails are delivered to your daybed to a soundtrack of rolling waves and blissed-out beats, with beachside brunches, wood-fired pizzas, and sharing platters to tuck into between dips in the pool.

9. Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort, Ubud – Indonesia

Encircled by paddy fields, jungle, and Hindu shrines, Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort is a holistic sanctuary which immerses guests in its natural and spiritual surroundings. Effortlessly blending into the jungle scenery outside, the rooms and villas come with verdant views and feature hand-carved wood furnishings.

Home to the island’s first-ever authentic bath house, Gdas Bali is a wellness wonderland. Expertly trained therapists blend integrative health solutions such as cryotherapy, IV drips and live O2 with world-class spa treatments – and there are yoga classes and a ‘sleep well’ programme to nurture the mind, body, and soul. If you’re feeling creative, craft a ‘capil’ – a traditional hat made from coconut leaves worn by the farmers to keep the sun at bay. Or get hands-on with the vibrant flavours of Balinese food in a herbology class – followed by an organic, vegan meal at the resort’s Tangi restaurant.