Latest Articles on Boutique

The 7 Best Boutique All-Inclusives in St. Lucia

All-inclusive resorts are often accused of phoned-in decor, mediocre food, and a one-size-fits-all approach to service. We’ve certainly encountered such cons at our share of all-inclusive stays, which is partially why we’ve fallen so hard for boutique-style all-inclusives. Such properties have the perks of the fixed-rate system, but are generally smaller, more cuisine- and service-driven,…

The 7 Best Boutique All-Inclusives in Barbados

We’ve seen a lifetime’s worth of beachfront all-inclusives. But intimate, boutique-style all-inclusive resorts on the beach? Those are another story altogether. The boutique all-inclusive is a rare bird, but trust us, they’re out there. We’ve cast a wide net to find the best ones throughout the Caribbean, and picked up some favorites along the way…

11 Best Budget Beachfront Boutique Hotels in the Bahamas

The hundreds of islands and cays that comprise the Bahamas have long been a tropical playground for the rich, super-rich, and mind-bogglingly rich. Be that as it may, it is quite possible for the non-A-listers of the world to find a quiet slice of Bahamian paradise to call their own — and to do so…

7 Best Boutique All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica

Your vacation needs are simple: You want to relax and swim in Jamaica’s teal waters, but you don’t want to share the beach or pool with college kids sporting all-you-can-drink wristbands. You’re down to pay a flat rate up-front (who wants to waste precious vacation time logging every travel expense?), but the thought of staying…

Best Boutique All-Inclusives in the Dominican Republic

If you’ve never personally experienced an all-inclusive vacation in the Dominican Republic, your impression of one might hinge on long buffet lines and lip-synched Michael Jackson shows. It’s true that big, booze-happy all-inclusive resorts are quite popular, especially in Punta Cana (the country’s tourism hub), but they’re far from the island’s only hotel option, or…

Best Cottages in the Florida Keys

Like ground frost and incessant smartphone meeting alerts, mega-resorts are rare in the Florida Keys. Small and mid-size hotels are the rule here, not the exception. After all, the Florida Keys are as beloved for their easygoing island vibes and quaint accommodations as they are for their year-round temperate weather and amazing dolphin sightings. To really zero…

Is This the Most Romantic Destination in Mexico?

Terrace at Mansion San Miguel/Oyster Way up in the central highlands of Mexico sits a little jewel of a town. San Miguel de Allende — a colonial-era city defined by bright colors, Baroque architecture, and bohemian spirit — has been inspiring love letters from visitors and expats since the turn of the last century. And…

Gorgeous Private Island Retreats

With additional reporting by Anne Olivia Bauso. Owning a private island is overrated and a lot of work — or so we’ve heard from our many island-owning friends. You have to deal with the astronomical taxes, the development, and the upkeep. It’s a full-time job, really (one that island owners simply pay other people to…

Get Your Hands Dirty: 12 Hotels on Working Farms

Additional reporting by Lara Grant Hay! How about a visit to the ‘ole barnyard for your next getaway? Hotels on working farms allow you to leave the fast-paced city life behind — at least for the weekend — and hit the country to hone your farming chops. But don’t worry; the farmtastic resorts that make…

The Most Charming Boutique Hotels in Europe

A word of advice: Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to searching for the perfect hotel stay. In fact, for those seeking a more intimate, charming ambience with a personal touch, a boutique hotel is the way to go. Whether you’re heading off on a long vacation or sneaking in a short weekend getaway,…