Inside some of the world’s smallest luxury boutique hotels

If you’ve travelled with More Travel before, you’ll know we’re always looking for hotels that feel genuinely distinctive.

Not necessarily the biggest names or the grandest resorts, but the places with real character. Hotels where the owner still welcomes guests, where no two rooms are quite the same, or where the building itself has a fascinating story to tell. The sort of places that become every bit as memorable as the destination.

That’s one of the reasons we love Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Bringing together more than 700 independently owned hotels across over 90 countries, it’s a collection built around individuality. Every property has its own personality, whether that’s a beautifully restored palace in Italy, a lighthouse perched on a remote Swedish island or a peaceful beachfront retreat in Thailand.

As proud partners of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, we’re fortunate to work with some of these exceptional properties every day. In this guide, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites, along with what makes the collection so special.

What is Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

Founded in 1991, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) was created with a simple idea: that independent hotels deserve to be celebrated.

Today, the collection brings together more than 620 boutique properties around the globe, each carefully selected for its design, service and sense of place. Unlike a traditional hotel brand, there isn’t a signature look or style. Instead, every hotel reflects its surroundings, its history and the people behind it.

That’s exactly what appeals to us. Whether we’re recommending a romantic escape in the Cyclades, a countryside retreat in Tuscany or an island hideaway in the Caribbean, we know every SLH property offers something completely unique.

Why we love the collection

Every hotel tells a different story

One of the biggest joys of travelling is staying somewhere that couldn’t exist anywhere else.

Within the SLH collection you’ll find converted monasteries, historic forts, family-owned estates, cliffside retreats and contemporary design hotels, each with its own identity. They’re places that feel rooted in their destination rather than replicated across the world.

Boutique service really does make a difference

There’s something wonderfully personal about smaller hotels.

The concierge remembers your dinner reservation, the bartender quickly learns your favourite cocktail, and recommendations often come from people who’ve lived in the area for years rather than a printed guidebook.

It’s the kind of thoughtful hospitality that so many of our clients come back talking about.

Incredible destinations

One of the things we enjoy most about working with SLH is the sheer variety.

The collection spans bustling cities, remote islands, vineyards, mountain villages and protected coastlines. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family celebration or a long weekend away, there’s almost always an SLH hotel that feels like the perfect fit.

A Few of our favourite Small Luxury Hotels

Choosing favourites isn’t easy, but these are some of the hotels our team finds themselves recommending time and again.

For Beach Escapes: Coral Reef Club, Barbados

Family owned for more than 70 years, Coral Reef Club captures everything we love about classic Caribbean hospitality. Set amongst beautifully maintained tropical gardens on Barbados’ sought-after Platinum Coast, the hotel feels relaxed, elegant and wonderfully welcoming.

The beach is one of the finest on the island, with calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling, while the spacious suites and cottages are scattered amongst lush gardens filled with palms and fragrant flowers.

It’s the sort of hotel where guests return year after year, drawn back by the genuinely personal service, peaceful atmosphere and timeless charm that has made it one of Barbados’ best-loved luxury stays.

For Romantic Escapes: Cap Rocat, Mallorca

There are plenty of luxury hotels in Mallorca, but very few feel quite as extraordinary as Cap Rocat. Hidden within a meticulously restored 19th-century military fortress overlooking the Bay of Palma, the hotel has managed to preserve its history while creating one of the island’s most exclusive retreats.

Rooms and suites are carved into the former fortress walls, many with private terraces and pools looking out across the Mediterranean. Days are best spent beside the sea, unwinding in the atmospheric spa hidden within the old rock chambers, or enjoying leisurely lunches overlooking the bay before watching the sunset from the hotel’s dramatic clifftop setting.

For couples celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or simply looking to switch off for a few days, it’s one of those hotels that’s every bit as memorable as Mallorca itself.

For Wellness: Quinta da Comporta, Portugal

Just over an hour south of Lisbon, Comporta has quietly become one of Portugal’s most sought-after coastal escapes, known for its wild beaches, rice fields and effortlessly understated style. Quinta da Comporta captures that spirit perfectly.

Designed using natural materials and inspired by the region’s traditional architecture, the hotel feels beautifully connected to its surroundings. The wellness offering is particularly impressive, with a serene spa, indoor pool, holistic treatments and yoga sessions overlooking the surrounding countryside.

Combined with fresh seasonal dining, nearby Atlantic beaches and the slower pace of life that defines Comporta, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to truly unwind.

For Food Lovers: Can Ferrereta, Mallorca

Tucked away in the charming town of Santanyí in southeast Mallorca, Can Ferrereta combines contemporary art, thoughtful design and exceptional gastronomy within an elegant 17th-century manor house.

Original stone walls, leafy courtyards and beautifully curated interiors give the hotel an intimate feel, while the restaurant celebrates the very best of Mallorcan produce with seasonal menus inspired by the island’s culinary traditions.

Spend your days exploring local markets, discovering nearby coves or wandering Santanyí’s galleries before returning for dinner beneath the trees. It’s the kind of hotel where long evenings over excellent food become one of the highlights of the trip.

For Mountain Escapes: Vila Planinka, Slovenia

Hidden in Slovenia’s picturesque Jezersko Valley, Vila Planinka is the sort of hotel we’d recommend to anyone looking to truly switch off. Surrounded by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, it’s a place where crisp mountain air, forest walks and peaceful landscapes take centre stage, yet Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are both within easy reach for day trips.

The hotel itself is intimate and beautifully understated, with a strong focus on sustainability, locally sourced ingredients and Slovenian hospitality. Days might begin with a hike through alpine meadows, continue with a picnic beside a mountain stream and end with an exceptional tasting menu showcasing the region’s seasonal produce.

It’s a reminder that some of Europe’s most memorable luxury escapes aren’t always found on the Mediterranean coast. For travellers looking to discover somewhere a little different, Vila Planinka is one of the most rewarding stays in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.

For Family Holidays: Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, Mauritius

Families often ask us for a hotel that balances exceptional facilities for children with genuine luxury for adults, and Heritage Le Telfair does exactly that.

Whilst it may be one of the larger properties within the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, it still shares the qualities we value most: thoughtful hospitality, a beautiful sense of place and experiences that feel genuinely personal.

Set within the spectacular Bel Ombre estate on Mauritius’ unspoilt south coast, the resort enjoys a breathtaking beachfront setting, lush tropical gardens, an award-winning golf course and a wealth of activities both on land and at sea.

Children are brilliantly catered for through dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, while parents can enjoy everything from spa treatments and championship golf to fine dining and sunset cruises. It’s one of those rare resorts where every generation finds something to love, making it an easy recommendation for families looking for a luxury escape without compromise.

For Winter Sun: Desa Hay, Bali

For anyone escaping the colder months, Desa Hay offers a very different side of Bali. Nestled amongst tropical gardens close to Canggu, the hotel blends traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with contemporary architecture to create a peaceful sanctuary away from the island’s busier hotspots.

Each villa has been carefully designed using reclaimed teak houses transported from across Indonesia, giving every stay a real sense of authenticity. Private pools, open-air living spaces and lush gardens encourage guests to slow down, while nearby beaches, cafés and rice terraces are all within easy reach.

It’s a wonderful option for travellers looking for sunshine, culture and a boutique hotel that feels deeply rooted in its surroundings.

For Adventure: Azerai Ke Ga Bay, Vietnam

Set along Vietnam’s peaceful south-east coastline, Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. Fringed by golden sands and overlooking the East Sea, it’s an ideal base for discovering a quieter side of the country.

Guests can spend their days cycling through fishing villages, visiting nearby markets, exploring the famous Ke Ga Lighthouse or simply relaxing beside one of the resort’s pools after a morning on the water.

Contemporary architecture, expansive tropical gardens and attentive service complete the experience, making it an excellent choice for travellers who like to combine luxury with a sense of discovery.

Why book your SLH stay with More Travel?

One of the greatest advantages of booking through More Travel is that we’ll help you find the Small Luxury Hotel that’s right for you.

With more than 620 hotels in the collection, narrowing down the options can be overwhelming. Our team knows the portfolio well and takes the time to understand how you like to travel, whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a milestone celebration, a family holiday or simply looking for somewhere a little different.

As proud partners of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, our clients can also enjoy a range of exclusive benefits at participating properties, including:

• Complimentary daily breakfast for two
• Room upgrades (subject to availability)
• Hotel or resort credit to enjoy during your stay
• Early check-in and late check-out where available
• VIP recognition throughout your stay

These thoughtful extras, combined with our first-hand recommendations and personalised service, help make every stay that little bit more special.

Ready to discover Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

One of the reasons we love recommending Small Luxury Hotels of the World is that no two stays are ever the same. Whether you’re dreaming of a restored fortress overlooking the Mediterranean, a secluded lighthouse surrounded by the sea or a peaceful retreat amongst Portugal’s rice fields, there’s a hotel waiting to become part of your story.

If you’d like help choosing the perfect property, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our luxury travel specialists, and we’ll recommend the Small Luxury Hotel that’s the perfect fit for your next escape, while ensuring you enjoy all the exclusive benefits available through our partnership.