When it comes to booking the ultimate luxury hotel stay, there is a list of go-to brands or hotel groups that seasoned travellers tend to look for, from Belmond and Four Seasons, to Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula and Rosewood. These tried-and-tested names are popular for a reason and promise the best experience money can buy.
While these hospitality behemoths continue to dominate the market, seasoned travellers sometimes yearn for more intimate, less cookie-cutter hotels that still feel luxurious but forge a deeper emotional connection with their guests.
Filling this demand is a new breed of independent stays that are a breath of fresh air compared to the more established names. Often found through personal recommendations, they resonate with travellers by offering experiences that can be extremely personalised.
“[These hotels] offer the experience of getting closer to the authenticity of the destination, while still providing excellent service and style,” explains Kelly Berlin, a travel adviser at luxury travel agency SmartFlyer. “While the larger hotel brands provide the highest standards of excellence and consistency globally, these smaller chains provide a unique perspective on the destination and an intimacy that’s difficult to match.”
