4 Charming New Boutique Hotels To Put On Your Radar
We have a special place in our hearts for boutique properties. While larger resorts definitely have their own upsides, there is just something special about staying in a carefully curated, bespoke hotel where every detail has been placed with purpose. Often heavily design-forward, boutique hotels tend to shun away from cookie-cutter interiors, and the result is nothing short of stunning.
What exactly is a boutique hotel? A boutique hotel is a small, stylish hotel, often independently owned or operated by local staff. They tend to be small in size, usually less than 100 rooms, which often results in a more intimate, localized experience. Think of it as comparing a department store to a smaller, yep you guessed it, boutique. Staying with a smaller property can result in a truly special stay, and while it won’t be as familiar as opting with a chain, it often makes for a memorable trip.
Here are four new boutique properties sprinkled around North America that have captured our hearts, and are definitely worth a visit!
WANDER THE RESORT | bloomfield, canada
STAY Wander the Resort Where “nordic design meets custom comfort”, this modern lakefront resort sits right in the heart of Prince Edward County, which is a popular destination for families and wellness seekers almost all months of the year.
Drenched in ash wood and chunky knits, Wander’s 10 cabins feel as though they were plucked out of a Scandinavian design magazine. Each villa features walls of windows overlooking the lake, cozy fireplaces, heated floors, and private outdoor showers, all which provide a tranquil home to escape to after a day of exploring.
All within a short drive from the property, the county of Wellington is known for its white-sand beaches, vineyards and breweries, and incredible dining. Not feeling like you want to leave? We don’t blame you. Wander offers morning yoga classes, nightly campfires, scheduled outdoor diners hosted by guest chefs, friendly lawn games, and a modern clubhouse, which opens soon, for award shows and televised events. They even have plenty of “rainy day activities” for those vacations when the weather is being a bit finicky.
SIZE 10 cabins
SPEND $$$
photo credit: Patrick Biller
WHITE WATER | cambria, california
STAY White Water Cambria Almost like a California breeze floating through a modern 1970s home, White Water’s airy coastal charm mix vintage and modern elements seemlessly, creating a cozy retreat on the water. Designed by Nina Freudenberger, the retro fireplaces and mosaic counters take you back to a more decorative era.
Cambria remains somewhat of an undiscovered gem along the California coast. Sitting a bit north from Santa Barbara and south of Big Sur, this small town has miles of pristine beach and cliffside beauty waiting to be explored. It’s also about a 20 minute drive from famed wine region, Paso Robles, where guests can attend tastings and visit some of the most inventive wineries in the state.
Our favorite space is the Ocean View King, which offers a custom bay window which frames panoramic views of the Pacific. When you’re not staring out at the slanted Cyprus-trees along the horizon, White Water offers meditation hikes, bike rentals, Tula Yoga, and horseback riding through Clydesdale Ranch.
SIZE 25 rooms
SPEND $$
photo credit : Jonny Valiant
HOTEL MAGDALENA | austin, texas
STAY Hotel Magdalena As if Austin wasn’t already cool enough, add Hotel Magdalena into the mix and it’s almost not even fair. Although, when the city’s acclaimed Bunkhouse collaborates with renowned architecture firm Lake | Flato, the result is bound to be special. Sitting on various elevations, the garden-filled grounds are brimming with native Texas species like Meyer Lemons, Maples and Magnolias.
The hotel’s rooms feature windows at both ends which provide a welcome cross draft and sparkling natural light during the day. Spanish tile can be found in the washrooms, and custom walnut wood desks offer a place to do work. Our favorite is the bright, deep golden Terrace Suite - which offers views of downtown and a warm breeze.
Don’t miss the property’s carefully curated retail boutique which features goods from local artists and makers as well as collectible Bunkhouse products. Guests can enjoy complimentary bicycles to wander around the city or borrow a yoga mat to get some stretches in before sunrise.
SIZE 89 rooms
SPEND $
photo credit : Nick Simonite
THE RYDER HOTEL | charleston, south carolina
STAY The Ryder Hotel Seemingly pinched out of a resort in 1960s Palm Springs, this charming free-spirited hotel is the perfect place to anchor your travels in Charleston. Boasting a private swimming pool complete with gingham umbrellas and a fully stocked bar, this is vacationing at its most stylish.
Drenched in warm pastels and blonde wood, The Ryder’s dusty shares of pinks and greens mimics the classic colors that make us think of summer. We have a soft spot for the Studio Suite rooms, that come complete with a separate living space and cozy sofa. Be sure to check out the property’s onsite bar and lounge, Little Palm, that serves seafood small plates and inventive cocktails poolside.
Located within the Historic District and a 5-minute stroll to some of Charleston’s most famous landmarks, guests will also appreciate the complimentary yoga mats, Peloton bike rentals, and the fact that The Ryder Hotel is pet friendly!
SIZE 91 rooms
SPEND $$
photo credit : The Ryder
Note: all photos of property have been provided courtesy of the corresponding hotels and are copyright protected.
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