Discover the World’s Best Boutique Hotels

You can stay at the most beautiful, most luxurious hotels in the world, but often that means you’re one of many guests. At a boutique hotel, however, you are never treated as just a number. When you stay at a property with just a handful of rooms—whether it’s boutique oceanfront villas or charming thatched-roofed chalets—you can anticipate exceptional service that’s frequently unattainable at larger hotels. From private safaris through Kruger National Park to personalized butler services and private chefs, the world’s best boutique hotels excel in delivering unique experiences.

To ensure quality paired with a next-level dedication to service, we reviewed each top-ranked hotel featured in the 2021 World’s Best Awards and curated a list of 14 properties, each with fewer than 20 rooms. The result is a collection of intimate hotels that do not compromise on service—whether it’s a safari lodge in Botswana or an adults-only retreat nestled in the jungles of Costa Rica.

1. Mahali Mzuri, Masai Mara, Kenya

Mahali Mzuri, which means “beautiful place” in Swahili, stands out as a premier luxury safari camp in the Kenyan bush. With just 12 stylish tents, each boasting an en-suite bathroom and private deck that offers stunning views of the wildlife in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, it’s easy to see why this hotel is so highly regarded.

As you settle into your home away from home, a dedicated team of chefs prepares three meals a day. You’ll have the opportunity to spend your days swimming in the outdoor infinity pool, embarking on game drives across the savannah, or indulging in rejuvenating spa treatments.

2. Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santorini, Greece

Overlooking the Aegean Sea, this immaculate five-star hotel is renowned for offering some of the best sunset views on Santorini. With accolades as the top hotel in Greece and ranked sixth globally, Grace Hotel features only 20 rooms and suites, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

Guests enjoy expansive indoor-outdoor spaces with unobstructed sea views, along with perks like complimentary breakfast and clifftop yoga sessions.

3. Savute Elephant Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Chobe National Park, Botswana

The Savute Elephant Lodge presents an ideal blend of luxury and wild nature, featuring 12 exquisite tented rooms that overlook magnificent Chobe National Park. Elephants frequently parade by the property, and nearby watering holes attract hyenas and cheetahs. To enhance your stay, three meals per day are included and served with fine wines, all enjoyed alfresco against a backdrop of the stunning savannah.

4. Nobu Ryokan Malibu, California

Nobu Ryokan Malibu, owned by acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa, redefines the traditional Japanese ryokan experience into a five-star retreat. The hotel features 16 exquisitely designed rooms with a Zen-like ambiance, wooden soaking tubs, and skylights.

Guests enjoy access to an upscale restaurant managed by Chef Nobu, exclusive access to Malibu’s Carbon Beach, and luxurious spa services.

5. andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

With only six rooms, andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge ensures personalized attention for every guest. Located at the edge of a rare sand forest in the Phinda Private Game Reserve, this lodge is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and romantics alike.

Renowned for its intimate atmosphere, it also features knowledgeable safari guides who introduce guests to the iconic Big Five and other local wildlife.

6. Pickering House Inn, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Set in a historic mansion near Lake Winnipesaukee, Pickering House Inn features just ten uniquely styled rooms. Each stay includes a delicious daily breakfast and light snacks that guests can enjoy on the spacious covered deck. Located on the edge of the quaint town of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, this inn is full of charm.

7. The Roundtree, Amagansett, New York

The Roundtree in East Hampton offers luxurious rooms, renovated cottages, and numerous perks, including complimentary loaner bikes and beach gear. With just 15 meticulously designed rooms, it emphasizes extraordinary service and attention to detail—from premium linens to curated experiences such as cooking classes and winery tours.

8. Gibb’s Farm, Karatu, Tanzania

Nestled on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, Gibb’s Farm offers a prime location with 17 cottages and two houses set amidst expansive gardens featuring a variety of plants. In addition to engaging in Tanzanian safaris and farm activities, guests experience authentic farm-to-table meals inspired by both Tanzanian and English cuisine.

9. Matetsi Victoria Falls, Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

Matetsi Victoria Falls offers more than just twice-daily game drives. Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, this family-owned property features 18 private suites (including family suites) and a villa with four en-suite rooms, an outdoor pool, and an expansive dining area for meals prepared by your own private chef.

10. Khwai River Lodge, a Belmond Safari, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Khwai River Lodge in Botswana skillfully balances adventure and serenity. As a basecamp for big game drives, it also serves as a retreat offering luxurious tents complete with spacious decks, a peaceful infinity pool, and personalized in-room massages.

With less than 20 suites, guests can expect exceptional service, full-board accommodations, and prime spots for elephant viewing.

11. The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Located within South Luangwa National Park, Mfuwe Lodge offers breathtaking wildlife experiences. Guests often see elephants wandering through the premises, especially when searching for the lodge’s wild mango tree. The lodge features 18 refurbished chalets, a luxurious Bush Spa, and exceptional service.

12. andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa

AndBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge is ingeniously situated on the border of Kruger National Park, overlooking a vibrant watering hole. This boutique hotel, with only 20 rooms, features thatched-roof cottages designed for the ultimate comfort, including canopy beds and private verandas.

When not exploring the park, guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, hot tub, or even spend a night under the stars in the lodge’s exclusive treehouse.

13. Sasaab, Samburu, Kenya

The five-star boutique hotel, Sasaab, features just nine tented rooms, each complete with a private veranda, plunge pool, and furnished deck that overlooks the wilderness. Guests can immerse themselves in the Kenyan landscape through traditional safari activities or view it from a helicopter.

14. Casa Chameleon, Mal País, Costa Rica

Casa Chameleon is an adults-only paradise, featuring just 10 villas that overlook the renowned surfing beaches of Mal País and Santa Teresa. To rejuvenate after a day in the surf and sand, the property offers a variety of body treatments, fitness classes, and delicious Costa Rican cuisine, with all-inclusive meal packages available.