New Destinations for Small Luxury Hotels of the World

By Matt Turner Dec 9, 2019 1:18pm

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has announced five new members to its collection of independent luxury boutique hotels. The first ever SLH properties in Bhutan and the island of Barbuda offer remote hideaways, while the other new properties are located in a seaside resort in the Mani region of Greece, the heart of Lisbon and a ranch in Colorado.

Gangtey Lodge – Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan

The 12-room Gangtey Lodge is the first SLH property in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Inspired by traditional farmhouses, the rooms at the Lodge have wooden beds, exposed beams and painted designs on the walls, as well as a balcony, bathtub and fireplace. Modern amenities include slate underfloor heating. Guests can attend Evening Prayer at the Shedra with the chance to meet with the monks afterwards or take part in a Buddhist meditation class.

SLH Insider Tip: For something more adventurous, Gangtey Lodge offers guided hikes across the mountain paths. After an exhilarating day of exploring, return to the comfort of the Lodge and a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath.

Barbuda Belle – Barbuda, Caribbean

This Caribbean retreat is made up of just eight private wooden residences. The cabana-style bungalows offer sea views from a private balcony. At the hotel, guests can expect fine dining à la carte; the chef catches breakfast in the early morning hours and all meals are delivered to your table, cabana or beachfront lounger. At the spa, guests can choose from a curated menu of treatments using L’Occitane products.

SLH Insider Tip: With 62 square miles of beaches and mangrove forest to enjoy, do as much – or as little – exploring from Barbuda Belle. Take a kayak tour among the mangroves, dive the lively reef and wrecks, or visit the nearby frigate sanctuary and watch over 20,000 birds fly, nest and feed.

100 Rizes Seaside Resort – Mani, Greece

100 Rizes Seaside Resort serves as a great base place from which to explore the lesser-known Mani Peninsula in Greece. Its architectural style has been inspired by stone Maniat tower houses and creates the feel of a traditional Grecian village. Each has views of the surrounding hills and Ionian Sea. Some of the roomier suites are more like apartments and cater to small groups (tip: opt for the largest suite with a private garden). 100 Rizes has a breakfast buffet and, for lunch and dinner, an à la carte fine dining restaurant. Good to know: The hotel has its own private beach and freshwater outdoor pool.

SLH Insider Tip: The spa at 100 Rizes Seaside Resort draws on local ingredients – including its surrounding olive trees, thalassotherapy and opuntia. Schedule a massage or work out in its fully-equipped fitness room. The indoor heated pool is ideal for a swim if the temperature drops.

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa - Lisbon, Portugal

This boutique hotel is located in the fashionable Bairro Alto district of Lisbon. From studio to penthouse, the apartment-style rooms are designed to be a “home away from home.” Each has a kitchenette and a comfortable living area. On the fifth floor, Lumi Rooftop offers a delicious and contemporary menu from chef João Silva where the focus is seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. There is also the Lumiares Spa offering treatments, a sauna, steam room and fitness facility.

SLH Insider Tip: The Rooftop Bar offers a selection of cocktail creations to sip and watch the world go by. Spend an evening taking in the sights and sounds of the city from the comfort of the Lumi Rooftop Bar.

Rawah Ranch – Colorado, U.S.

Rawah Ranch is located in the Laramie River Valley of Northern Colorado. Rooms have vintage rocking chai, rugs in indigenous prints, wooden furniture and log-burning stoves. The Aspens and Indians lodges are ideal for getaways amongst the trees, while Mackward is the hotel’s signature family cabin.

SLH Insider Tip: There are plenty of things for little ones to do, such as roasting marshmallows and panning for gold, as well as puzzles, indoor games and reading. Those of sturdy heart have the chance to go white-water rafting, horseback riding or camp under the stars.