Small Luxury Hotels of the World Adds Six New Members

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has added six new members to its collection of independent boutique hotels. The hotels range from a private hill retreat in Bali and an eco-hotel hidden in the forest to an ex-hunting lodge.

Le Coucou Meribel, Meribel, France

Opening on December 12, the 55-room Le Coucou Meribel is part of a new luxury collection of boutique hotels owned by the Pariente family, fashion and property entrepreneurs. Perched along the slopes in Meribel at the foot of the Rond-Point des Pistes, the ski-in/ski-out hotel’s design has plenty of cheeky nods to cuckoos, including a feature wall in the BeefBar restaurant, which is adorned with an entire collection of old cuckoo clocks. There is also the Petit VIP Kids Club and Teens Lab.

SLH Insider Tip: Book one of the four-bedroom chalets to enjoy a kitchen, games corner and TV room, private swimming pool and spa, a ski-in/ski-out room and impressive views from the lounge.

Hidden Hills Villas, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Located in the hills of Uluwatu, Hidden Hills Villas is a retreat with just seven rooms and views of the Indian Ocean. There are no common areas, and everything is provided in your villa by a dedicated butler. (Think: No main restaurant or loungers lining the pool; instead, chefs grill fresh fish in the villas whenever you want.) Each of the seven villas (ranging from one to five bedrooms) has its own design. 

SLH Insider Tip: Be sure to catch the sunset at the Uluwatu temple, which is just a short drive away and can be arranged by the butler. 

Arima Hotel, San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain

Hidden among the trees in the Miramón Forest, 69-room Arima Hotel touts ultra-low energy consumption, from clean energy systems, sulphate-free toiletries to a menu of locally grown ingredients and veggie-based fine dining at the Misura restaurant. The hotel is also well located located for exploring the Basque region: Bilbao and Pamplona are within an hour, as are Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz in France.

SLH Insider Tip: During summer, the rooftop infinity-edged pool with views over the canopy of the Miramón forest is not to be missed.  

Muh Shoou Xixi Hotel, Hangzhou, China

Muh Shoou Xixi Hotel is nestled near the southwest part of Xixi National Wetland Park. The hotel combines five buildings that holds 43 rooms, which use natural materials, such as like recycled wood, rusted steel and water-faced marble. The restaurant highlights organic and locally cultivated food and ingredients.

SLH Insider Tip: By request, professional teachers from the Taiji temple can help guests exercise their body and mind. 

Great Fosters, Berkshire, United Kingdom 

Set within 50 acres of landscaped, Saxon-moated gardens and parkland, Great Fosters has a 400-year history that includes Queen Elizabeth I and King Henry VIII. Well-suited for visitors to Windsor, the 16th-century royal hunting lodge is home to 42 rooms and suites, as well the Michelin-starred and 4AA Rosette restaurant The Tudor Room (helmed by chef Tony Parkin). Guests can enjoy summer picnics, a dip in the heated outdoor pool with original 1920s bathing boxes, walks around the Great Fosters estate or a game of traditional croquet.

SLH Insider Tip: Opt for one of its historic suites bedecked in jewels, such as 17th-century Flemish tapestries (Tapestry Suite) and elaborate Italian Rococo furniture with an oversized bathtub for (Italian Room). There are also dog-friendly rooms complete with a Dog Guide for the best spots to visit with your four-legged friend.

Ovolo Central, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong

Ovolo Central on Arbuthnot Road has a new exterior façade, social spaces, reception and rooms following a total overhaul. The 41-room boutique designer hotel in the heart of Hong Kong's Central Business District has an array of unique and edgy design elements like custom artworks, edgy fabrics and design accents riffing on the city's east-meets-west heritage. Ovolo Central also offers food and beverage from VEDA, Hong Kong's first vegetarian hotel restaurant led by celebrated vegetarian chef Hetty McKinnon.

SLH Insider Tip: Book its Radio Suite, designed by award-winning firm ALT-254, which spans the entire top floor of the hotel; it measures 700 square feet and has an unbeatable view and a modern design.

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