Staying in a chain hotel is usually nothing special. Regardless of the city or even the country you're visiting, you get pretty much the same thing each and every time. Sure, the service is reliable and you can count on clean sheets, but there's nothing much to get excited about.
Boutique hotels, on the other hand, offer a much more unique experience. They're usually one-of-a-kind and focus on providing an extra level of service, personal touch, or specific theme. Some are known for their luxury, their relaxing atmosphere, or their dedication to your health and fitness pursuits. You can find ultra-modern to historically accurate boutique hotels - and pretty much everything in between.
The following are some of the best boutique hotels for the summer of 2017. If you're looking for a healthy vacation with a unique flare, you can't go wrong with any of the following choices.
Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda in Portugal
This former home of a 17 th-century noble family is now a boutique hotel focused on your healing and relaxation. Vivenda Miranda hosts regular classes and courses to help you reboot your mind and body. You can take a Tai Chi class in their luxurious gardens or on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, followed by a guided excursion to the nearby Monchique mountains and the famous caves of Ponta da Piedade. All meals are locally sourced to ensure that you're getting the freshest ingredients while giving back to the local economy.
Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama in Switzerland
The Wellnesshotel Golf Panorama is the perfect boutique for the golf lover - who wouldn't want to play 27 holes with the majestic Swiss mountains as their backdrop? After a long day on the links, you can relax in luxury while receiving a golf-specific massage designed to get you ready for your next round. When you've had enough of the course, arrange for a cycling or Nordic walking tour in the nearby countryside.
Pondoro Game Lodge in South Africa
If seeing the Big Five in Africa - lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhinoceros - has always been a dream of yours, book your stay at the Pondoro Game Lodge now. It's perfectly situated in a private game reserve attached to Kruger National Park to put you in touch with all the African bush has to offer. You'll enjoy twice-daily game drives to spot your favorite wildlife, along with guided nature walks and nighttime stargazing.
Molitor Paris Club & Spa in France
The Molitor Paris Club & Spa was once the city's most popular swim club. It's been converted into a swanky boutique hotel focused on four key goals: wellbeing, spa treatments, exercise, and energy. The staff includes experts in a variety of disciplines who will teach guests how to integrate the lessons they learn during their stay into sustainable strategies that will last a lifetime. You're far enough away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Paris to fully relax - and yet major tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower are just a 20-minute cab ride away.
There's a Perfect Boutique Hotel for You
These are four of our favorites, but there are thousands of boutique hotels around the world just waiting to be explored. If you want to avoid the chains and try something a little different, it's worth taking a chance on a boutique hotel for your summer vacation this year.
