Quiet luxury is far from a fleeting trend. Though it’s hardly surprising that the last few years of cream boucle chairs and matching cashmere throws have many among us craving a pop of color and a dash of personality. While some boutique hotels trade in maximalism, others lean into whimsy—a joyful, louder, less serious pivot from the overly posh. From a colorful safari lodge to an art-filled alpine escape, these properties punch up the delight, telling a story through playful details, color, and art. The Baby Grand, the newest entrant to Coronado’s hotel scene and the second venture from San Diego-based hospitality group CH Projects, evokes an underwater oasis meets lush jungle with its sculpted rock formations, swaying palms and private lagoons in the lobby, extending the rooms, complete with iridescent clamshell headboards, custom leaf wallpaper, and a dash of leopard print. Left Lane’s latest hospitality project, Recess Hotel & Club, recently made quite a splash in Savannah. Occupying the Beaux-Arts-style Manger Building, the hotel’s fun-loving spirit blends new-school cool and nostalgia across its 221 bedrooms—including 62 bunks—game rooms, foliage-shrouded bar, and cheerful tiled rooftop pool. Spying wildlife on a safari in Greater Kruger National Park is guaranteed to fill even the most well-traveled types with childhood joy. Royal Malewane, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, dials up the sense of wonder with whimsical design, from tiles and prints in the bar to the fearless use of color in the accommodations. Camp Lucy is a family-owned boutique resort with an eclectic style and global charm that doesn't scream Texas Wine Country. From the striking bright teal entrance to the restaurant housed in a 200-year-old reconstructed Vietnamese town hall to the fanciful cottages, spaces overflow with a treasure trove of hand-sourced finds from far-flung corners, expressive hues, and unexpected details such as fish-patterned tiles. Broadwick Soho is a dynamic destination that merges interior maestro Martin Brudnizki’s penchant for maximalism and flamboyant childhood memories of owner Noel Hayden. Its location within walking distance of London’s best theatres and unapologetically loud atmosphere make it a favorite among creatives, designers, and the fashion crowd who come to sip cocktails and soak in the energy at the convivial bars and stare at the impressive art collection. Hôtel Le Coucou proves that playful alpine luxury exists in the French Alps. The interiors of the wooden chalet, designed by Pierre Yovanovitch, have a slightly surrealist sensibility. Bold colors, geometric shapes, and eye-catching murals give guests permission to play and revel in the palpable creativity between zipping down the slopes in Méribel.
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