Welcome to the 2025 Hotels Above Par Star Awards—our editors’ annual love letter to the world’s most exceptional boutique stays.
As you know, we take our boutique hotels very seriously here—kind of like how James Bond takes his martinis: shaken, not stirred. At Hotels Above Par, we search for the stays that draw you in from check-in to checkout. What does that mean? Here’s our three-part litmus test for what makes a hotel above par.
Story: How does this hotel connect to the heart of its destination? Does the building itself have a history or a cultural tie that roots you in a sense of place—the kind where you walk in and think, “Ahh, yes, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.” Not some cookie-cutter beige box with white linens and zero soul. Think Lodge at Marconi in Northern California’s Tomales Bay—once the site of Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi’s pioneering wireless telegraphy station in 1914—or Le Couvent des Minimes, a 17th-century convent reborn as a Provençal sanctuary.
Design: It has depth. Not necessarily museum-plucked art on every wall, but something intentional—maybe a mural by a local artist or photography that tells a story. Take Casa Loma Beach Hotel in Laguna Beach or Pulitzer Amsterdam—both prove that thoughtful design transcends trends.
Amenities: Do they scoop your luggage at check-in? Is there a spa that sends you into another dimension post-treatment? Are the toiletries top-tier (looking at you, Le Labo Santal 33 shampoo and conditioner)? And what about the restaurant—is it Michelin-worthy or at least original enough to avoid calling itself “globally inspired fare”? (A phrase that’s practically a red flag around here.)
So, what’s our process? How do we narrow it down to just 35 boutique hotels?
Well…it’s not easy. Between Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Brandon Berkson, who’s on a plane seemingly every other week, and me (Britney Eschelman, Senior Editor & Creative Content Strategist), we’re lucky to see so many incredible properties firsthand. With the help of our talented network of industry writers—who file daily dispatches from the world’s best boutique properties—we spent months curating, collaborating, and reviewing more than 400 submissions to bring you our second annual Star Awards, honoring 35 stays that truly stand out.
With our eye on the three principles above, and the insight of our panel of esteemed travel writers—Lindsay Cohn, Luke Abrahams (our Happenings weekly newsletter editor), Austa Somvichian-Clausen, and Stacey Leasca—we’ve created your official “Where to Visit in 2025” list, not because of location, but because each hotel is worth the trip on its own.
Below, explore our editors’ selections—grouped into global showcases of excellence—and listen to Brandon and me chat about our selection process in the latest episode of HAP Radio.
Avantgarde Refined Caves of Cappadocia (Cappadocia, Turkey): Sleep inside ancient caves carved into volcanic rock, where plush interiors and thrilling excursions bring the region’s magic to life. From Jeep rides to horseback adventures, this boutique stay blends raw nature with refined comfort.
Cape of Senses (Torri del Benaco, Italy): High above Lake Garda, this adults-only sanctuary is designed for slow living and stillness. Panoramic lake views, glass-walled spa rituals, and a heated infinity pool make self-care feel like an art form.
Casa Loma Beach Hotel (Laguna Beach, California): Perched on Laguna’s cliffs, Casa Loma radiates coastal rhythm and artistry. Madre cocktails, vintage radios, and local textile collaborations create a soundtrack of authentic California creativity.
Casa San Agustín (Cartagena, Colombia): Set within three 17th-century mansions, Casa San Agustín is a refined Cartagena gem rich in heritage and warmth. Wooden beams, frescoes, and palm-framed courtyards deliver old-world elegance with Caribbean soul.
Casa Yuma (Puerto Escondido, Mexico): A breezy, beachfront haven where surf lessons, mezcal tastings, and oceanfront yoga create the ultimate Oaxacan escape. Intimate, soulful, and perfectly unpolished, Casa Yuma embodies the art of barefoot luxury.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge (Vancouver Island, Canada): A glamorous wilderness hideaway where safari tents meet Pacific Coast adventure. Days unfold between bear-spotting and heli-picnics, all grounded in eco-conscious partnerships with local First Nations.
Granger Hotel (San Diego, California): A Romanesque revival landmark reborn, Granger blends vintage tin ceilings and art deco charm with modern edge. Guest-only lounges and snack-stocked pantries add intimacy and delight.
Gundari (Folegandros, Greece): Teetering on limestone cliffs, Gundari brings new luxury to the Cyclades’ quietest island. Suites with private pools, native herb rituals, and cliffside dining redefine Greek island elegance.
Hotel Anna & Bel (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): Once a historic women’s residence, now a Fishtown design darling blending vintage architecture and contemporary cool. Mediterranean fare, a tree-shrouded courtyard pool, and artful details make it an instant classic.
Hotel Peter & Paul (New Orleans, Louisiana): A church, convent, and school reborn into one singular stay in the Marigny. Think stained glass, velvet armchairs, and cocktails in the rectory — divine design, literally.
Hotel Manapany (Saint Barthélemy): Eco-friendly and effortless, Hotel Manapany channels barefoot island living on Anse des Cayes. Expect solar power, holistic spa days, and French-Caribbean flavors by the sea.
Il San Pietro di Positano (Positano, Italy): Built into a cliffside with every room facing the sea, Il San Pietro di Positano is the Amalfi Coast at its most cinematic. Michelin-starred dining and silver-service hospitality make la dolce vita feel eternal.
IZZA Marrakech (Marrakech, Morocco): Hidden within the medina, IZZA is a living gallery of interconnected riads and contemporary art. From Yves Saint Laurent tributes to hammam rituals, it celebrates Marrakech’s bohemian soul in every detail.
Le Couvent Des Minimes (Provence, France): A 17th-century convent reborn as Provence’s most serene retreat, pairing sacred calm with French sophistication. Lavender fields, a L’Occitane flagship spa, and Michelin-starred dining complete the spiritual escape.
Lodge at Marconi (Tomales Bay, California): Overlooking Tomales Bay, this retro-rad coastal lodge merges Northern California’s rugged spirit with vintage soul. Fire pits, radios, and trails replace screens for a digital detox done right.
Majagua Boutique Hotel (Oaxaca, Mexico): In Oaxaca’s historic center, Majagua is an adults-only haven of green hues, modern art, and mezcal-soaked rooftop sunsets. Culture meets calm at this sleek urban sanctuary.
MOLLIE Aspen (Aspen, Colorado): Aspen’s alpine chic moment, Mollie mixes ski-town swagger with Scandinavian cool. Rooftop après-ski sets, yoga, and curated art programming make it a cultural standout.
Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel (Monte-Carlo, Monaco): A Riviera icon reimagined with fashion flair and playful elegance. Private beach cabanas, Jacquemus parasols, and sea-facing terraces deliver Côte d’Azur glamour, reinvented.
Nayara Tented Camp (La Fortuna, Costa Rica): Nestled in the rainforest, Nayara’s luxury tents come with private plunge pools and volcano views. Volcanic mud rituals and canopy cocktails bring jungle glamour to life.
Palácio Príncipe Real (Lisbon, Portugal): A rose-hued 19th-century palace where ornate heritage meets modern indulgence. Freestanding brass tubs, lush gardens, and olive oil–infused cuisine create a royal hideaway in the heart of Lisbon.
Parker Palm Springs (Palm Springs, California): Jonathan Adler’s desert masterpiece channels retro whimsy across 13 acres of gardens. Pools, pétanque, and martinis at Mister Parker’s define desert decadence done right.
Pulitzer Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands): Comprising 25 canal houses, Pulitzer Amsterdam embodies Dutch heritage with a playful, modern twist. Flower carts, canal cruises, and courtyard gardens prove Amsterdam’s charm never fades.
Rockhouse Hotel & Spa (Negril, Jamaica): Carved into Negril’s cliffs, Rockhouse pairs Caribbean cool with social impact. Cliff-jumping, sound baths, and its education foundation make good vibes go global.
Short Stories (West Hollywood, California): Light-filled rooms, local art, and courtyard cocktails define this discreet West Hollywood retreat. It’s the kind of insider stay you almost don’t want to post about.
Singita Lebombo Lodge (Kruger National Park, South Africa): Set on a 33,000-acre private concession in Kruger National Park, Singita Lebombo Lodge weaves its conservation-driven ethos into every luxurious detail. The combination of wild landscapes and polished hospitality makes this the safari lodge you’ll measure all others against.
Son Sabater by Zafiro (Mallorca, Spain): Situated on a 16th-century finca in the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains, it pairs a sun-soaked pool, standout Mediterranean fare (hello, octopus over sweet potato), and warm, personalized service—making it the kind of place that’s easy to love and hard to leave.
The Bowery Hotel (New York City, New York): The Bowery Hotel is a dyed-in-the-wool Manhattan haunt, marrying romance with downtown edge. Creatives and celebrities post up at the atmospheric bar, where Negronis flow, conversations spark, and the scene is straight out of a classic New York film.
LDV at The Maidstone (East Hampton, New York): Prominently placed on a pristine lawn in East Hampton, The Maidstone is a 150-year-old inn brought to life by LDV Hospitality. Airy rooms and cozy, art-filled lounges, and complimentary cruiser bikes encourage lingering by the fireplace or cycling to the beach.
The Hari London (London, England): With a posh address on the Georgian streets of Belgravia, The Hari is a swank crash pad for your next jaunt across the pond. Its modernist glass-box façade conceals a cozy lobby where doorkeepers greet guests with a smile.
The Calile Hotel (Brisbane, Australia): A bold, sun-drenched landmark on James Street, The Calile Hotel sets the tone for Brisbane’s urban resort lifestyle. Wrapped in pink stone, arches, and breezy balconies, it’s a place made for poolside moments and long lunches that spill into sunset.
Thyme (Cotswolds, England): Thyme is a family-owned respite in the bucolic Cotswolds, rooted in sustainability and slow living. Caryn Hibbert and her children—daughter, Milly, the General Manager, and son, Charlie, the Chef Director—transformed a 150-acre estate into a haven of rustic refinement.
Trailborn Grand Canyon (Williams, Arizona): It’s about time North America’s most iconic natural wonder got a boutique hotel worthy of its status. Trailborn Grand Canyon combines nostalgic Wild West energy with Route 66 cool.
Trisara Phuket (Phuket, Thailand): Trisara flips Phuket’s party image on its head with secluded luxury on the island’s peaceful northwestern coast. Each of the 39 villas and suites features an infinity pool, while the 23 multi-bedroom residences come with a chef and butler.
Viceroy Bali (Bali, Indonesia): Nestled above the Valley of the Kings, the family-run Viceroy Bali is a tropical paradise. There are sunrise yoga sessions, traditional Balinese massages, and cycling excursions to the Tegallalang rice terraces.
Villa Santa Cruz (Todos Santos, Mexico): Suspended between the desert and the Pacific Ocean, Villa Santa Cruz is a 24-room Todos Santos hideaway with laid-back, off-the-grid energy. Its hacienda-revival buildings pop in shades of sun-warmed yellow and tangerine.
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