Think Small: 7 Boutique Resorts for Your Next Getaway

A smaller resort doesn’t mean a lesser experience at these intimate hotels. For vacationers who prefer a more secluded scene for their next adventure, here are seven boutique properties in seven top-tier destinations. Although the guest roster may be small, the list of perks is anything but. 

Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun

Mexico

Pick up the art of life at this holistic retreat just a 25-minute boat ride from Cancun. Your first lesson: checking in to a private suite overlooking the ocean. Make a study of the natural beauty of Isla Mujeres as you try out Bvlgari bath amenities in the hot tub or savor a cup of coffee in your sitting area. Look for more luxury at the spa … like a complimentary 20-minute thalassotherapy (sea water therapy). Classes in meditation and cooking, free green fees at the Greg Norman-designed Playa Mujeres Golf Club and gourmet dining cinch your mastery in fine living. 

Live Aqua Private Residences Los Cabos 

Mexico

Experience a new take on the Live Aqua brand from Los Cabos’ largest accommodations. Starting at a spacious 953 feet, the one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom residences each come outfitted with a washer and dryer, a terrace facing the sea, desert or The Ocean Golf Course, and full kitchen. Send a grocery list to the concierge to have the pantry pre-stocked for your arrival and consider booking a chef to transform your favorite ingredients. For true “wine therapy,” however, opt for a treatment at SOMMA Wine Spa, Mexico’s only spa to incorporate wine. 

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TRS Hotel Cap Cana

Dominican Republic

An adults-only resort set on the beach inside the exclusive Cap Cana community, this 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice represents the best of Palladium Hotels & Resorts. Every suite offers Infinite Indulgence benefits like 24-hour butler and room services and your choice of pool, marina or ocean views. Find the latter in spades at the Ibiza-inspired beach club, but don’t miss out on exploring Cap Cana. Punta Espada Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, was rated the top course in the Caribbean and Mexico by Golfweek, and Scape Park is one of the destination’s best adventure centers. 

Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica 

Jamaica

Imbibing Zoëtry’s trademark approach to wellness with Jamaican touches, here guests can fully appreciate the lush beauty of the Rose Hall neighborhood. Suites offer floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to private terraces overlooking tropical gardens or the Caribbean Sea. Health-conscious dishes highlight locally grown ingredients at three restaurants. Beachfront Jerky Jo’s provides an authentic jerk experience. Included kayaking, paddleboarding and guided snorkeling liven up mornings, while traditional afternoon tea makes for an elegant break before a bracelet-making or cooking lesson. 

Regency on Beachwalk Waikiki by Outrigger 

Hawaii

A quick walk from the beach, restaurants and shopping – including the International Market Place – it’s the location that sets this condominium resort apart. Combining Outrigger’s laid-back Hawaiian style with the conveniences of home, families, friends and travelers on a budget can have the flexibility to dine in or out, thanks to the full kitchen. Hang out on the lanai to enjoy the AC and some downtime while waiting for the laundry to dry. Before heading out to the Beach Walk, try the award-winning pork cutlets at Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin on the ground floor, the chain’s only outlet outside of East Asia. 

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The Springs Resort & Spa 

Costa Rica

Named by CNN Travel as one of the seven hotels in the world with the best views, The Springs sits 1,000 feet above Arenal Valley, tucked away among the hot springs and flowering trees. Outdoor pursuits are as robust as the panoramas, with hiking trails, tubing, horseback rides and rock climbing via the Club Rio Adventure Center, plus a water slide, mini golf course and animal sanctuary to round out the options. Strike a more leisurely chord at the Sanctuary Spa, where invigorating treatments incorporate volcanic clay harvested from the property’s springs. Afterward, sample fusion cuisine that elevates local flavors at award-winning chef José Rojas’s Las Ventanas restaurant (reservation required). 

Mystique St. Lucia by Royalton 

St. Lucia

Ideal for travelers who need an extra-big dose of R&R, this venture from Royalton Resorts knows the value of quiet time, keeping its focus on the natural glamour of Rodney Bay. Unwinding by the waves is guests’ favorite pastime; Serenity Spa helps maintain the tranquil vibes. For a change of pace, set out to discover nearby Gros Islet. Let loose during the weekly street party, or join the Carnival-esque fish fry in Anse La Raye. Those who prefer to take advantage of the property’s all-inclusive plan can enjoy their own version sans cost; an on-site fish and chips stand serves up local eats right on the beach. 

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