Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ launches new brand campaign ‘Hotels as Characterful As You’ and unveils 22 new member hotels

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is proud to announce the launch of its latest brand campaign, which celebrates the individuality and character of its properties. The campaign, entitled 'Hotels as Characterful as You,' highlights how each SLH property has its own distinctive personality that reflects the tastes, and aspirations of its guests.

The social media-driven 'Hotels as Characterful as You' campaign was initially launched in March, with a search for unique individuals from SLH's community of independent-minded guests. After a successful casting call, six faces were chosen and paired with properties from SLH's 520-strong portfolio. The campaign is now live on various digital platforms, OOH advertising, and Sky VOD.

Richard Hyde, managing director, Small Luxury Hotels of the world said: “We believe that our properties are not just places to stay, but destinations that reflect the individuality of our guests. As we draw closer to peak holiday season, we’re excited to share this campaign with the world and invite travellers to discover the characterful charm of our hotels."

SLH has also added 22 hotels to its portfolio since the beginning of the year, which include seven new openings for 2023, and four actively sustainable luxury hotels which have been accepted into the brand’s Considerate Collection. With these four additions, the Considerate Collection now totals 54 hotels.

Explore these Exciting New Openings including Three Spanish Escapes

1. Seda Club Hotel (Granada, Spain) from AUD 498 per night. Seda Club Hotel, opened its doors in February 2023, timelessly combining old-world glamour and contemporary luxury. Located in Granada’s historical Plaza de la Trinidad, the hotel’s historical and cultural roots run deep. From the moment you enter, you’re surrounded by rich woods, marble and bronze, offset with opulent textiles inspired by the 15th century silk trade in Granada.
2. The Lodge Mallorca (Mallorca, Spain) from AUD 519 per night. Opened in May 2023, beyond a field of lavender on a farm of more than 157 hectares of a private and nature reserve, The Lodge Mallorca is located in the heart of the UNESCO protected Sierra de Tramuntana. The adults-only rural escape features 28 suites, space to breathe and, in some cases, private pools or gardens, Natura Bissé massages and locally sourced dining at Singular Restaurant.
3. Maribel (Sierra Nevada, Spain) from AUD 373 per night. At one of the most extensive ski areas in southern Europe with direct access to the Maribel and Auila slopes, the sophisticated alpine chalet that opened in November 2022 is designed to provide a home away from home feeling. Duplex suites have warm, welcoming interiors, with Finnish wood, and leather furniture, and there is a Nordic-inspired spa where guests can unwind under the stars.

The Rebello (Porto, Portugal) from AUD 467 per night
Taking reservations from June 10, 2023 is The Rebello Hotel, a bold new Portuguese conversion of several warehouses on the banks of the River Douro. The magnificent building blends innovation and heritage, housing 107 rooms (half hotel, half standalone residential apartments), two restaurants, a destination spa with indoor and outdoor pools, and a rooftop bar with spectacular views over Porto.

Nobu Hotel Marrakech (Marrakech, Morocco) from AUD 617 per night
Nobu Hospitality's debut in Africa in January 2023 brings a Nobu Restaurant and Bar, panoramic Rooftop with 360 city and Atlas Mountain views, and one of the largest Nobu Hotel spas to Marrakech. The all-suite Nobu Hotel Marrakech is moments from the city’s cultural heart, where exotic souks and the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna meets Nobu’s unmistakably modern Japanese minimalism.

Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort (Ubud Bali, Indonesia) from AUD 684 per night
Views of vast rice paddy fields, lush jungle, and Hindu shrines await at Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort, a spiritual sanctuary that opened its doors in March 2023. Here, guests will embark on a series of handcrafted wellness programmes designed by certified holistic healers, based on the Balinese Tri Hita Karana concept – a way of life that’s deeply rooted in Hindu traditions.

The Anam Mui Ne (Mui Ne, Vietnam) from AUD 360 per night
SLH returns to Vietnam with the 127-room Anam Mui Ne, which recently opened in January 2023. Overlooking 1.2 hectares of white sand beaches, the resort’s décor was inspired by the surrounding lush green foliage and old-world Indochine charm, dressed with 250 oil paintings by Vietnamese artists. After taking in the colourful boats and vibrant street markets in Phan Thiet, traditional Vietnamese cuisine and classic street food await on property.

New to the Considerate Collection – Four more actively sustainable luxury hotels

1. Vila Planinka, (Zgornje Jezersko, Slovenia) from AUD 435 per night. Surrounded by centuries-old forests, mountains, and waterways, Vila Planinka is a sustainable retreat in the heart of Slovenia, one of the world's most sustainable countries. The 22-room hotel is harmoniously designed with natural woods, stone, and textiles and fully embedded with its local Jezersko community and a healing environment. Vila Planinka is committed to sustainability in all aspects of its operation. The hotel commits to zero-waste, sustainable purchasing, supporting the principles of Fairtrade and local sourcing from nearby village farms. In addition, the hotel is locally owned and staffed. The idyllic Jezersko landscape provides a wide variety of possibilities for active leisure or meditation in nature year-round. Guests can hike, bike, swim, fish, or simply relax in the hotel's spa
2. Wa Ale Resort (Yangon, Myanmar) from AUD 1,128 per night. Comprised of 18 beachside accommodations including two Treetop Villas on a 5,000-acre island, Wa Ale is the ultimate experience in responsible luxury with all stays helping to directly drive and grow conservation and local community initiatives led by the Lampi Foundation. Re-opening on October 15 2023, the retreat will also unveil its new Ayurvedic Jungle Spa: Built with the core ayurvedic principles in mind the two open-air treatment rooms are set in the most spectacular location, overlooking a pristine beach on the Andaman Sea and surrounded by rich jungle habitat.
3. Ballymaloe House Hotel (Cork, Ireland) from AUD 604 per night. Dubbed the birthplace of modern Irish cuisine, Ballymaloe House Hotel is a 33-room family-run countryside institution on 300 acres of working farmland, re-wilded land and woodland walks. Just a stone’s throw from the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, this secluded getaway is perfect for food lovers – or those looking to simply rest, reconnect with nature, and explore some of Ireland’s most beautiful open spaces.
4. Gregans Castle Hotel (Ballyvaughan, Ireland) from AUD 591 per night.Nestled in the heart of the Burren, a UNESCO Global Geopark and the inspiration behind C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien’s most famous works, Gregans Castle Hotel features 21 nature-inspired rooms in an eco-conscious, locally owned, 18th century manor house-turned-hotel. While away the afternoon beside the drawing room’s crackling fire, then, when dinner calls, head to the award-winning restaurant for the modern-meets-traditional cuisine created from artisan, in-season ingredients at this Considerate Collection property.

For more information visit www.SLH.com

2023 New Openings & Travel Ideas from Small Luxury Hotels

Beachfront Infinity Pool

With three highly anticipated 2023 hotel openings, three Considerate Collection hotels, and eight additional distinctive hotels, the independently-minded brand sparks wanderlust for the year ahead

Ranging from a newly preserved ancient house in China to a hand-picked selection of hidden jungle escapes across several countries and cultures, these twelve vibrant, new-to-SLH properties will influence travelers’ itineraries in the year to come. Here we present the latest additions that Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has to offer discerning boutique hotel aficionados across the globe.

Exciting New Openings for 2023

Set to be SLH’s first hotel in the Bahamas, Goldwynn Resort & Residences, Nassau, will open its doors in February 2023 upon a quiet, pristine stretch of powder white sands and endless turquoise waters on Goodman’s Bay, Cable Beach’s quite eastern end. This mid-century modern beachfront paradise nods to a James Bond-era nostalgia through its design and also boasts a centrepiece infinity pool fringed with ocean-facing cabanas, personal butler service, and oversized rooms and suites with spectacular views. Also opening in February 2023 is The Rebello, a bold Portuguese conversion of several warehouses. The magnificent building blends innovation and heritage, housing 107 rooms (half hotel, half standalone residential apartments), two restaurants, a destination spa and a rooftop bar with spectacular views over Porto. The highly anticipated unveiling of La Roqqa in late Spring 2023 will see an exciting new opening vibrating with authentic energy and spontaneous joy in the beauty of Monte Argentario. The hotel, located on the hill of Fort La Rocca, overlooking the iconic bay of Porto Ercole (Tuscany), will showcase a sophisticated design with breathtaking views, a stylish beach club and a stunning rooftop terrace. It will offer guests a variety of carefully curated events, exhibitions and experiences, such as workshops devoted to local craft.

The Considerate Collection Grows

Strongly aligning with partner Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GTSC) framework, the Considerate Collection adds three more properties, increasing its portfolio to 46 hotels globally. We begin across a beautiful 600-acre reserve, where forest bungalows blend into Costa Rica’s biodiverse Guanacaste Province at Rio Perdido. What makes this jungle wellness retreat so unique – and gives it its name – is the mile-long stretch of ‘lost river’ that’s fed by natural hot springs. For over half a century, the agriculturally-minded Allen family has continued to research and embrace green initiatives at Ballymaloe House Hotel, a very welcome addition to the collection. 

Ballymaloe House Hotel,

This family-run countryside institution executes an annual tree planting plan, provides bio-diversity tours on its grounds, and designates much of its 300 acres of land for rewilding with bird and bat boxes. A world over on a deserted black lava sand beach, GreenSign certified LOST LINDENBERG features solar powered treehouses on a quiet, temple-lined track, in a hidden clearing which has been transformed into a diverse jungle bursting with wildlife through biodiversity-minded landscaping.

A Dose of Design

A quietly charming neighbourhood boutique hotel in the centre of Lisbon, The Vintage Lisbon bedrooms live up to the hotel’s name, showcasing the best of mid-century design in a colour palette of rich and moody hues, including vintage trolleys stocked with local botanical-infused gin. Every aspect of the hotel has been carefully selected, from bespoke furniture pieces to works by local artists to pay homage to Lisbon’s finest talents. Recently opened in September 2022 following an extensive refurbishment, another Lisbon property, Hotel das Amoreiras, is an elegant country house in one of the city’s most charming garden squares of Jardim das Amoreiras. The hotel’s grand suites offer breathtaking views over the vibrant destination. Across the Atlantic Ocean at La Valise San Miguel de Allende, discover a harmonious fusion of ancient styles and contemporary flares, courtesy of artist Pedro Friedberg. Each room is delicately crafted with antique furnishings, chic textiles, and carefully appointed objects d’art. Within this tucked-away retreat, explore secret zen gardens, hot springs, and stone stairways carved with ancient symbols or venture out and walk in the footsteps of explorers to immerse oneself in the beautiful city of Guanajuato.

In the Jungle

A nature-inspired retreat nestled in the Sri Lankan jungle and overlooking the ocean, experience ultimate tranquillity in the tropical sanctuary of Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa. Every room channels Sri Lankan culture and the island’s natural beauty in its contemporary design, with locally handmade furniture and fabrics. On the other side of the earth, escape to tropical forest fringed sands and the blissful sounds of the Caribbean waves in a stunning remote spot of Nicaragua, Yemaya Reefs. Sip on rainbow-coloured juices, sample the chef’s specials on the restaurant’s oceanfront deck, and discover the underwater world of the seven vibrant reefs just off the island’s shore. Yet another star of the island hideaway scene, Sunset Reef, is perfectly perched over Palmetto Point in St. Kitts, providing understated luxury whilst capturing panoramic views of Volcanic black sand beaches, azure sea, and mountains draped in lush, green jungle. The seven exquisite suites are available for exclusive use.

Modern Luxury from Mountain Peak to Sea Level

Secluded among one million hectares of national parkland, Chalets at Blackheath is a secret spot of solace in Australia’s Blue Mountains. Modern, eco-sensitive chalets serve as the perfect home base to discover UNESCO listed alpine bliss, whilst bustling Sydney is just a drive away. Another place where modern luxury shines is Else Kuala Lumpur, a serene wellness refuge with minimalist interiors that focuses on holistic healing and self-discovery, while simultaneously receiving a warm hug from the energy of Malaysia’s capital city. 

Hillsboro Beach Resort

Lastly, the epitome of beachside modern luxury is reflected by Hillsboro Beach Resort on Florida’s quiet Millionaire Mile, mixing the healing powers of the sea and luxurious oceanfront suites, all offset with the Avant Garde – including artwork by New York artist David Paul Kay and sculptures by Spanish designer Domingo Zapata.

For more information visit www.slh.com

*Source: Rachel Jones (rachel@thisishelm.com.au)

Small Luxury Hotels of the World TM Announces ‘Stay Small, Stay Safe’ Initiative As Hotels Prepare to Welcome Travellers

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) launches the ‘Stay Small, Stay Safe’ initiative offering enhanced health and detailed safety guidelines for all 520 member hotels in 90 countries. SLH has always been a champion of elite independent hotels with the utmost standards, and as nearly 230 member hotels have now re-opened and many prepare to open in the coming months, the program provides peace of mind for guests as they prepare to travel the world once again.

A recent survey conducted of loyal SLH guests shows over 90% of travellers would feel more comfortable staying in a small independent hotel. The ‘Stay Small, Stay Safe’ initiative acknowledges the desire for intimate hotel experiences with fewer crowds that travellers are seeking. With just 50 rooms on average, SLH properties are able to offer secluded, discrete options with the highest safety standards.

In order to safeguard these standards, SLH has entered a partnership with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) for its hotels to pursue GBAC STAR™ accreditation. The performance-based cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention programme helps hotels minimize risks associated with infectious agents and biohazards. GBAC STAR accreditation provides third-party validation to ensure hotels have the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques and work practices in place so guests can truly relax during their stay.

Additionally, a ‘Stay Small, Stay Safe’ module will be launched on the SLH website www.SLH.com, helping guests and travel advisors make informed decisions and guide their journey through the site. The latest updates on border openings, quarantine restrictions, best practices and information pertaining to COVID-19 precautions at each hotel will provide accurate and up-to-date details in the ever-changing environment. The SLH Quality Assurance Policy will also update the 700-point Mystery Inspection program checklist with an additional 136 checkpoints related to health, safety and cleanliness standards performed at all 520 hotels annually. The heightened standards for hygiene will be critical for the safety and comfort of each guest and staff member as hotels reopen their doors.

“Travellers are yearning for a change of scenery and have already begun to cautiously book their next adventure, and with these new measures, SLH can confidently reassure each guest of a worry-free stay,” says Jean-Francois Ferret, CEO at Small Luxury Hotels of the World. “The ability to be flexible and adapt is crucial at this time, and our intimate member hotels can do so in a thorough and bespoke way. We look forward to welcoming guests back to our outstanding properties warmly and safely.”

For more information and travel inspiration, please visit www.SLH.com.

Keemala Raises Sustainability & Authenticity With New Guest Experiences

Phuket's luxury boutique resort Keemala introduces newly curated experiences that aim to promote a deeper sense of immersion for guests and a more extensive commitment toward environmental sustainability.

Keeping in line with the resort's cultural philosophy, the new line up of guest activities also clearly highlight the urgency to care for our world and our nature. Those stepping into Keemala will not only bask in the lavishing and rustic designs of the villas, but will also be enticed to step beyond the sumptuous surroundings to enjoy the basics of living through our fine gastronomy, pampering spa treatments, and inspiring bespoke gatherings.

The following experiences are available to all guests and visitors from July 2019 onward:

• Cooking in the Garden: 

At the heart of Keemala is the resort's 'Enchanted Garden', an oasis of herbs, vegetables and fruit grown organically and harvested daily for the kitchen and spa. With an abundance of produce from these plots, and with the intention to share the most basic yet essential Thai cuisine trademarks to culinary enthusiasts, Keemala has launched complimentary Thai Curry Makingand Coconut Milk Making classes in the garden, where ingredients are picked fresh from the soil by guests.

• Sustainable Seafood: 

In an effort to raise the sustainable commitment, Keemala's Executive Chef set out to visit local markets and fishing communities in search of reliable, like-minded suppliers to source fish that is line caught within 10-20 kilometres from Phuket shoreline. Guests may expect to see such varieties as snappers, pomfrets, and monk fish on the menu, with seasonal availability.

• Zero Waste Meetings: 

Also on the path toward sustainability, Executive Retreats at Keemala are more mindful than ever with 'Zero Waste' meetings, where there is no single-use plastics such as bottles and product packaging, and food waste is managed with onsite composting for the resort's garden, for example. Meeting packages complete with the signature 'Food for Thought' coffee break that is inventive, healthy and interactive for an inspiring and hands on experience.

• Samrab Phuket Menu: 

Going back to the roots of Phuket gastronomy, Keemala now offers 'Samrab Phuket' set menu featuring traditional Phuket dishes such as Moo Hong (stewed pork belly) and Gaeng-Pu Mee-Hoon (crab curry with rice noodles). A perfect meal for two, this menu is also available as vegan option, and is available both for lunch and dinner where reservations are required.

Keemala, which opened in December 2015, is an award-winning, all-pool villa resort ideal for guests and couples looking for a rustic, yet lavishing, retreat from everyday life. The resort is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Website: keemala.com/