New boutique hotels

Whether you're looking for a rainforest lodge or a city centre spa, read our collection of the most indulgent new boutique hotels.

Awasi

Where In the tiny town of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile

This small hotel of just eight cottages offers secluded and spacious luxury, with outstanding cuisine and home-baked bread. The real attraction here is the Atacama Desert, thus each cottage has its own Jeep and endlessly helpful private guide to take guests on various exciting excursions.

Awasi (+56 55 851460/0808 101 6778, www.awasi.cl).

The Blue Moon Hotel

Where Lower East Side, New York

This 22-room hotel has a classic style that reflects the history of New York’s Lower East Side. Abandoned since 1935, it was recently completely refurbished, with every salvageable ornamental detail in place. It’s a unique tribute to the character of the area.

The Blue Moon Hotel (+1 212 533 9080, www.bluemoon-nyc.com).

Commune by the Great Wall

Where Near the Great Wall, China

For a truly wild experience, head to the Kempinski-managed Commune, where a cluster of unique, cutting-edge villas designed by 12 leading Asian architects enjoys unbelievable views of the Great Wall. With three restaurants serving Western and Chinese fare, as well as a gym and a superb spa, it’s a wonderful getaway.

Commune by the Great Wall (+86 10 8118 1888, www.communebythegreatwall.com/en).

Emporium Hotel

Where Brisbane, Australia

The first luxury boutique hotel in Brisbane has set the standard impossibly high; the award-winning splendour is apparent in the spacious and classically modern design, the lavish attention and effortlessly stylish Emporium Cocktail Bar.

Emporium Hotel (+61 7 3253 6999, www.emporiumhotel.com.au).

Michel Berger

Where An old factory building in Berlin

Opened in August 2009, Michel Berger caters for the trendy crowd that frequents Berlin’s arts festivals and nightlife. Draws include a spa and a beer garden, as well as handmade wooden furniture in each room. The old factory building (natch) exemplifies Berlin’s affordably edgy chic.

Michel Berger (+49 30 2977 8590, www.michelbergerhotel.com).

Riad Noir d’Ivoire

Where Central Marrakech

Each room of this small riad was individually decorated by the owner Jill, an interior designer. The inner courtyard boasts an ancient and supremely tranquil swimming pool and the fabulous breakfast is served on the riad’s roof terrace.

Riad Noir d’Ivoire (+212 24 38 09 75, www.noir-d-ivoire.com).

Sanctum Soho

Where Soho, London

Sanctum Soho offers proof that sometimes money can buy style, with an underground cinema, a 24-hour rooftop bar and exquisitely modern interior design from Lesley Purcell. Located in the heart of London’s West End, this is an ideal base from which to explore the city.

Sanctum Soho (020 7292 6100, www.sanctumsoho.com).

El Silencio

Where In the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest

El Silencio Lodge & Spa’s 16 cottages are made from the environment’s friendliest materials, while the food is sourced from the lodge’s own organic garden and prepared by renowned Chef Marco Gonzalez. The outdoor yoga platform gazes out across the rainforest; and with no internet or mobile reception, this silent hideaway is a genuine escape.

El Silencio (+506 2761 0301, www.elsilenciolodge.com).

Titilaka Inkaterra Hotel Puno

Where In the heart of the Andes, Peru

Looking out over Lake Titicaca, the 12 suites of this secluded hideaway offer modern design and luxury as an ideal base for exploring this unique place. A local guide can take you to visit the lake’s islands and local colonial churches, as well as on hikes up the Andean mountains.

Titilaka Inkaterra Hotel Puno (0808 234 2368, www.andean-experience.com/titilaka).

Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge

Where The Okavango Delta in Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a unique region of countless waterways and impossibly abundant wildlife. This new lodge is built on an island in the middle of a 250-square-kilometre private reserve. Each of the nine suites includes a plunge pool and a hideout from which the region’s unparalleled birdlife can be viewed. Even in this remote corner of paradise, Priscilla the chef conjures up outstanding modern cuisine.

The Okavango Delta (+27 11 809 4300, www.andbeyondafrica.com/luxury_safari/botswana/okavango_delta/and_beyond_xudum).

Time Out guidebooks

1000 Great Holiday Ideas

Plan your perfect trip with this inspirational compendium of failsafe holiday suggestions. It's packed with fresh ideas for traditional breaks, from beach idylls to winter sun and family camping, along with great suggestions for trying something different – all around the world. Whether you're looking for a weekend break or the trip of a lifetime, Time Out's worldwide team of travel specialists can take you there.

1000 Great Holiday Ideas is available from the Time Out shop.