Five of the best boutique hotels

An enchanting wonderland of rainforest and pools, Keemala Resort is the ultimate back to nature luxury resort. Due to its rich cultural heritage the site of Keemala is uniquely designed around the traditions of its ancestors - the Earth Clan, Wanderer Clan, Sky Clan and Nest Clan - in that it offers four very different styles of villas, each designed around a particular belief of the ancestral clans. 

For example, there are tree-house style villas which reach up to the sky in honour of the Sky Clan. On top of the utterly incredible accommodation, expect exquisite gastronomical delights, a tranquil spa and only a short drive to some of Thailand’s loveliest beaches. What’s not to love?

Deep in the heart of the bustling old Medina in Marrakech lies the secret sanctuary of Riad Kniza. Dating back to the 18th century, this is a small but lavish hotel with all of the traditional Moroccan features you might expect, and some. Picture gorgeous mosaic tiling, marble pillars and grand, intricately designed archways. There is the central pool area, a hidden courtyard with leafy palms and ornate bookshelves, and a variety of opulent, richly coloured bedrooms with classic and tasteful Moroccan decoration. The cherry on the top of this wonderful hotel? Its owner come guide, who has taken the likes of Brad Pitt and US Presidents around Marrakech, and will be delighted to do the same for you.

Escape from the world in this beautiful and intimate retreat, hidden in a charmingly renovated 400-year old wine cellar and mansion. Follow cobbled pathways past floral gardens and arrive at the pool and jacuzzi for a day spent swimming, sunbathing on luxurious sunbeds and drinking cocktails at the pool bar. As the afternoon draws to a close, make your way back to your plush bedroom, decorated in traditional Santorini white but with a modern luxury twist – one last dip in your private Jacuzzi maybe? Then, to finish a perfect day, an evening spent dining on the terrace and drinking wine in the atmospheric wine cellars. You could do it all again tomorrow if there wasn’t a world class Asian Spa and a private beach on offer too…

Floating in between the tree lined island of Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa and the majestic Bora Bora, sits the picturesque islet of Motu Tautau, and on it, Le Tahaa Resort & Spa. This is the heart of French Polynesia and as well as the crystal clear water and pristine white beaches, Le Taha’a’s traditional polished wood décor showcases this in all its glory. Choose from either a Beach Villa or an Overwater Suite for the definitive bucket list hotel bedroom, and expect to wake up with a view to die for. Then, jump off your terrace and straight into the lagoon before spending the rest of your day lazing in the sun, snorkelling and tantalising your taste buds in one of the three superb restaurants.