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Hot Boutique Getaways
Original Travel - 07 Jul 2016
This month we’ve turned to Original Travel, the creative luxury travel company, to give you their take on where’s hot for a Boutique getaway. Whenever we discover an absolute gem of a hotel here at Original Travel, it’s fair to say that something of an internal battle commences. Do we let the cat out of the bag or stay schtum and keep it secret? Well, our inner blabber-mouths just can’t keep it together anymore; from beach-side retreats to desert boutiques, here are a few of our favourites…
Dar Ahlam, Morocco
Dar Ahlam is every escapist’s dream – located on the edge of the desert in Southern Morocco, this traditional Kasbah perfectly mixes the quintessentially Moroccan (think rich textured furnishings, lush gardens and its own hammam spa) with all the sophistication of a modern luxury boutique. And if you want to take getting away from it all to the next level, Dar Ahlam offers guests the opportunity to spend a night under the stars in a luxury tent in the sand dunes. But this is no ordinary camping experience; you’ll be treated to vast Bedouin-style tents complete with Moroccan rugs, antique chests, private terraces and en-suite bathrooms.
Nearest airport: Ouarzazate
Private Jet recommendation: Cessna Citation Sovereign
Approximate flight time from London: 3hrs 30mins
Sublime Comporta, Portugal
Portugal may have something of an image problem when it comes to luxury travel (golf, anyone?) but if you look beyond those misconceptions you’ll find a country jam-packed with culture, scenery and wonderful hotels. One of which is the lovely Sublime Comporta, a trendy country house retreat on the coast, just an hour from Lisbon. Comporta itself is home to some of the most unspoilt and unexplored beaches in the country and days can be spent lounging by the sea, dining on fresh seafood and sampling a fabulous selection of wines from the neighbouring Alentejo region. In other words, European holiday heaven.
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Private Jet recommendation: Cessna CitationJet 3
Approximate flight time from London: 2hrs 40mins
Mukul, Nicaragua
Nicaragua has got to be one of the most original destinations on the planet right now. Having been ravaged by civil war and environmental factors throughout the eighties and nineties, this Central American gem is making an epic comeback. And what it lacks in the Mayan sites that give its neighbours such prominence, Nicaragua more than makes up for in natural beauty, charm, heart and authenticity. All of which is perfectly summed up in Mukul, meaning ‘secret’, a chic boutique on the coast. It has just 36 villas, each with a private pool and dedicated butler, set amongst lush greenery, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Nearest airport: Managua
Private Jet recommendation: Dassault Falcon 7X
Approximate flight time from London: 11hrs 30mins
Entamanu Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Hot off the proverbial press (it doesn’t open until August) comes the Nomad group’s latest safari camp, Entamanu Ngorongoro. And even before it’s opened we know it’s going to be pretty special. Sitting right on the rim of the crater this 6 bedroom lodge enjoys spectacular views across the Ngorongoro crater, the Serengeti plains and the Gol Mountains. It will also allow guests early access to the crater itself so you will be able to enjoy the game viewing before the crowds arrive.
Nearest airport: Kilimanjaro International
Private Jet recommendation: Gulfstream 650
Approximate flight time from London: 9hrs
Nihiwatu, Indonesia
Indonesia is an all-time favourite Original Travel destination and the luxury boutique, Nihiwatu, goes some way to explaining why. Located on the thoroughly off-the-beaten track island of Sumba, it is set amongst 430 acres of rainforest, terraces and grassland and has its own private beach and surf break. For any culture vultures in the audience, Nihiwatu offers guests the opportunity to visit tribal villages and nearby Stone Age sites. All in all, it’s the perfect combination of culture, scenery, relaxation and luxury – what more could you want?
Nearest airport: Denpasar-Bali (with one stop in either Bangkok or Dubai to re-fuel and change crew)
Private Jet recommendation: Bombardier Global Express
Approximate flight time from London: 16hrs 40mins
For more information on these hotels, please visit www.originaltravel.co.uk