From the shorelines of Peru to the snowy wilderness of Swedish Lapland, we’ve rounded up 5 hotels you may not have heard of—yet…and three of them are right here in the U.S.
1. Loggers Lodge, Sweden
Tucked away in Harads, Sweden, this exclusive, forest-embraced retreat takes “getting away from it all” to heart, welcoming only one group—up to six guests—at a time. With the closest neighbor over three miles away, the entire Loggers Lodge property—made up of the Lodge, the Spa and the Glass Pod—is dedicated to your client’s stay.
During their time exploring the wilderness of the Swedish Lapland, guests are treated to a private chef, host, concierge and activity guide; in-house guided experiences; full-board Swedish gourmet food with wine pairings; airport transfers; and Arctic winter clothing and boots.
Winter comes with an array of experiences that run the gamut from the expected such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to the more bespoke such as Arctic herb workshops, nature foraging and tasting sessions and moose and reindeer meeting.
During the late summer and fall months, guests can dine in the forest, meet Sami reindeer herders, go kayaking, berry picking or fishing. And for those who might need a massage after an active day, not to worry—those are offered as well.
Here, a starlit sky awaits…as does complete serenity. loggerslodge.com
2. KiCHIC, Peru
“Getting away from it all” is becoming increasingly difficult, but at KiCHIC, on the shores of Las Pocitas near the small fishing and surf town of Mancora, Peru, that rare feeling of being truly away still exists.
This micro-boutique hotel, whose elegant decor showcases the owner’s drawings and sculptures, features only 11 rooms, each with its own distinct name and personality and with views of either the gardens or sea. Those wishing a residential-style experience can book the 2-bedroom KiCHIC House. Whichever accommodation they choose, it will be your client’s private oasis as the property tops out at only 28 guests.
Other property features include a 46-ft. pool overlooking the sea, a private beach, guided yoga classes and meditation in an open-air yoga pavilion and an organic kitchen and bar with a menu featuring a mix of extensive vegetarian options, as well as Peruvian classics. And here open-air restaurant means tables and dining nooks sprinkled throughout the property, so your clients can choose from countless spots such as a garden setting or an oceanfront deck.
Activities range from surfing, kitesurfing, diving, snorkeling and kayaking to discovery tours for turtle or whale watching (July-Nov.), desert rides, etc.
The hotel, which just underwent an extensive expansion, is your clients to explore open year-round, and keep in mind “high season” is from December to March. kichic.pe/en
3. The Pitcher Inn, Vermont
Your clients will step back in time while staying at this rustic chic inn, with its wood burning fireplaces and a décor that pays homage to the area’s rich history. Nestled in the hamlet of Warren, in the heart of the Mad River Valley, The Pitcher Inn’s original structure dates to the Civil War era, when it was used as a lodging house for those traversing three mountain passes.
Today’s guests will find nine uniquely designed guestrooms, two dog-friendly suites, a revolving art collection, the recently opened Wellness Center, located in a historic farmhouse directly across the street from the inn, the 275 Main restaurant, utilizing local and fresh items from nearby farms and farmers markets, not to mention homemade cheeses and jams, and Tracks Tavern, with a small pub menu. In fact, foodies will love the inn’s strong emphasis on its culinary program, which includes the Fire to Fork menu where meats, soups, vegetables and stocks are prepared in the restaurant’s fireplace. There’s also an extensive wine list featuring nearly 500 bottles and an onsite wine cellar available for private dining.
You might want to recommend the inn’s Edgewater House to families. This classic clapboard home just across from the Inn, and overlooking Freeman Brook, offers three ensuite guestrooms as well as a full kitchen, private parking, an outdoor terrace, a fireplace, a billiard table and a fenced area. Complimentary breakfast at the inn is included for up to five guests.
The surroundings offer an array of outdoor delights such as skiing at Sugarbrush in the wintertime, and come summer, hiking, fly-fishing, golf and countless swimming holes in the river. Plus, the Mad River Valley region is known for its craft beer, home to Lawsons Brewery.
To get their bearings, you can tell clients that the inn is located 2½ hours from Montreal, 5½ hours from New York City and 3¼ hours from Boston. pitcherinn.com
4. The Millbrook Inn, Hudson Valley
Also near NYC and Boston—only two and three hours, respectively—The Millbrook Inn is nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, spanning three acres and surrounded by views of horse farm meadows and rolling hills.
The inn, which is made for sustainably minded travelers, features only nine guestrooms, each with a country-chic aesthetic, and guests wake up to views of see horses grazing in sun filled or foggy pastures.
The grounds play up the surroundings with a reclaimed green space featuring planted meadows of flowers, walking paths, an herb and vegetable garden, a relaxing fire pit area and a new bocce ball court. The onsite restaurant, The Vintage, offers an American cuisine menu that changes often as it features only the freshest product sourced within miles from the inn.
The restaurant’s bar is stocked with local products and highlights the best spirits based in the Hudson Valley, plus the wine program puts the focus on the region featuring top wines from North Fork, Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley regions.
Travelers exploring this corner of New York state will find local wineries and craft distilleries, as well as gardens, galleries and historical sites. Hudson Valley is also known as a mecca for antiquing, home to some of the top northeast shops. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking, fly-fishing, horseback riding and cross-country skiing are accessible nearby. themillbrookinn.com
5. Hamakua Hotel, Big Island
On the Big Island of Hawaii, an adults-only haven awaits clients who put the focus on gastronomy when traveling. Opened just last year, boutique Hamakua Hotel, spread across 25 acres brimming with palm trees, is home to only eight guestrooms and suites that pay homage to the traditional Hawaiian aesthetic.
Onsite amenities include an oceanfront infinity pool and Jacuzzi, the Wellness Hale, which features two massage areas, a cold plunge tub and infrared sauna, and an exclusive 6-course tasting (and seasonal) menu (complimentary for hotel guests), available only on Tuesdays and Fridays.
During winter months, humpback whales breach throughout the day immediately in front of the hotel and onsite, guests will discover a 1-mile roundtrip hiking trail that winds through a tropical rainforest to the ocean.
Exploring offsite means discovering Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or going horseback riding, ziplining, hiking to waterfalls, night snorkeling, strolling through botanical gardens as well as hopping on helicopter tours. hamakuahotel.com
