About us
Hand-Picked Boutique Hotels
Tailor-made holidays with a focus on hand picked boutique hotels and luxury hideaways
Let's plan your perfect tripWe focus on independent boutique hotels and luxury hideaways that bring real character and personality to your trip. These are places where individuals matter—where the managers and staff love what they do and want you to love where you are. You might be invited on a spontaneous walk, share stories over sundowners, or find yourself staying somewhere that with a unique feel or incredible history. These personal touches can turn a brilliant holiday into something unforgettable. While we don’t use independent stays exclusively, they remain our first choice—and we have a trusted list of other special properties that share the same commitment to warm, personal service.
A team of real travel experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays that focus on boutique hotels and luxury hideaways
Boutique hotels and luxury hideaways are often shaped by natural hosts—the kind of people who genuinely care that you’re having a good day, who notice the small details, and who take pride in making your stay special. Whether it’s an owner sharing a favourite local walk or a manager leading a loyal team, the result is the same: a personal, attentive experience delivered with warmth and character.
We focus on independent hotels where the people at the helm—whether owners or managers—are closely involved in the guest experience. Many have been in place for years, building strong teams and a distinct style of hospitality that reflects the destination. Over time, we’ve seen which hotels continue to exceed expectations, and it’s those we come back to.
What makes these stays stand out isn’t just the service—it’s the flexibility. Without the corporate structure of larger brands, they can often offer thoughtful extras without the fuss. An upgrade. A quiet celebration. A room reconfigured to suit your family.
And if a fully independent mix isn’t possible on your trip, we’ve got a few carefully chosen favourites that still deliver the same warmth, care and consistency.
The People Behind the Places
At the heart of these special hotels, lodges and hideaways are the people who created them. Here, some of the owners share—in their own words—what makes their hotels personal, distinctive, and worth discovering.
"I didn’t set out to build a luxury lodge—I wanted to create a place where people could slow down, breathe, and really connect with the bush.
What makes Garonga special isn’t just the wildlife or the setting—it’s the atmosphere, the people, the quiet moments that stay with you long after you’ve gone. After nearly 30 years, I’m still here most days, still chatting with guests by the fire, and still completely in love with this place."
Bernie - Owner, Garonga, South Africa
"The land called to me—what I found was too powerful to keep to myself, so I stayed and began creating a place for others to reconnect with the natural beauty of Patagonia.
Every trail and cabin was created with care, because this is my open‑air spa—it’s meant to heal body and soul. Each morning I wake up as part of this place, and it’s my deepest hope that guests leave feeling as grounded and alive as I do."
Evelyn - Founder, Estancia Puema Hue, Argentina
"I came to this coastline over fifty years ago, and it still takes my breath away every morning.
La Cusinga isn’t just a lodge—it’s a living part of the forest, built to protect what makes this place so extraordinary. What matters most to me is that people leave here with a deeper respect for nature and the understanding that we’re part of it, not separate from it."
John - Founder, La Cusinga, Costa Rica
"I created Buckingham Place to feel relaxed and welcoming and completely in tune with this wild, beautiful stretch of coast.
You’ll find me around most days, checking in with guests, making sure the details are right, and keeping the atmosphere just as it should be. This isn’t just a hotel to me—it’s a place where people can slow down, feel at home, and be looked after properly."
Nick - Founder & Manager, Buckingham Place, Sri Lanka
"What started as a simple beachfront house has grown into a place where people can slow down, breathe deeply, and feel part of the island.
I built Cassia Cottage back in 1998 as a home for my family, never imagining it would one day welcome travellers from all over the world. It’s still personal for me—every garden path, every quiet corner was shaped with care, and I’m proud that spirit remains today."
Mark - Owner, Cassia Cottage, Vietnam
It's about you
We create exceptional holidays, unique to you, managed in a way that makes everything easy for you, with the aim of surpassing your expectations every step of the way.
Real travel experts
Our travel expertise ensures authentic experiences, fantastic boutique hotels and outstanding guides that help create unforgettable holiday moments.
Peace of mind
- Unbeatable prices
- Our price promise
- A focus on owner-run properties
- Ideas & advice from true specialists
- Wonderful guides to steer the way
- 24-hour emergency support
- Financial protection from ATOL
- Superb sundowner ideas!