Image courtesy of Manoir Hovey
Even though summer is in full swing, it’s not too late to squeeze in a getaway. We’ve rounded up some trending options for travelers who like a more intimate, local experience. From urban hot spots to mountain hideaways, here are 10 of our favorite boutique hotels for making the most of the long summer days.
For personalized recs, connect with a Fora Advisor. They’ll be able to matchmake you to a destination and property that fits your style, plus unlock complimentary VIP perks along the way.
Palihouse Santa Barbara in California
Courtesy of Palihouse Santa Barbara
Set within the historic Presidio neighborhood, this charming boutique hotel boasts a perfect blend of Spanish colonial architecture and modern luxury. Guests can choose from a variety of elegantly appointed rooms, including cozy studios and spacious one-bedroom suites, each featuring plush bedding, stylish decor and amenities like Nespresso coffee machines and Marshall bluetooth speakers.
“The Palihouse Santa Barbara is the perfect getaway for couples looking for a boutique stay with a discerning eye when it comes to style,” Fora Advisor Tarika Richter said.
Guests can kick back by the sparkling pool or gather in the gorgeous courtyard, and there’s a stylish cafe and bar for light bites and drinks. Vibrant State Street’s boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants are a short walk away, and for off-site adventures, guests head to the nearby scenic beaches or tackle the hiking trails of the Santa Ynez Mountains, both less than 10 minutes away.
Fora Reserve Perks:
Welcome amenity, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever available.
Manoir Hovey in Quebec
Image courtesy of Manoir Hovey
On the shore of picturesque Lake Massawippi in Quebec, Manoir Hovey is a perfect blend of historic charm with modern comforts. Airy rooms and suites have a lakehouse feel, with wood trim detailing, whimsical fabrics and plenty of lake views, plus cottages offer room for a crowd with up to three bedrooms.
“Just an hour and change away from the bustle of Montreal, Manoir Hovey is an idyllic escape to rest, recharge and refuel,” Fora Advisor Jordan Schack said. “And by refuel I mean eat your heart out over breakfast (included with a Fora reservation) and have dinner at on-site Le Hatley, where the magicians wow you with a gastronomic experience not soon to be forgotten.”
Guests can experience gourmet dining at Le Hatley Restaurant, and for a more casual vibe, there’s a bistro with a classic pub feel for drinks and small bites. Other amenities include a refreshing lakeside pool and hot tub, a full-service spa and a host of lake activities, such as fishing and boating. Venture off site to visit nearby villages and vineyard tasting rooms, plus embark on some local hikes that deliver spectacular views as their reward.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit, daily breakfast, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever available.
AlmaLusa Comporta in Portugal
Image courtesy of AlmaLusa Comporta
Exuding a boho-chic vibe, this hip resort positions guests perfectly to take advantage of nearby Comporta Beach as well as its relaxed village. The 53 rooms and suites use soothing earth tones and natural textiles to create an oasis of calm, and some boast kitchens and refreshing outdoor terraces.
AlmaLusa Café provides relaxed dining with outdoor seating, and the property’s wellness options include a spa area for herb-infused treatments, available fitness equipment and an outdoor pool with umbrella-covered loungers.
"AlmaLusa Comporta has wonderful, accommodating staff and stylish, relaxing decor," Fora Advisor Micah Drimmer said. "The outdoor pool and proximity to the beach make it a good choice for both couples and families."
Comporta, located about 90 minutes south of Lisbon by car, is all about outdoor adventures. AlmaLusa Comporta is the perfect homebase to take in the stunning beaches (the closest is about a mile away). There are also ample opportunities for dolphin watching to horseback riding and bike rides. Talk to the concierge about arranging a tour of the region’s spectacular vineyards.
Portugal is hot in the summer (both literally and figuratively), so expect airfare to be at its peak – we recommend booking sooner rather than later so that you’re not gouged on pricing.
Fora Perks:
25€ food / beverage or spa credit, daily breakfast, welcome amenities, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever available.
Hotel Terrestre in Oaxaca, Mexico
Images courtesy of Hotel Terrestre
Even from the outside, Hotel Terrestre is a show-stopping delight. The angular exterior is reminiscent of Aztec designs, and interiors offer streamlined minimalist design couched in understated luxury. The property’s 14 villas utilize straw, brick and wood textures combined with a neutral palette to encourage relaxation, drawing attention to the natural surroundings with plenty of outdoor spaces (including outdoor bathrooms).
“Hotel Terrestre offers you an amazing immersion experience with nature,” Fora Advisor Regina Baranda said. “Waking up in the middle of that beautiful landscape is something you won't want to miss.”
The hotel facilitates leaving the world behind with its wellness facilities, including a bathing pool and a multifaceted hammam with hot, cold and steam features. And the view itself encourages peace and reflections, with stunning vistas of mountains, desert scapes and the sea. To further creative inspiration, guests can visit the art center at Casa Wabi and local mezcal producers.
Fora Perks:
Daily breakfast, welcome amenity, upgrade and late checkout whenever available.
Nayara Bocas del Toro in Panama
Image courtesy of Nayara Bocas del Toro
Set on a tropical island (located a short 45-minute flight from Panama City), this rustic-chic resort transports guests to Bali without ever leaving the Americas. Overwater bungalows feature beamed wood ceilings and colorful tiled bathrooms, while private decks boast plunge pools, all with spectacular views. If you prefer land, let your childhood dreams run wild in the Treehouse, a playful vertical structure topped with a gorgeous rooftop deck.
The adults-only property pampers guests with an all-inclusive experience, touting local flavors at the open-air dining room and an abundance of water sports like snorkeling and paddle boarding. Discover hidden coves and beaches with a boat excursion or hang back for a personalized massage and body scrub at the airy spa.
Fora Perks:
Daily breakfast and extended check-in/out whenever available.
Blind Tiger Asheville in North Carolina
Image courtesy of Blind Tiger Asheville
Located in an Asheville neighborhood close to the city center, this charmer has a fairytale vibe, complete with a white picket fence. Interiors are decorated with a contemporary flair, pairing moody gray walls with cognac leathers and contrasting classic wood mantels with playful modern lights. The 14 individually decorated rooms are a designer’s dream, some sporting sculptural seating, fireplaces and cozy slanted ceilings.
Fora Advisor Caroline Bernthal likes to offer Asheville for clients who are looking for a weekend getaway in the mountains paired with a great food scene.
"Think spa day overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, followed up with a stroll through the River Arts District and completed with rooftop drinks," she said. "If you’re adventurous, spend the day on the French Broad River doing a brewery tubing tour!"
The property is within easy reach of Asheville’s vibrant downtown, packed with hip coffee shops, creative galleries and a host of tasty restaurants. Plan at least a half-day at the famous Biltmore Estate, an 8,000-acre wonderland filled with not only an exceptional mansion, but also acres of gardens and impressive rotating exhibitions (this summer it’s Chihuly, a well-known American glass artist).
Hôtel Les Roches Rouges in Côte d'Azur, France
Image courtesy of Hôtel Les Roches Rouges
One of the most-booked spots this summer, the south of France has it all — charming villages, superb fresh cuisine and stylish beaches.
“France is having a moment, even beyond the Olympics,” Fora’s Co-Founder Henley Vazquez said. “Four out of our five top-booked hotels this summer are in the French Riviera. Perhaps this is the Amalfi of 2024? The Riviera is fully the scene for pre, post, or instead of Paris.”
For those looking for a seaside stay, you can’t get much closer to the gorgeous Mediterranean waters than at this effortlessly chic hotel. Refined rooms are done in crisp whites and natural tones, letting the gorgeous balcony views remain the focus, and family suites create space for up to six guests.
The hotel’s long pool is surrounded by a stone terrace and sits atop a moderate cliff overlooking the sea, so sunbathing, dining and sleeping are all accompanied by the hypnotizing sound of waves. Open-air yoga and massages keep guests on the wellness track, while creative spirits can enjoy watercolor classes, live music and outdoor cinema nights.
Related Article: Don’t Miss Out on the South of France, Summer 2024’s *It* Destination
Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island
Courtesy of the Weekapaug Inn
A classic getaway for the past 125 years, this storied property delivers an exceptional New England experience. A sweeping lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs encourages guests to linger while savoring ocean views, and the sleek outdoor pool is perfect for a refreshing summer dip. Airy rooms treat guests to classic style, like brass lighting, antique wood furnishings and clawfoot tubs, and suites add full kitchens, sitting areas and up to two bedrooms.
"The Weekapaug Inn offers all the luxury of a small five-star resort but with none of the pretentiousness of other similar New England properties," Fora Advisor Martha Pearlstone said. "The huge adjacent ocean beach is pure pleasure, and they have their own snack bar at the entrance for all day beverages and snacks."
The outdoors is the real draw here, and there are several options for getting the most of this seaside location. Grab a bike for the six-mile cycle to the adorable town of Watch Hill, sign up for a boating excursion or take a short stroll to the nearby beach. Dining is anything but an afterthought here, with multiple foodie options, including the weekly summer cookouts featuring ribs, brisket and, of course, lobster.
Fora Perks:
Daily breakfast and VIP welcome
Perianth Hotel in Athens, Greece
Images courtesy of the Perianth Hotel
You might walk by the Perianth Hotel without a second glance, missing out on the exceptional design that greets you when you step inside. Curved dove gray walls, sleek wood accents and warm brass fixtures adorn the interiors, and posh rooms continue the aesthetic adding pops of color with rich velvets. The crowning glory is the Penthouse Suite, with a decadent private pool and jaw-dropping panoramic views of Athens, including the Acropolis. (Insider tip: your Fora Advisor can help you arrange a private tour of the Acropolis, even one that’s after hours. Ask us how.)
“Perianth is in the heart of the hippest part of town where the cafes, restaurants, and bars go all night on weekends,” Fora Advisor Melissa Curtin said. “Later this year guests will be able to dine in their lux newly revamped restaurant.”
Wellness is taken seriously here, with a tranquil space for meditation and yoga classes, plus a full-service spa offering Japanese-inspired treatments. Guests are surrounded by shops and restaurants, even a flea market for vintage finds. And the concierge can hook you up with private tours of the city's historic sites.
(Note: The restaurant is currently under renovation. Ask your Fora Advisor for local restaurant recommendations.)
Fora Perks:
Welcome amenity, daily breakfast, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever available.
Related Article: Six of Our Favorite Hotels in Athens, Greece
Canal House in Amsterdam
Image courtesy of Canal House
This exquisite 17th-century property captivates guests from the moment they arrive. Comprising three typical houses, the hotel houses only 23 rooms, ranging from cozy to extravagantly spacious. Mosaic bathroom tiles and deep purple velvets add a layer of luxe, and practical amenities include plush robes, coffee makers and minibars packed with local goodies.
Amsterdam is a walker’s paradise, and the hotel’s location is perfect for exploring – within easy reach of your favorite lively restaurants and bars but set on a quiet canal-facing street. Guests can opt for breakfast in the mornings or start the evening with a cocktail in the lounge, but the best surprise is the serene garden and terrace, spanning the entirety of the three houses for ample seating areas and relaxation.
Fora Perks:
Hotel credit, daily breakfast, upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever available.
Choose your favorite boutique hotel and connect with a Fora Advisor for your next summer fling.
