Image courtesy of Gibb's Farm
I love staying in all types of hotels: regal grande dames, jungle resorts, eco-friendly escapes... But there's something to be said for small, intimate hotels — especially gems with a limited number of rooms (fewer than 25, to be exact).
These special getaways often feel like staying in someone's stylish home (and oftentimes, that's literally the case!), and many are family owned and operated. As a result, a small hotel's charming, eclectic personality can really shine. The design is thoughtful and bespoke, and each room displays its own unique decor. A smaller room number also means that guests are more likely to be treated to hyper-individualized, attentive service.
I've put together a list of some of the best hotels with fewer than 25 rooms, from a seven-room hideaway in Sicily to a Tanzanian farm.
Zero George - Charleston, South Carolina
With just 16 rooms, this boutique jewel is a masterclass in intimate hospitality. The Zero George is quintessentially Charleston — housed in a collection of restored homes dating back to 1804 — with antiques, vintage touches and historical charm aplenty. While the hotel is delightfully secluded, the location is worth mentioning — it’s just a five-minute walk from downtown. But the pièce de résistance is the oasis-like courtyard, adorned with lush greenery and fragrant flowers, where you can easily while away the hours enjoying the Charleston weather with a sweet tea (spiked, of course…).
Evenings are spent savoring the tasting menu at the hotel’s refined on-site restaurant, where elevated Southern cuisine fuses with foodie flare (say that five times fast). And did I mention the caviar situation? A seat at Zero George’s caviar bar is one of the most sought-after experiences in town, where you can expect the delicacy paired with dishes like house-baked brioche and expert-curated Champagnes.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Green O - Greenough, Montana
Image courtesy of The Green O
This adults-only woodland retreat should not be underestimated. It's located deep within the 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch, surrounded by pine trees, and is blissfully secluded from the bustle of modern life. Accommodations consist of 12 rustic-chic houses, each with a unique design (and floor-to-ceiling windows, no less). Head here for the perfect couples' getaway, and don't miss out on signature activities like horseback riding and fly-fishing (this is Montana, after all).
Fora Perks:
$300 hotel / resort credit.
Complimentary bottle of wine.
Breakfast daily.
Extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Isla Palenque - Boca Chica, Panama
Image courtesy of Isla Palenque
If you're craving a secluded island getaway, run, don't walk, to Isla Palenque. This resort sits on its own 400-acre island off the coast of Boca Chica. With seven beaches, numerous jungle trails and the untouched waters and islands of the surrounding Chiriqui National Marine Park, Isla Palenque has something for any kind of traveler. There are eight casitas in total, and each comes with hammocks, a minibar stocked with local juices, organic bath amenities, a private tropical garden and other extras (a yoga mat, specialty teas, a meditation cushion). Plus, you'll taste some of the best Panamanian food you'll ever have, which pairs perfectly with the hotel's absurdly good cocktails.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome amenity.
Upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.
La Maison d'Estournel - Saint-Estèphe, France
Image courtesy of La Maison d'Estournel
I'd wager that La Maison d'Estournel is the chicest of French countryside retreats. This Bordeaux country home sits among sweeping grounds dotted with grapevines. Relax by the pool, explore the vineyards via electronic bike, take a ride in a hot air balloon, taste alllll the wine — you won't be at a loss for things to enjoy. The restaurant is divine: indulge in seasonal, locally sourced cuisine in a cozy yet sophisticated setting. After your gourmet meal, retreat to your stylish room, meticulously designed to reflect the estate's history with a modern French twist.
Fora Perks:
Welcome amenities.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade whenever possible.
Seven Rooms Villadorata - Noto, Sicily
Each of the seven rooms in this Italian hideaway (the restored 18th-century Nicolaci Palace, no less) comes equipped with tasteful baroque design, towering ceilings and private balconies overlooking the property's lush surroundings. You'll fall in love with their handcrafted soaps made with local ingredients and their signature organic extra virgin olive oil. Plus, Seven Rooms' location is prime: it's steps away from the best attractions in Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is an easy ride away from the seaside, marine reserves, farmhouses and historical sites. Although, you'll likely find it hard to leave...
Angama Mara - Maasai Mara, Kenya
Image courtesy of Angama Mara
I struggle to think of a more bucket list-worthy getaway than this luxurious safari lodge, perched on the rim of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival to the lodge's private landing strip, guests are immediately welcomed by an exceptionally warm and personable staff (seriously: tears will be shed when you have to say goodbye). The 15 tented suites are out of this world. Each one features floor-to-ceiling windows, patios overlooking the vast Maasai Mara, giant bathtubs, all-natural Africology amenities (including bug spray!), a writing desk, a drinks bar — the list goes on. Angama's signature red-and-blue color palette ties everything together. And the food is to die for. Ingredients are sourced locally, and everything is homemade — and utterly delicious. Even the tableware and serving vessels (including the stainless steel to-go containers for a picnic breakfast out in the bush) are beautiful.
Gibb's Farm - Karatu, Tanzania
Image courtesy of Gibb's Farm
From the moment you set foot on this lush paradise, you're overwhelmed (in the best way) by the property's beauty. Gibb's Farm sits on the slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest caldera. All that ancient volcanic soil makes for an area brimming with greenery and, as a result, tons of wildlife. The safaris here are not to be missed, but you'd be just as happy never leaving the hotel. The property's rustic-chic cottages and houses come with Tanzanian art, outdoor showers and wood-burning fireplaces. Guests can wander among the onsite organic farm, where rows of plants supply the kitchen with fresh ingredients for the most nourishing (and delicious) farm-fresh meals. The farm tends to pigs, chickens and cows, too. Coffee lovers will especially appreciate the Farm's own coffee plantation, which supplies your morning cuppa. After a day of exploration or game-driving, opt for an in-room wellness treatment using (what else?) ingredients produced on the farm.