Eight Boutique Hotels to Add to Your 2026 Travel Wish List
- Janet Campbell
- Jan 3
- 5 min read
EIGHT BOUTIQUE HOTELS TO ADD TO YOUR 2026 TRAVEL WISH LIST
Boutique Hotels I Recommend for a Thoughtful Travel
By Janet Campbell
When my clients begin planning travel for 2026, the first question is rarely where they want to go, it’s how they want to feel while they’re there. More than ever, travelers are seeking boutique hotels that offer privacy, thoughtful design, and a sense of place that can’t be replicated by larger, more generic resorts.
The eight boutique hotels 2026 below are properties I actively recommend and build trips around for my clients. Each one is located in a destination I specialize in, and each offer’s something distinct, whether that’s an intimate setting, exceptional service, or a location that allows the destination itself to shine.
Planning ahead is especially important with boutique hotels. With fewer rooms and higher demand, availability can be limited well in advance. For clients planning honeymoons, milestone celebrations, or simply a more intentional way to travel in 2026, these are the kinds of hotels that set the tone for the entire experience.
The Boutique Hotels I’m Watching Closely for 2026
CRETE, GREECE: A Boutique Hotel Stay for a Slower Side of the Island
Manili Boutique Suites & Villas
Crete is a destination best experienced slowly through quiet mornings, rugged coastlines, and villages where life still follows the rhythm of the land. Manili Boutique Suites & Villas reflects that pace perfectly. Tucked into the landscape, the property feels intentionally understated, allowing the natural beauty of Crete to take center stage.
Staying here is about more than comfort; it’s about proximity to authentic experiences; long seaside lunches, archaeological sites, and coastal drives that reveal a side of Greece many travelers miss.
HOW I PLAN AROUND IT:
I often design Crete itineraries that balance exploration with rest, pairing Manili with cultural experiences and, for many clients, continuing on to Athens or another Greek island for contrast.
PARIS, FRANCE: A Boutique Hotel for Living Like a Local in 2026
Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Paris reveals itself differently when you stay somewhere that feels like an elegant private residence rather than a traditional hotel. Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré offers exactly that; space, discretion, and a sense of calm just moments from some of the city’s most iconic streets.
This is the kind of place where mornings begin slowly, perhaps with coffee in your suite before wandering through nearby galleries or boutiques. It’s ideal for travelers who want to live in Paris, not rush through it.
HOW I PLAN AROUND IT:
I recommend this property for longer stays or return visits to Paris, when the goal is depth rather than sightseeing checklists.
ROME, ITALY: A Design-Forward Boutique Hotel in the Heart of the City
Elizabeth Unique Hotel
Rome is layered, vibrant, and endlessly inspiring and Elizabeth Unique Hotel captures that energy with a modern, artistic lens. Located near Via del Corso, it places you within walking distance of historic landmarks while offering a contemporary retreat from the city’s intensity.
The hotel’s design-forward approach makes it especially appealing for travelers who appreciate art, architecture, and a fresh take on classic destinations.
HOW I PLAN AROUND IT:
This is often my starting point for Italy itineraries, anchoring time in Rome before transitioning to Florence, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast.
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA: A Boutique Resort Experience for 2026 Wine Country Travel
Auberge du Soleil
Perched above the vineyards, Auberge du Soleil feels inseparable from Napa Valley itself. Days unfold at an unhurried pace here; vineyard views at breakfast, afternoons spent wine tasting, and evenings centered around exceptional food and sunset light.
This is wine country at its most refined, where the setting encourages guests to slow down and savor each moment.
HOW I PLAN AROUND IT:
I design Napa itineraries that complement the calm of the property, incorporating private tastings and relaxed schedules rather than overpacking each day.
ANTIGUA, CARIBBEAN: A Boutique Villa Resort for Elevated Island Travel
Tamarind Hills Resort & Villas
Antigua is known for its beaches, but Tamarind Hills elevates the experience by offering a sense of privacy and space that’s increasingly rare in the Caribbean. Set above white-sand shores, the resort blends villa-style living with boutique hospitality.
It’s a destination that invites travelers to settle in whether that means long beach days, quiet evenings, or exploring the island at a leisurely pace.
HOW I PLAN AROUND IT:
I often recommend Tamarind Hills for clients who want flexibility, pairing resort time with sailing, snorkeling, or simply unstructured relaxation.
Asheville, North Carolina: A Creative Boutique Hotel in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Zelda Dearest
Asheville has long attracted creatives, artists, and travelers drawn to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Zelda Dearest leans into that spirit, offering a boutique stay infused with character, history, and a sense of place.
This is the kind of hotel that feels personal, ideal for travelers who want their accommodations to reflect the personality of the destination.
HOW I PLAN AROUND IT:
I pair this stay with curated dining, scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and seasonal experiences that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
MALLORCA, SPAIN: A Boutique Hotel Base for Exploring the Island
Sant Francesc Hotel Singular
Mallorca is at its best when city life and coastal ease intersect, and Sant Francesc Hotel Singular captures that balance beautifully. Set within a restored mansion in Palma’s historic center, the hotel offers a refined base for exploring the island.
From rooftop views over the city to easy access to beaches and countryside, this stay allows travelers to experience multiple sides of Mallorca in one trip.
HOW I PLAN AROUND IT:
I often build itineraries that combine Palma’s cultural scene with relaxed coastal days and inland exploration.
MAUI, HAWAII: An Adults-Only Boutique Resort for Thoughtful 2026 Travel
Hotel Wailea
Maui is often associated with large resorts, but Hotel Wailea offers a more intimate alternative. As the island’s only adults-only luxury resort, it emphasizes tranquility, panoramic views, and a slower rhythm that feels intentional.
This is Maui for travelers who want connection to nature, to each other, and to the experience itself.
HOW I PLAN AROUND IT:
I recommend Hotel Wailea for honeymoons and milestone trips, pairing it with private excursions and experiences that avoid the crowds.
Planning Your 2026 Travel
Boutique hotels like these are often the first to sell out, especially during peak seasons. Planning early allows me to secure the best rooms, recommend the right timing, and design an itinerary where each stay complements the overall journey.
