Boutique hotel upgrades: 11 fresh-out-of-lockdown looks

Though Covid-19 forced hotel closures worldwide, some forward-thinking properties have used their time wisely over the past year to fine tune their already luxurious offerings. From top-to-bottom renovations, pop-up igloos and riverboats to solar power projects, art installments, and swanky new spa facilities, these boutique hotels are preparing to welcome guests to a new and improved post-pandemic stay. Say hello to a fresh take on the meaning of hotel upgrades…

Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad – Switzerland

Recognising the need for socially distanced dining options, Le Grand Bellevue installed an oversized igloo set in their picturesque grounds as a winter pop-up restaurant, The Lodge which opened in December 2020. For the ultimate après ski indulgence, head straight from the slopes to the twin dining domes for a cosy yet exclusive way to end a snow-dusted day in Gstaad – the likes of homemade vegan potato truffle soup, warming organic carrot ginger soup, and beef bourguignon with creamy mashed potatoes feature on the menu.

Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown – New Zealand

Located in the heritage wing of Eichardt’s Private Hotel, the recently added Vault Spa offers a sanctuary to hotel guests and visitors alike. Starting life as a woolshed, Eichardt’s was originally built in 1862 and quickly became a first-class establishment due the discovery of gold in the region. The Vault is named after the original space where a neighbouring bank stored their gold, which lends itself to the hidden privacy of the new wellness area, a world away from outside the door. Featuring a private treatment room offering unique restorative treatments suitable for up to two people, separate private lounge room and large marble bathroom promising a serene experience for guests. Larger groups can make full use of the Penthouse hot tub, sauna, standalone bath, and expansive lounge deck with the most sought-after views in Queenstown.

Relais de Chambord, Chambord – France

Taking the opportunity to transform its tout cabanée, a traditional Loire riverboat, into a stylish suite which floats on the Cosson River with views of the magnificent Château de Chambord and its French gardens, Relais de Chambord has truly made the most of its spectacular riverside setting. Inside, it offers guests the same sleek, contemporary feel as the hotel. Designed by Stefania di Petrillo, the interior is elegantly dressed in wood and leather, creating an incredibly relaxing ambience in the utmost privacy. In the morning, after watching the sun rise over Renaissance turrets and chimneys, breakfast is delivered, specially prepared and waiting on deck, with France’s most picturesque castle as the backdrop. This unusual room benefits from all the comforts of a luxury hotel room, including a shower, air conditioning, heating and Wi-Fi.

La Sultana Marrakech, Marrakech – Morocco

La Sultana Marrakech is home to the largest rooftop terrace within the UNESCO protected Medina of Marrakech. Inspired by the hanging gardens of Babylon, the roof terrace is an elegant space featuring traditional Moroccan design with panoramic views of the Medina and the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. This special setting now shares its space with the hotel’s newly opened Le Odette Rooftop Bar & Mezze, with food inspired from popular global cuisine matched with a large selection of signature cocktails flavoured with Moroccan spices.

Pädaste Manor, Muhu Island – Estonia

Seeing the year long lockdown as a travel reset, the owners of Pädaste Manor have long been committed to contributing to their local community and responsibly managing their environmental impacts. In keeping with their sustainable ethos, the 16th-century island haven confirmed its solar power plant project at the end of last year and have since started to install 100kW panels which are elegantly hidden from view, and will allow the hotel to be off-grid for over 40% of the time.

Ka’ana Resort, San Ignacio – Belize

During its nine month closure last year, Ka’ana Resort not only refreshed their facilities and grounds, but also gave their suites and villas a complete upgrade. Before the renovations, the Casita Suite was warm and inviting with a front porch and hammock as well as a small back porch with lounge chairs. Now, in addition to these cosy features, guests will enjoy a private garden complete with an outdoor soaking tub. Four-hundred square feet of private modern luxury, this suite boasts a spacious in-room seating area, a large bathroom with a newly added rainfall shower, and your choice of one or two queen beds. Adorned with local art and textiles, each suite has also been upgraded with new air conditioning for the highest levels of comfort.

DasPosthotel, Zell am Ziller – Austria

The Binder-Egger family have named their latest suite at DasPosthotel in loving memory of their father, SkyLoft Johann, which commands spellbinding alpine views from its penthouse floor setting. The East and West facing SkyLoft comes with a spacious balcony and SkyBath, and a light-flooded atmosphere thanks to panoramic windows. Like the rest of this eco-conscious lodge, the SkyLoft Johann has been furnished with natural materials, including modern pine panelling and an oiled oak floor.

Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, Mykonos – Greece

Named after the Greek goddess of healing, the recently renovated and relocated Althea Spa Retreat at Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort overlooks the sacred island of Delos, and enjoys one of the sunniest spots in the Cycladic islands. Designed to bathe the wellness sanctuary in sunshine, which occupies over 8,000 square feet at ground level, the treatment rooms make full use of the natural light while shaded courtyards and a semi-caved thalasso pool give way to Aegean Sea views.

Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Valley – Bhutan

A world away from the everyday, Gangtey Lodge is an all-suite outpost overlooking Bhutan’s Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the Lodge offers guests spectacular views of this unspoiled landscape. Extending its already authentic Bhutanese culinary offering, the Himalayan hideaway now provides guests with a private dining experience with valley views at the new Woodshed, a secluded spot just steps away from the main lodge.

Hotel Casa Palmela, Setúbal – Portugal

Anticipating the post-pandemic trend for back-to-nature experiences and an increased guest demand for stand-alone accommodation, Hotel Casa Palmela have refreshed outdoor and indoor spaces as well as building a new two-bedroom villa. Continuing its ongoing environmental project, the 18th-century country house has installed a charging station for electric vehicles, and invested in outdoor spaces within its Arrábida Natural Park setting which are picnic-perfect or ideal for those seeking a quiet moment, surrounded by nature. Additionally, the hotel has redesigned and continued to grow its expansive garden areas, flower beds and paths. Adding to the existing family of horses and house dogs, animal interpretation areas have been built where different kinds of birds have been introduced, including geese, guinea fowls and ducks.

Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini – Greece

Already home to an elegant set of suites carved into the island cliffs, Canaves Oia Suites are adding new Pool Suites with individual, infinity-edged pools overlooking the caldera, along with a two-bedroom Cave Villa. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with rain showers and one of them comes with a beautiful bathtub. The villa’s vast living areas are stylishly yet comfortably furnished with a separate
dining area and fully equipped kitchen for your self-catering needs. Outdoors, you can soak up the Santorini sunshine on one of two large private verandas, before taking a dip in your private infinity pool.