From a hillside retreat in Rwanda and a restored Himalayan chalet to a Tuscan wine estate, a beachfront escape in Cabo and a design-led city stay in Shanghai, this is our pick of six boutique hotels to check into this month. Discover a former family home filled with contemporary African art, a centuries-old estate producing Brunello di Montalcino, and a Copenhagen hideaway shaped by the creative eye of a former ballet dancer.
The Pinnacle Kigali, Rwanda
High above Rwanda’s capital, The Pinnacle Kigali feels more like an elegant private residence than a traditional hotel, with panoramic views stretching across the city. Originally built as the multigenerational family home of owner Sheila Kyarisiima, a sense of intimacy still lingers throughout, where contemporary African art and thoughtful hospitality such as personal butler service meet just nine individually designed rooms. Slow afternoons by the saltwater infinity pool and evenings spent over Rwandan fine dining or rooftop cocktails provide the perfect balance to days exploring Kigali’s thriving creative scene, before venturing further afield for gorilla trekking or safari adventures.
Terrah Hills Resort, India
Nestled among the pine and deodar forests of Himachal Pradesh, Terrah Hills Resort is a 150-year-old Himalayan hideaway that brings the charm of an Alpine chalet to the mountains of northern India. Thoughtfully restored to preserve its heritage character, the retreat pairs original timber details, wood-panelled interiors, exposed stonework and ornate rugs with elegant furnishings and hill-view balconies. Inside, warm textures and layered materials create a sense of timeless mountain living, while the surrounding landscape sets the scene for days spent exploring Dalhousie’s colonial heritage, hiking forest trails or discovering waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries nearby.
Shanghai Muh Shoou Zhujing Hotel, China
A peaceful counterpoint to Shanghai’s fast-paced energy, Shanghai Muh Shoou Zhujing Hotel draws on the architecture and landscapes of the Jiangnan region. The region’s vernacular architecture, with its courtyards, deep verandas and elegant gardens, creates an atmosphere rooted in centuries of Chinese design, while contemporary comforts sit alongside time-honoured craftsmanship. Surrounded by metasequoia forests, waterways and ecological gardens, the hotel offers a gateway to plum blossom trails and the historic canals of Fengjing Ancient Town, where enduring traditions and picturesque landscapes reveal a lesser-known side of Shanghai.
ME Cabo, Mexico
On the sands of Medano Beach, ME Cabo brings a vibrant, design-led energy to the shores of Los Cabos. With rooms overlooking the Sea of Cortez or desert gardens, the adults-only hotel blends contemporary interiors with a lively beach club atmosphere, where music, art and gastronomy shape the experience. Days unfold between poolside lounging, ocean adventures and afternoons at Taboo Beach Club, before evenings move to creative cocktails at Mamazzita or dinner at Craft, the rooftop restaurant overlooking El Arco, the iconic natural rock arch where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. For those after a venue for a private celebration, signature suites feature their own DJ booths and fire pits in the spirit of Cabo.
Mastrojanni Relais, Italy
Set within the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia, Mastrojanni Relais sits among the rolling vineyards of Montalcino, at the heart of Tuscany’s celebrated wine country. The historic estate has been producing Brunello di Montalcino for decades, and its heritage continues through the restored farmhouses, where original stone walls, timber details and traditional interiors reflect the agricultural roots of the property. Days revolve around vineyard walks, cellar visits and tastings of the estate’s renowned wines, alongside long lunches showcasing Tuscan flavours. Beyond the vineyards, medieval villages and the scenic winding roads of Val d’Orcia await.
Hotel Sanders, Denmark
In Copenhagen’s historic Indre By district, Hotel Sanders is tucked behind the Royal Danish Theatre. Founded by former ballet dancer Alexander Kølpin, the boutique hotel reflects his eye for storytelling through interiors that blend Scandinavian simplicity with influences gathered from around the world. Rich textiles, antique furnishings, dark woods and carefully curated artwork create a warm, layered setting, while the glass-roofed TATA cocktail bar and leafy rooftop conservatory bring their own distinct character to the hotel. Beyond the hotel, Copenhagen’s galleries, canals and celebrated culinary scene are within easy reach, making Sanders an ideal base for exploring the city’s design, culture and creativity.
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