From a beautiful manor in the Lake District to an enchanting East Hamptons bolt hole, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has welcomed six new properties across the globe.
1. Hotel Villa Soro (San Sebastián, Spain)
Opened in April 2022, the Villa Soro is a stunning year-round boutique hotel reimagined by the Soldevila-Ferrer family.
Originally designed by acclaimed architect Luis Elizalde in the late 19th century, it is one of few heritage properties in San Sebastián. Despite the refresh, the hotel maintains the spirit of the period, featuring a grand central staircase, spacious guestrooms, a striking wood-panelled bar, open fireplaces and a stained-glass window from the historic chapel. Sleek furnishings in muted tones, textured finishes and checkerboard bathrooms add a contemporary touch to the property.
The hotel comprises a total of 25 rooms. The main house includes 15 guestrooms, alongside a large guest salon complete with a log-burning fire, an honesty bar, and a Maison Assouline curated library. The remaining ten rooms are found in the villa's former stables adjacent to the building, with some boasting a private garden.
The Eguzki Bar and Garden is perfect for guests to unwind with cocktails and small plates, showcasing restored antique furniture and an impressive collection of modern Spanish art by Iñigo Manterola, Jose Cháfer and Eduardo Chillida.
Located in Barrio de Gros, the hotel provides easy access to a great selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, cult pintxos bars, local markets, and cultural institutions - all within walking distance.
2. Palazzo Rainis Hotel & Spa (Novigrad, Croatia)
Located on the sparkling Istrian coast, Palazzo Rainis Hotel & Spa is a reconstruction of the former Villa Rainis built in the style of neo-Renaissance Venetian palazzos by the Rainis family, who moved from Venice in the 19th century.
Guests can choose from two wings – one with classical architecture or another showcasing a more modern style. All guestrooms feature delicate wrought-iron balconies, parquet floors and sophisticated, handpicked furnishings.
The hotel's fine dining restaurant Chemistry is led by top Croatian chef Tom Gretić, while the bar Potions serves the best Croatian and Istrian wines, liqueurs and spirits. Both names of the outlets are a nod to the original owner's 63-year career as a pharmacist.
3. Summer Senses Luxury Resort (Paros, Greece)
Summer Senses Luxury Resort is a luxurious hilltop resort overlooking the famous Punda Beach and the Aegean Sea that blends local Greek charm and hospitality with fine dining, serene spaces and sweeping sea views.
Resembling a Greek village, the Cycladic-style resort's quiet outdoor spaces are ideal for a peaceful stroll from one lagoon-like swimming pool to another. For families with children, there is a shallow lounging pool.
Relaxation is guaranteed in its contemporary rooms and suites, featuring natural materials such as wood and marble, minimal design and captivating views.
Just a short wander from the resort, guests can unwind at Punda Beach, explore the cobbled streets of tiny villages, or watch fishing boats bob as they dine in the harbour tavernas of Piso Livadi and soak up the charming authentic atmosphere.
4. Yangshuo Jora Hotel (Guilin, China)
In one of the top scenic spots in Yangshuo, Yangshuo Jora Hotel is illuminated with golden radiance against the backdrop of the mist-tipped Karst mountains every morning.
The hotel is the perfect fusion of man and nature, offering a sanctuary from urban distractions. This area of China advocates a calmer, quieter way of life, reflected in Yangshuo Jora's simple yet sophisticated guestrooms, gifted with sweeping views of the Lijiang River or mountains.
Around the hotel, there are plenty of spots to curl up with one of the hotel's 500 books, with genres ranging from architecture, autobiography, and design to science-fiction.
Inspired by the concepts of "green and healthy" and "local ingredients", Shishan Restaurant fuses Chinese culinary heritage with traditional Western or Japanese flavours, enhanced with calming views of the pine forest that sits in front to whet appetites.
The hotel also offers a complimentary tea time from 8 pm to 9 pm at the cosy Kong Tea Room, where guests can appreciate the collections of tea potteries as the tea master brews tea according to guest preferences or seasonal highlights.
5. Rothay Manor (Ambleside, UK)
Nestled within the Lake District, Rothay Manor is the latest addition to SLH's growing UK portfolio.
The Ambleside retreat showcases chic country-style décor in each individually designed room, cocooning guests with sumptuous furnishings, plush fabrics and luxury amenities. Recently, the 23-room property revealed eight new stunning suites in 'The Pavillion', completing the hotel's extensive five-year, £1.25m renovation.
Designed by Ben Cunliffe Architect and interiors by Dynargh Design, The Pavilion is inspired by the Manor's scenic Lakes location. The new rooms are larger than average (upwards of 35-square-metres), with a luxurious décor that brings in a refreshing sense of the outdoors. Half of the new suites include private courtyard gardens and are dog friendly. Well-behaved canines are catered to throughout the hotel, with many rooms providing dog beds, towels and treats. They are also welcome to dine with their families in the hotel's casual eatery -Brathay Room.
Rothay Manor's 3 AA Rosette restaurant serves up a decadent menu integrating Japanese and Scandinavian style cuisine, using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Daniel McGeorge, the Champion of Champions in the BBC's Great British Menu 2021.
6. The Roundtree (Amagansett, New York, United States)
The Roundtree comprises five quaint yet contemporary private cottages and 15 cosily-appointed rooms and suites in a century-old former barn.
The beachside retreat is close to one of the most beautiful and expansive beaches on the American East Coast, surrounded by golden dunes and crashing Atlantic waves.
The youngest Roundtree guests are encouraged to uncover their entrepreneurial skills by managing The Lemonade Stand on the property. Meanwhile, older guests can partake in a bespoke wine tour on the North Fork, home to more than 60 wineries.
This accommodation is also pooch-friendly, offering canine amenities, from water bowls to a welcome doggy treat.
