The Top Five Boutique Hotels Of The World

Uma, Ubud, Bali

The beautiful boutique hotel of Uma has a sister hotel in Bhutan, which should give you an indication of how seriously cool this place is. Como, who own the hotel, have a company motto of 'quiet comfort in culture rich locations', so Uma backs onto rows of neatly manicured rice paddies and Balinese forests. With only 29 suites, the boutique hotel doubles up as a holistic resort and here daily meditation lessons are combined with yoga classes and a private health spa. The suites are all ecologically viable and are only made from indigenous materials, such as thatched wood and alang-alang.

Banyan Tree Bintan - Indonesia/ Singapore

Singapore is the perfect destination for a luxury break. Once a vibrant trading post between the East and the West, it is now home to a variety of different cultures. The Bintan Resort and Spa, Bintan Island is located just one hour by ferry from Singapore and offers an idyllic beach retreat to add on to your city break. Here the staff will arrange private dining experiences on secluded rocks in the midst of the South China Sea, without so much as batting an eyelid. The romance may be one reason to stay at this boutique hotel, but it certainly isn't the only reason. The resort is also well known for its extensive range of spa treatments, with an emphasis on tranquillity and rejuvenation.

Gayana Eco Resort, Malaysia

With ecotourism very much the trend of the noughties, the Gayana Eco Resort is very en vogue at the moment. This boutique hotel is featured on the breathtaking and picturesque island of Langkawi, and if that isn't enough reason in itself to go, wait until you hear of the snorkelling paradise that exists under the very floor of your suite. Clams and Clown fish clamour for your attention, as you start the day with a dive from your own private deck. You have four different suite options to choose at this luxury holiday destination. The Rimba, which backs out onto the Malaysian Jungle, the Pantai, which gives you breathtaking views over the resort, The Baku, looking out onto the tropical mangrove forests, or The Bayu, where coral reef and clear blue waters cascade down the steps of your boutique hotel suite.

Lan Kwai Fong Hotel - Hong Kong

Boutique hotels aren't all about secluded destinations and often some of the best are located in bustling cities, providing a home away from home for busy business travellers and those seeking a peaceful place to relax after a hard day's shopping. The Lan Kwai Fong Hotel in Hong Kong is one such example. The boutique hotel features original decor which is modern in style but with subtle Chinese influences. Each of the 158 rooms has been meticulously decorated, and although a little larger than most boutique hotels, its attention to detail and thoughtful touches have led it to be voted one of the best in Asia.

De Naga, Chiang Mai, Thailand

This beautiful boutique hotel has been designed in traditional Thai style. All the rooms are decorated in teakwood with Thai silk covers, and a Naga art feature decorates the wall of every room. With standard in room features including a free mini-bar and 26 inch LCD TV, you may be tempted to spend your luxury holiday holed up in your room. However, this simply isn't an option as the boutique hotel is situated in a premier location in Chiang Mai; with the historic old town just a short five minute walk away.