Want to avoid the masses this spring break? Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up a handful of our favorite boutique hotels in underrated destinations.
Hotel CIGNO (Merida, Mexico)
Hotel CIGNO, nestled in the heart of Mérida—a charming colonial town brimming with vibrant, colorful buildings and rich Yucatán culture—perfectly blends historic architecture from Mexico’s Spanish colonial era with upkept, modern design in a 19th-century mansion. The French-inspired facade opens to an interior reminiscent of a Spanish courtyard, where suites feature private balconies, plunge pools, and rooftop access.
Yemaya Reefs (Little Corn Island, Nicaragua)
Yemaya Reefs in Nicaragua is a hidden paradise with turquoise waters, white sands, and palm trees. The oceanfront casitas here feature Nicaraguan hardwood, white decor, and private plunge pools, all offering breathtaking sea views. A peaceful Caribbean escape, Little Corn Island is an underrated gem, offering unspoiled beauty and vibrant coral reefs without any ounce of commercialism.
Casa Cook El Gouna (Hurghada, Egypt)
Casa Cook El Gouna is a stunning modernist retreat along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, surrounded by desert and mountains. The design, a series of sleek monoliths, offers a laidback vibe with options for pool parties, yoga, massages, and adventurous activities like diving and kitesurfing.
Ett Hem (Stockholm, Sweden)
Ett Hem in Stockholm blends mid-century modern with cozy, eclectic style, offering twelve rooms full of personality and comfort—think rain showers, freestanding tubs, and fireplaces. Designed by Ilse Crawford, this boutique gem feels like a home away from home, with a library, stylish sitting rooms, and a communal kitchen for a touch of old-school hospitality.
The Warszauer (Krakow, Poland)
The Warszauer, located in Kraków’s Kazimierz district—once the heart of the city’s Jewish community and a site of profound tragedy-cum-historic significance—offers a striking blend of modern design and rich heritage. This 10-room boutique hotel showcases artwork by Tomasz Opaliński and furnishings by renowned international designers. Rooms range from sleek, compact Small Deluxe rooms to spacious suites with terraces and sweeping city views
Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao (Siargao, Philippines)
Surfers often deem Siargao the Philippines’ surfing capital. With its curling wave breaks, crystal-clear waters, mangrove forests, and coral reefs, it’s a true slice of paradise. For where to stay, Nay Palad Hideaway on the island’s southern coast will tantalize you from the moment you arrive. The lobby pavilion is spacious and sustainably built with local materials, featuring crisscrossing coconut leaves and locally sourced wood. Take a dip in the refreshing pool or relax in a ‘NESTREST’: a hammock-meets-chaise pod hanging from coconut trees with views of the ocean. The freestanding villas, each with private porches and lush gardens full of tropical plants like orchids, are sure to impress.
Jacumba Hot Springs (Jacumba, California)
Leave the GPS behind and let your sense of adventure guide you to Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel, just an hour from San Diego. This border town, a hoot back during Hollywood’s Golden Age, is a quirky desert retreat featuring 20 cozy rooms, each with its own charm, and soothing mineral pools that will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated.
