Smith Travel BlogTravel tales and hotel news from the boutique hotel experts at Mr & Mrs Smith

Bali’s nicknamed the island of love, and this week we’re setting the scene with L Hotel Seminyak. When the sunset views on the rooftop terrace and waterfall table for two get a bit too much, step out the door to sample Petitenget’s divine boutiques and lychee martinis. Style: Luxe, lively, lovely Setting: Seminyak’s style strip [...]

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This month, the intrepid Smith team of style-seeking hotel hunters began its global trek in canal-crossed Amsterdam, home to a trio of reinvented Dutch stunners: a modern aristocrat named Sir Albert (originally a diamond factory), the fantastical Andaz Amsterdam (formerly a library) and modernist masterpiece Conservatorium (the one-time Sweelinck Conservatory of Music). Then, we headed [...]

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Riad Siwan: hotel of the week

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Luscious lodgings? Check. Rooftop plunge pool? Check. Glorious views stretching to the Atlas Mountains? Check check check. Riad Siwan is the quintessential bolthole in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. Style: Regal and rooftop-enhanced Setting: Just by Djemaa El Fna Why this week? Marrakech needn’t be all about wafting about in kaftans and indulging in tagines, [...]

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Looking for boutique hotels in London but want to escape the bustle of the city? Go west: in riverside Richmond, the Bingham is a smart townhouse with stylish rooms, excellent food and a verdant lawn that leads down to the Thames… (All photos by Rachel Juarez-Carr.) Tweet

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We were doubtful of its existence, but spring has finally made its stateside appearance. And all these blooms have us craving a weekend at the glam hotel St Regis Washington DC, in one of the most glorious spots to stop and Instagram the flowers this time of year. Style Old-world wow Setting Steps from the Obamas [...]

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This week we’re dusting off the ski boots and setting our sights on snow-covered slopes. Swap rainy cityscapes for jaw-dropping mountain panoramas at Azur Lodge in New Zealand, set on the hills over Queenstown’s spectacular Lake Wakatipu.  Style: Luxe lakeside lodges Setting: Lush Queenstown hillside Why this week? As the southern hemisphere’s cooler months creep up, it’s the [...]

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This week we’re prescribing a hearty dose of lavish Latin living as a post-winter pick-me-up: snugly situated on the southwest corner of London’s Hyde Park is the irresistibly Italian Baglioni Hotel… Style: Daring decadence Setting: Parkside palatial Why this week? Spring is officially here but many of us are still stuck in the wintry doldrums. [...]

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We’re gleefully celebrating Spring’s arrival with a globe-spanning host of new hotels this month. We kicked off our world tour in the Windy City, where Ian Schrager’s sleek Public Chicago hotel has impressive Lake Michigan views, a glittering crowd invariably gathered in the bar, and some elegant guest rooms big enough to throw a party [...]

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This week we’re in the mood for acres of untamed rainforest, secluded natural pools and heavy doses of yoga and smoothies. Since there’s no place better for some tropical rejuvenation than Costa Rica, we’re heading to El Silencio Lodge & Spa, an indulgent, eco-friendly oasis that seems to be floating in the clouds…  Style Eco suites [...]

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This week we’re wowed by the warm waters and white beaches of the Maldives. With its palm-dotted sands, piercing blue seas, overwater spa and underwater restaurant, family-friendly hotel Anantara Kihavah Villas is the stuff of desert-island dreams. Style Breezy seaside retreat Setting Blissful Baa Atoll Why this week? If you’re already setting your sights on school holidays [...]

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