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

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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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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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 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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Ever fancied yourself as lord or lady of the manor? As soon as you cross the drawbridge over the moat at aristocratic Château de Bagnols hotel in Beaujolais, you’ll feel as though your palace-dwelling dreams have come true… Style Five-star aristocrat Setting Cultivated Beaujolais Why this week? Once spring sunshine arrives, the French countryside’s ripe [...]

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This week we’re in the mood for swaying palm trees, swinging poolside parties and swanky suites… so we’re off to the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in groovy Palm Springs. A two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, this stylish SoCal desert town is the storied hideout of Hollywood stars and a draw for industry insiders and creative types. Style Hipster’s [...]

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Fancy whetting the wanderlust in your life? Then get hinting on our cheeky new Facebook app, guaranteed to galvanise your partner, posse or pals into travel action… If you’re hankering to be whisked away somewhere Smithy, just drop a hotel-hopping hint on Facebook and let Smith’s witty new app play Cupid. You can choose any [...]

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As St Valentine briefly flitted in and out this week, we were reminded that one day dedicated to romance simply isn’t enough. So, why not extend the affair at a spot designed with passion in mind – luxury boutique Faena Hotel in sultry Buenos Aires? Style Seeing red Setting Waterfront Puerto Madero Why this week? Even if you came through [...]

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Can’t decide between a chill-out holiday or a cultural break? Boutique retreat Alila Ubud in Bali offers a serene mix of both, with poolside pampering in the tropical jungle just a hop from the island’s arty heartland… Style Verdant hillside village Setting Sweet valley high Why this week? Book through Smith by 31 January to enjoy our exclusive [...]

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In Melbourne‘s fashionable South Yarra, Lyall Hotel and Spa is a classy cocktail of sleek rooms, sensual day spa and chic bistro-cum-bar. It’s the go-to destination for a swathe of stars – Gwen Stefani and Paris Hilton included – as well as savvy magazine editors, who we’re sure adore the within-walking-distance designer label boutiques. Style [...]

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