Crescent Head Country Club (upon entry, as is commonplace at such venues in Australia, you’ll need to sign in at the front desk as a guest or purchase a membership) is possibly the best ocean view for the price of a schooner in New South Wales; grab a crisp, cold beer and a plate for the daily pork carvery, then snag a table overlooking the adjacent bowling green and crashing waves beyond. The club is also home to the free-to-the-public six-hole golf course, which extends all the way to the headland: Take the pedestrian walk to the top and you’ll be greeted with exceptional views and seasonal whalewatching, as well as a view of the community mosaic that wraps around two water towers at the top. There’s also lawn bowls and a new minigolf course, which can be played by the hour.

Where to eat

For brekkie, line up with the locals to grab a cuppa and a bagel at Blackfish Coffee, which has been a staple here for a decade, or settle in for ham-and-cheese croissants at the Green Room, right on the corner, which also serves an ever-changing menu of international street food on Friday nights. The latter has a DIY mural on one wall, so you can pick up a stub of chalk and add your flair. Point Break Cafe at the Crescent Head Surf Lifesavers Club has views that can’t be beat, with open-air seating facing the rolling waves—it’ll give you just about the same perspective as the beach’s hardworking surf-lifesavers.

Barnett’s Bakery, right on Main Street, is an institution; it gets so busy that there’s a queuing system inside to make sure every order for lamb-and-rosemary pies and vanilla cream-filled chocolate eclairs is addressed. Grab one pastry for now and one for later, and you’ll still regret you didn’t snag a few more.

There are 15 kinds of margaritas on offer at the weekend-only La Costa Cantina at The Med Hotel, best paired with calamari tacos and barramundi ceviche. Down the end of Maria River Road, a bumpy ride 15 minutes just out of downtown Creso, Maria River Distillery produces exceptional limoncello, mandarincello, and blood orangecello on a 300-acre operating commercial Angus farm. Wave at the cabernet-colored calves and their protective mothers as you peel down the leafy London plane-lined gravel driveway, then settle in for a tasting of the crisp, chilled liqueurs and—if you book in advance—a platter of cured meats.

A new place to stay

A lush surfer’s paradise of exposed timber and halcyon-inspired art, Sea Sea Hotel opened in November on the footprint of a former all-brick 24-room motel. The design-focused team have kept the rooms true to their nostalgic form, revamping studios with full-length sliding doors out to landscaped patios; in-room speakers set to the funky house radio station, curated by Wesley Herron; and sumptuous house-designed body products that smell like a petrichor-motivated frangipani blossom. (Use them when you’re showering beneath the rain shower head in the green-tiled bathroom, the shade of which reflects the lush tones of nearby Goolawah National Park.)

On another tiny islet, aptly named Lemur Island, or Nosy Komba, lies another iteration of a tropical idyll: Tsara Komba. Set on the side of an extinct volcano, off the less rainy northwestern coast of Madagascar, this little eight-room ecolodge was built by a Frenchman two decades ago and has recently been taken over by the sea-and-safari specialist Time + Tide, which also owns the smart retreat Miavana on the northeastern tip of the island. The lush terraced gardens, full of glossy, iridescent sunbirds darting amid exotic flowers, are the best place to admire the white sails of a traditional dugout dhow turning tangerine in the setting sun.

A paddleboarder floats just off the beast at Tsara Komba.

Time and Tide

It’s a place so beloved of Madagascar aficionados that many of the guests sunning themselves under the shaggy beach umbrellas or on the palm-fringed ocean deck return year after year to its wood and thatch villas. Key members of the 40-strong multitalented staff include Tina Hary, a Malagasy chef known for his ginger-tinged ceviches and rich octopus salads, and the adored lodge manager, Nava Rabe, who sprinkles joy as she moves calmly between guests. Part of the warmth and community feel can be explained by the fact that Tsara Komba built a village next door and has hugely improved the residents’ lives. Villagers work at the hotel and catch the (strictly monitored, deep-sea) fish served there. The eco-lodge brings in much-needed cash to fund national parks including the Lokobe forest reserve, full of energetic lemurs, camouflaging geckos and nail-sized chameleons. Tourist money also aids the Ambohibe Turtle Reserve, where I swam with the reptiles, and the island of Tanikely, where I snorkeled amid clouds of rainbow-hued fish (and, sadly, the badly bleached coral now common along the East African coast). Lodges such as these, where the rate per night tops the Madagascar GDP per capita, are lifelines for local communities.

I leave here glowing effortlessly from the overabundant but nutritious food, tropical air and sea – and long nights of rest untroubled by tech. When, hopefully in 2025, more private air charters take to the skies, linking remote spots such as these, Madagascar will be the hottest beach spot on the continent for smart travelers. “It’s like Bali 40 years ago,” proclaims Kjellgren. And having visited 150 countries, and more than 2,000 hotels, he would know.

Scott Dunn offers a nine-night Madagascar itinerary from $7,675 per person, with four nights each at Voaara and Tsara Komba, full board, and a night at Maison Gallieni, B&B, plus international and domestic flights and transfers; a version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.

Set high in the French Alps just minutes from the Swiss border, Lake Annecy is a prime destination in both summer and winter for European vacationers—but it’s often overlooked (or simply unknown) by many Americans in favor of nearby ski (and après) meccas Chamonix, Grenoble, or Geneva. The lake’s northern shore includes the city of Annecy, a bustling mini-metropolis full of high-end boutiques and dining, museums, and attractions—and through its medieval Old Town runs a series of mountain-water-fed canals, which are home to flocks of stunning white swans and lend the city its reputation as the Venice of France.

The rest of the lake shoreline is dotted with charming towns: Talloires, Duingt, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard each boast their fair share of exciting shops, boulangeries, and cafés to choose from. And those mountains that stretch into the sky, surrounding the area? They offer plenty of opportunities for action and adventure. Here’s how to explore Lake Annecy, France, in ski season.

Getting to Lake Annecy

Despite its remote location, accessing Lake Annecy is actually quite simple: It’s less than an hour from Geneva, where you can fly direct from most major American airports. Once you’ve cleared customs, you can easily take a train from the airport to downtown Annecy. You can also take the high-speed TGV INOUI train from Paris, which will get you to Annecy in just under four hours for less than €60 (at the time of writing, about $63 USD). If you’re traveling in winter and looking to ski at any of the lake’s nearby world-class ski areas, renting a car might make the most sense; the lake is about six hours by car from Paris, and four-and-a-half hours from Milan.

Once you’re settled, the city of Annecy, at the northwestern mouth of the lake, is easy enough to explore by foot. However, trips to any of the dozen or so charming lakeside towns and villages are better undertaken via car or local bus. Weather permitting, renting a bicycle and enjoying the 26-mile, mostly protected, and almost wholly flat bike path that skirts along Lake Annecy’s shores as it winds through all of the lakeside towns is a stunning way to enjoy the area, even in winter. Though it can be far more crowded in the warmer months, locals and tourists alike utilize the greenway year-round.

Where to eat

From no frills boulangeries and roadside cafés to the finest white-tablecloth experiences, Lake Annecy’s gastronomic scene offers a spectrum of dining choices. Perhaps the area’s most renowned restaurant is the three-Michelin-star Le Clos des Sens, nestled in the more residential corner of Annecy-le-Vieux and offering hyperlocal cuisine that spotlights ingredients coming from the lake, the restaurant’s own garden, and handful of locavore sources within a hundred kilometers (62 miles) of the restaurant. The menu features an aged, grilled pike, and a raw fera (another lake fish) with fermented garum. Clos des Sens also offers a unique “food and jus” pairing, which combines dishes with different broths, stocks, and herbal teas all of which are perfect for chilly winter evenings.

As a two-time home to the Winter Olympics (in 1932 and 1980), it’s hard to argue that Lake Placid isn’t the East Coast champion for snow sports. And, with the Lake Placid Olympic Center newly remodeled and reopened last year, this winter is an especially auspicious time to visit. Activities at the facilities include indoor and outdoor ice skating, speed skating sessions, as well as events like the Adirondack Winter Invitational for college hockey players.

But, the Center is far from the only winter sports hub in town here. The nearby Whiteface Mountain has over 90 trails spanning 25 miles and covering three peaks and is especially notable for boasting the greatest vertical drop on the East Coast. And, if that’s not enough for adrenaline junkies, you can also rocket down tracks at the Lake Placid Bobsled Experience or (in warmer months) tackle the longest mountain coaster in the USA, the heart-pumping Cliffside Coaster. After you’ve had your fill of snow and ice, you can stroll Main Street to pick up new ski gear or stock up on gorgeously scented candles and lotions from Pure Placid. We love the Mount Marcy, scented with citrus, basil, and sandalwood.

A straight shot up I-87 followed by a 40-mile stretch on NY 73W, Lake Placid is about a five-hour drive north of New York City. If you’re looking to stretch your legs along the way, Saratoga Springs is an excellent stopping point: grab a hearty brunch of breakfast sandwiches stuffed with smoked applewood bacon at The Merc before you finish your drive.

Where to stay: There are few places more magical in winter than Lake Placid Lodge, a quintessential Adirondack property that features rooms with large stone fireplaces, beds made out of tree branches, and stunning views of the namesake lake. For even more privacy, you can also book one of the secluded, cozy cabins just a short walk from the main lodge. Winter activities on-site include ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snow bonfires with s’mores. Nearby Whiteface Lodge is ideal for families, thanks to year-round indoor and outdoor pools, a surround-sound movie theater, a family game room, and nightly campfires.

Monastiri, just beneath the blue dome of Agios Ioannis Detis church, is an atmospheric spot where you can post up on a rock to watch boats sail by. If you’re craving provisions, Monastiri Paros, one of the island’s more popular beach bars, is right here. Sandy Krios near Parikia is beautifully organized with bars and beach clubs. Crios, which opened for the 2024 season, gives mini Mykonos vibes with its minimalist aesthetic, customized bottles of Miraval rosé, and rotating selection of European DJs.

Among the many natural, untouched beaches (no bar, no sun loungers), the most popular might be clothing-optional Lageri, surrounded by rolling sand dunes. It’s a 15-minute drive from Naoussa, and by no means a secret (nothing on this island seems to be anymore)—but it’s still a fantastic spot for a seaside sunset. For something totally quiet: In the southwest between the fishing village of Aliki and the airport, Voutakos is a small sandy beach that very few travelers go to.

To get outdoors off-beach, explore Paros’ fertile farmlands just south of Monastiri at Petra Farm, where you can tour the grounds, meet goats, and then taste the fruits of their labor—juicy tomatoes, tasty figs, sweet-and-spicy chili jam. Just north of Drios, there’s also Domaine Myrsini, a new winery from husband-and-wife team Nicolas and Marie Astrid Bourget, who moved to Paros from France a few years ago: Their low-intervention production of Cycladic varieties (roditis, assyrtiko) yields four different bottlings—all of which can be enjoyed during a wine-tasting on the sweet hilltop patio. Early fall is also prime hiking season, perfect to do the four-ish-mile Byzantine Road from Lefkes to the village of Prodromos.

Entirely less strenuous (or maybe not) is the island’s shopping scene. Homegrown fashion brand Leto has boutiques in both Naoussa and Parikia to mine colorful linen pieces of symmetrical dresses and classic button-down shirts. Athens-based jewelry label Neso has a Naoussa boutique full of whimsically shaped rings, earrings, and necklaces festooned with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. For architectural ceramics, make an appointment with Todd Marshard, who started his career at Donna Karan’s Urban Zen and is now living and working on Paros. His Lefkes studio is full of unusually shaped vases and decorative sculptures.

There are also plenty of local events happening on the island in September. Moonhouse’s Smit recommends getting acquainted with a traditional harvest: “While it’s not a formal festival, harvest is a communal activity that many locals partake in, and sometimes visitors are invited to join,” she says, adding that beyond wine there’s also kazani, a type of distilled grape and one of the more unique spirits produced on Paros.

Tour guide Statheros says you can’t miss Kapetaneika, a celebration of the region’s seafaring heritage. This usually takes place mid-month and features some of Greece’s most magnificent wooden sailing vessels. And, of course, “it wouldn’t be complete without a feast and plenty of drinking that starts at noon and ends very late at night,” he says.

South of the city center is Kitengela Glass, the workplace of Kenyan glassblower Anselm Croze. But this is no ordinary artist’s studio. It’s a whimsical wonderland where you can book a glassblowing class, buy one-of-a-kind recycled glass objets d’art, and detox in a sauna designed to look like a porcupine. Further afield, explore the natural wonder of Karura Forest, Nairobi’s urban forest. Spanning 1,041 hectares (making it one of the world’s largest gazetted forests within city limits), this is the place to go for a leisurely stroll, run, or bike ride through designated trails. Other activities include tree-planting, horseback riding, tennis, and eco-tours. But the forest’s real allure is the escape it offers from the city’s relentless pace.

Where to eat in Nairobi

By night, you can soak up Nairobi’s creative energy at The Alchemist on Parklands Road, a self-described collective of “wacky and determined entrepreneurs in food, fashion, music, and more.” There’s always something going on at this laidback event space (think DJ sets, spoken word performances, and comedy shows), and the African-inspired smashburgers at the Mama Rocks food truck make it a favorite among residents. After dinner, catch a live music session at the achingly cool Geco Café on Mbaazi Avenue, which hosts genres like jazz and Afro-house on a weekly basis.

It’s not just buzzy food trucks and farm-to-table concepts contributing to Nairobi’s dining scene. The upscale Westlands area is home to Beit é Selam and Nairobi Street Kitchen, both reflections of this city’s cultural diversity. The former is influenced by the many culinary accents of Africa, serving the likes of malagasy fish and a “Marrakesh burger” in an indoor-outdoor setting with eclectic decor. Meanwhile, the latter is a creative hub in which food is only part of the appeal. Once an abandoned bus and train garage, this trendy food hall plays host to a multitude of street food concepts, featuring everything from drumming sessions to fashion pop-ups.

Further north, About Thyme’s small plates are best enjoyed in the tranquillity of its garden. The togarashi-spiced calamari and baked camembert win rave reviews, but it’s the autumnal pumpkin tortellini topped with amaretti biscuit crumbs that catches the palate by surprise. And for a meal with a side of novelty? Head to the famed Carnivore, where meats of all manner are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a massive charcoal pit that dominates its entrance, further fueling Kenya’s obsession with nyama choma. This dining experience is nothing short of a spectacle.

Shopping in Nairobi is a veritable sport, and the thrill of victory entices at places like Mood Over the Moon.

Courtesy Mood over the Moon

Where to shop in Nairobi

Shopping in Nairobi is a veritable sport, and the thrill of victory entices. There’s the handloom lampshades at Mood Over the Moon, and breezy cotton clothing at One Hundred Years, both in Westlands; colorful kiondo baskets at Wasp & Sprout in Loresho Shopping Centre. At Village Market awaits a handful of leading concept stores, African Lifestyle Hub and Mopti Living included, that stock local brands adding an edge to traditional crafts. Natural Lamu is a must-visit for beauty buys created using natural elements found on Lamu Island, like the refreshing rose otte face mist, heady frangipani cologne, and coral body scrub. Leather footwear brand Ikwetta, artisanal chocolatier The Chocolate Bar, and the aforementioned Kitengela Glass also have outposts at this sprawling mall. Incidentally, the rotating Maasai Market takes over the rooftop at Village Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday. It’s worth a visit if beaded jewelry, wooden bowls, and other Maasai mementos are on your wish list. Be ready to haggle.

Back in the vicinity of Karen at Langata Links Shops, Kenya’s aesthetics are reflected in over 100 brands showcased across 12 adjoining rooms packed with chic products. At the boutique Kenya Kanga Collection, the vibrancy of the traditional kanga fabric is applied to a range of accessories. Muthaiga Tea Company ingeniously brings together uniquely African ingredients in its loose-leaf teas, while Siafu Home curates luxe homeware pieces from across the continent. It’s an even more global affair at House of Treasures Emporium. Expect to lose all track of time here thanks to a team that has been trawling markets, bazaars, and souks worldwide in search of truly unique finds for over 16 years.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When in New York City, there are a number of vibrant scenes to be experienced—food, art, fashion, theater—but for those who take where they stay as seriously as what they do when they travel, the city’s flourishing boutique hotel scene is as unmissable as any. If you’re seeking an intimate, upscale property that’s an experience in its own right, booking a few nights in a boutique hotel on this list might be for you.

For context, boutique hotels were practically invented here. Typically built with 120 rooms or fewer, and characterized by strong, focused design identities, boutique hotels sprung up in the 1980s. The phenom is widely credited to Studio 64’s Ian Schrager, whose vibe-y, since-closed Morgans Hotel in Midtown is unofficially considered the world’s first boutique hotel. New on the scene this year are The Fifth Avenue Hotel and Warren Street Hotel, both featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Hot List.

Read on for our edit of the best boutique hotels in New York City for out-of-towners and staycationers alike. If you know what general area you want to stay in, jump straight there below.

FAQ:

What is the best area to stay in New York City?

Midtown and downtown are the most popular and convenient areas for travelers bopping around Manhattan. Midtown is best for first-time visitors because of its central location and proximity to tourist attractions like Times Square, Broadway, the Empire State Building, The Met, Grand Central, and Central Park, while downtown is great for nightlife, top restaurants, and a more local experience. Brooklyn is a good choice for visitors who have seen the Manhattan highlights and are looking to explore neighborhoods with cool restaurants, bars, and shopping.

What makes boutique hotels special?

Boutique hotels are beloved for their strong character, intimate scale, and general cool factor. Their food and beverage programs are often a special focus, too, and can be destinations in and of themselves.

What are some pet-friendly boutique hotels in New York City?

Among the hotels on this list, almost all are pet-friendly, with varying weight limits allowed. Some do require a pet fee; The High Line Hotel, The Whitby, The Bowery, Warren Street Hotel, The Beekman, Crosby Street Hotel, Greenwich Hotel, One Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Penny Williamsburg, and The William Vale, however, are fee-free. The Rockaway Hotel and Soho House do not allow pets, with the exception of service animals at the latter.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Upper Manhattan

The Lowell

Midtown

The Chatwal

High Line Hotel

The Fifth Avenue Hotel

The Hotel Chelsea

The Whitby Hotel

Queens

Boro Hotel

The Rockaway Hotel

Lower Manhattan

The Bowery Hotel

Warren Street Hotel

The Beekman

Crosby Street Hotel

Fouquet’s New York

Greenwich Hotel

Hotel Hugo

The Mercer

ModernHaus SoHo

33 Hotel, NYC, Seaport

Nine Orchard

Soho House

Walker Hotel, Greenwich Village

Walker Hotel, Greenwich Village

Location: Greenwich Village
Top amenities: Room service, 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning
Best for: A sweet, comfy place to post up in the vibrant village

With its narrow, discreet brick facade on 13th Street and Sixth Avenue, tucked in a quiet tree-lined stretch, you could walk right by the Walker Hotel en route to Washington Square Park without noticing. In the evening, though, when it warmly glows through stained glass windows and luxurious drapes, it will attract your attention and you’ll feel its inviting draw. Should you walk in, a fireplace will be crackling in the lobby. Staying here feels like your own bedroom in a cozy Greenwich Village townhouse—they have custom-designed desks and armoires, C.O. Bigelow bath products, plush towels, same-day laundry and valet services, and complimentary newspapers on request.

Brooklyn

The Wythe

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Penny Williamsburg

The William Vale

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.