The 'Best Boutique Hotel In The World' Is Even More Magical Than We Thought | HuffPost Life

Hello, slice of heaven.

By

Lifestyle Editor, HuffPost

World Boutique Hotel Awards

As travelers with very long bucket lists, we’ve just about seen it all when it comes to strikingly beautiful hotels. But this particular piece of paradise ― recently named the best boutique hotel in the world ― may just be the most dynamite destination we’ve ever seen.

Secret Bay is a colony of eco-friendly villas on the relatively secluded volcanic island of Dominica in the West Indies. A team of travel pros at the Boutique Hotel Awards recently named it the best boutique hotel in the world after an extensive evaluation of about 400 properties worldwide, awards director Edward Gabbai told HuffPost.

And oh, is it a stunner:

World Boutique Hotel Awards

World Boutique Hotel Awards

World Boutique Hotel Awards

World Boutique Hotel Awards

At Secret Bay, travelers can laze on white-sand beaches, swim in a sea cave or trek through rainforest reserves on one of the Caribbean’s most remote islands.

The Boutique Hotel Awards sends real-deal judges out into the world to personally vet each shortlisted hotel. Secret Bay beat out other properties for its exquisite rooms and warm-hearted service, Gabbai said. Of course, this perfection comes at a price: One of Secret Bay’s famed 2-person villas will set you back more than $1,000 per night this holiday season.

But hey, it’s never too late to add a vacation to your wish list, right? Here are the winners from the Awards’ other top categories, for inspiration:

Best Beach or Coastal Hotel

El Nido Pangulasian Island, Philippines

World Boutique Hotel Awards

Best City Hotel

11 Mirrors, Kiev, Ukraine

World Boutique Hotel Awards

Most Sustainable Hotel

Vigilius Mountain Resort, South Tyrol, Italy

World Boutique Hotel Awards

Best Wellness Spa

Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy

World Boutique Hotel Awards

Happy travels!

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Before You Go

Top 10 Luxury Hotels Around The World

10. The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada(01 of30)

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(02 of30)

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(03 of30)

"Very easy check-in. Room cleanliness and hotel cleanliness was excellent. Service at the desk and information/telephone operator was very professional and helpful. Provided gym, pool access, and sits atop the grand canal shoppes as well as a very large but navigable casino. Very good restaurants on the first floor as well as in the shopping area. Usually we go to Vegas and walk the strip to all the different places, but the Venetian was so comprehensive and comfortable, we didn't leave once. VERY IMPRESSED." -- Angela, Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

9. Waldorf Astoria, Orlando, Florida(04 of30)

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(05 of30)

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(06 of30)

"I loved the hotel, the deluxe suite had a balcony which had a nice view, we got to see Epcot fireworks. It was really comfortable, had a spacious living room with a dining table for four. The only thing I didn't like was that the shower wasn't completely clean. Except for that, everything was great, including room service which you can also order late night. We loved the food we ordered, which didn't take long to get to the room. The breakfast at Oscar's is delicious, it has everything. The staff from the hotel was excellent with us. The only thing I regret was that I didn't get to go to the spa, which looked amazing, and not dining at Bull & Bear which had great reviews. I recommend it to anyone who wants a great hotel near Disney and Universal." -- anonymous Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

8. Mondrian London, England(07 of30)

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(08 of30)

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(09 of30)

"The Mondrian is an exquisite hotel with not one, but two bars you can stumble to from the comfort of your room. During our stay, we enjoyed breakfast in bed AND the Mondrian's beautiful in-house restaurant where I had the best fish of my life. Seriously. I am salivating right now just thinking about it. The staff was friendly, and the bed was very comfortable. The bathroom was decent, but I will never understand the use of frosted glass on the doors or windows in a hotel bathroom. 9/10, would stay again." -- Mary, Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

7. Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia(10 of30)

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(11 of30)

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(12 of30)

"A great hotel if you're going to Kuala Lumpur for the shopping. They have a free buggy service to transport you door to door to the Suria KLCC -- the luxury mall just a stone's throw away. However, if you want to have a true local experience, I would recommend trying to find something a little more into town, Bukit Bintang area perhaps. I ended up taking a lot of cabs/Uber to where you want to go, not that you weren't going to do that anyway, but you won't walk out of the lobby and find yourself in the middle of everything. The hotel is also known for its rooftop bar, which is where the pool is. The bar and pool looked really great in pictures, but when we arrived the first night to check the bar out, we were greeted with deafening techno music and very drunk people. We were looking to wind down the night with a glass of wine, so we left in approximately 30 seconds. Also, the pool is fairly small, and during the day, the ambiance is marred by the CAUTION WET FLOOR signs that are placed around the perimeter of the pool. It's a pool, right? Otherwise, the staff is very lovely and cordial, and the rooms are great. It was hard to get out of bed in the morning because I had been sleeping on a cloud." -- M, Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

6. The Playford Adelaide MGallery by Sofitel, Adelaide, Australia(13 of30)

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(14 of30)

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(15 of30)

"This is an old hotel, which has been totally renovated and modernized. The result is very successful. It is centrally located, within walking distance of practically all locations in central Adelaide, and next to the train station and the tram and buses to the beach suburbs. The hotel is well functioning, and the staff very efficient and helpful. All in all, an excellent hotel. (The only bizarre thing -- with all the renovation, the sofas in the lobby were left with their old (and unclean looking) upholstery. Was this on purpose, to preserve the old? even if so, re-upholstering is well due)." -- Anonymous Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

5. Dolce CampoReal Lisbon, Torres Vedras, Lisbon, Portugal(16 of30)

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(17 of30)

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(18 of30)

"The Dolce CampoReal started as an overnight stay for us to attend our good friends' wedding, and turned into a 3 days/nights of relaxation! The grounds of this resort are immaculate and the amenities are amazing. Staff are friendly, helpful, and accommodating. The only downside we experienced is the lack of privacy between the bathroom and bedroom as only venetian-blind-like windows separated the two instead of a more private wall or enclosure. Overall, we would not hesitate to stay here again!" -- Jennifer, Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

4. Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, Thailand(19 of30)

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(20 of30)

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(21 of30)

"4 nights, very clean and nice hotel. Starbucks and 7-11 right there for snacks etc. Pool was beautiful and we loved the view of all the river boats coming and going, especially at night. Rooms were spacious and nice, very clean and everything we needed. It was a lovely stay. Location is a bit far to get to main part of town. We did not like walking streets from hotel as it seemed a bit sketchy for safety. It is also a very long drive from the airport. Roughly 600-800 bht, and approx. 45 minute drive for a taxi. It is also on 3 different toll roads that must be paid. Once we got to Chatrium, it was great to be on the river, so this was worth the long drive to get there. Would highly recommend this hotel, it was great!" -- Darci, Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

3. Hotel Sofitel New York, Manhattan(22 of30)

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(23 of30)

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(24 of30)

"Nicely remodeled hotel on a relatively quiet block close to Times Square, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Station. Large room (350 sf) with a big bathroom - separate tub and marble shower. Good wifi speed in the room. Lots of hot water. Comfortable bed and linens. Housekeeping accommodated our request for hypo-allergenic pillows and the front desk followed up with a call to make sure all was in order. Brought me a complimentary birthday dessert. Cap that off with a great room rate under $300 a night." -- Harry, Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

2. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Australia(25 of30)

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(26 of30)

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(27 of30)

"Great hotel in a great location. My wife and I stayed 6 nights in Sydney in mid-April. The room was fairly small, but was very nice and you can't beat the location or the view. My wife told the hotel it was my birthday and we were surprised with balloons and cake. A small gesture that went a long way. Would definitely recommend to anyone staying in Sydney." -- Anonymnous Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

1. W Taipei, Taiwan(28 of30)

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(29 of30)

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(30 of30)

"Wonderful hotel all around. The rooms are large and feel brand new. They get tons of light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The bed if big and comfortable and there are even Japanese toilets. The service was friendly, the restaurant was reasonable for a hotel and the top floor bar was a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the city. They even provide complimentary wifi - one of my usual pet peeves about Starwood hotels. This is just a fantastic hotel all around." -- Tim, a Hotels.com reviewer (credit:Hotels.com)

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