When it comes to the tried and true, rarely do I stray far from the path. These 19 hotels I have my eye on for 2019 are examples of just that. Hotels that represent a strong sense of space, an elevation of service that extends beyond check-in, and delightful surprises along the way.
The question was asked — “do you travel for design?” And the majority of you said yes. So as I examined and cross-examined my saved lists, inspirational magazines, and past visits, these are the hotels that caught more than my eye. They are the hotels that pull at your heart, the kind worth hopping on a plane for and planning an entire trip around.
Last year’s hotel list was catered to new hotels and found destinations across the world from Thailand to Switzerland. This year? A list of 19 hotels that represents not just new hotels but tried and true for a reason.
These are the 19 hotels I have my eye on for 2019.
19 Hotels I Have My Eye on For 2019
Highlighted Hotel: Camellas-Lloret
Where: Languedoc, France
What to Love: When it comes to redefining the hotel space, owners Colin and Annie have done exactly that. Transcending a space into an otherworldly sojourn in the south of France, Camellas-Lloret brings to life everything that one could hope for in a stay. A stay here is an intimate introduction to the region through handpicked furnishings and a sense for what draws the traveler in. Camellas-Lloret sets a new way of thinking about how a traveler books a “hotel” whether it be a villa in a boutique collection, a remote hotel, or a warm b&b in southern France.
2. Manhausen Island in Norway.
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3. Amankila in Bali
4. La Fortuna Atitlán in Guatemala.
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5. Casa Cook Kos in Greece.
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6. Santa Barbara Eco Beach Resort in Portugal.
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7. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in New Mexico, US
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8. Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat in Australia
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9. L’Escale du Ciel in France
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10. Furnas Lake Villas in Portugal
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11. San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges in Italy
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12. Alila Resort in Yanshuo, China.
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13. Casa Pombo in Colombia.
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14. Chambre d’Hotes Design Metafort in France
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15. Alpaga Megeve in France.
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16. Casa Pueblo Tulum in Mexico
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17. Tumbling Waters Retreat in Australia.
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18. Hotel Joaquin in California.
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19. Amenemu in Japan
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
