Many of the world’s most famous hotels are grand, cavernous and undeniably opulent institutions. In spite of this, they can still be reminiscent of a termite hill, with hundreds of rooms and thousands of guests contained within their densely populated walls. This list contains an alternative: small-group resorts that are nevertheless spread over generous grounds – in some cases, entire islands. They offer a more intimate, more personalised experience, where you’re guaranteed to have attention lavished upon you. The reason? You’ll be outnumbered by staff at a ratio of least 2 to 1.
Amangiri, Utah, USA
Amangiri is located at the heart of the Grand Circle Region – an area extolled by many as one of the most beautiful desert landscapes in the world. Set against a backdrop of towering pinnacles and brick-coloured dunes, the resort’s modern, minimalist design mirrors the stark beauty of its surroundings.
The architecture – which wouldn’t look out of place as a villain’s lair in a Bond film – is pared back and uncluttered, giving a general impression of abundant space and light. With only 34 rooms, it’s a small resort – making the experience all the more powerful. Many of the activities on offer are designed to give guests a novel way of experiencing the landscape, such as balloon rides at dawn or climbing on one of the resort’s four Via Ferratas. To really immerse yourself in the spirit of the West, opt for a tour on horseback.
For more information, visit Amangiri here.
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
Originally bought to impress his future wife when he was just 28, Necker Island is Richard Branson’s idea of a (private) tropical paradise. While the island is undeniably exclusive, it isn’t private in the strictest sense: one of the conditions of the Necker island sale was that Branson build a resort within five years.
Spread over 74 acres, the Necker resort accommodates up to 30 guests, who can stay in either the central Great House or the various beach houses and villas. Staff outnumber guests at a ratio of around 3 to 1 – a pretty firm guarantee that you’ll not be left wanting. In typical Branson style, there’s an emphasis on laid-back indulgence – torchlight dinners on the beach, for instance. You won’t need your dinner jacket, however – beachwear will do just fine.
For more information, visit Necker Island here.
Isla de sa Ferradura, Spain
Rumoured to have once been a favoured hideout for 17th Century pirates, the Isla de sa Ferradura has come full circle when it comes to accommodating those with an appetite for luxury. Now one of the most exclusive resorts in the world, this sprawling hacienda offers accommodation for up to 12 guests. There’s a small army of staff on hand, who are more than willing to create custom dining experiences or facilitate private parties. Alongside the pools, gardens and roof terraces, the most novel of the recreational facilities is the purpose built cave complex, which conceals a Turkish bath, whirlpool, sauna, solarium and beauty salon. Your group will need deep pockets, however, as an exclusive rental costs in the region of €150,000 a week.
For more information on the Isla sa Ferradura, visit here.
Amanbagh, Rajhastan, India
Amanbagh sits on the Aravalli mountain range, 90 minutes from Jaipur. Far removed from the bustle of India’s famously busy streets, this resort is a real retreat – albeit a rather indulgent one. Built in the grand Mughal style, the architecture is positively regal: pink marble floors, decorative terraces and high, vaulted ceilings abound.
It’s well worth dragging yourself from the resort for at least one day, however, to see nearby Bhangarh, which was built by a member of Jaipur’s royal family in the 17th Century. Abandoned within a generation, it’s now a national heritage site, home to an extraordinary profusion of ruined palaces, temples and bazaars. Saris National Park is also a short drive away, offering the chance to see tigers, jaguars and sambar deer.
For more information on Amanbagh, visit here.
Es Saadi, Marrakech, Morocco
You might not know it, but there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Es Saadi’s restrained Moroccan luxury. ‘The Palace’ – the resort’s collection of suites – recently served as the set for the Cairo hotel in the BBC’s The Night Manager. In order to satisfy a wider variety of architectural and stylistic tastes, the resort also has 10 villas built in Andalusian, Persian, Art Deco and Berber style.
The living areas are substantial to say the least, often featuring double height ceilings and grand bedrooms with four-poster beds. The interiors are impeccably (and individually) furnished, the furniture always selected to complement a decorative floor or the architectural flair of a certain room. And while staying in a villa is a distinctly private experience, it doesn’t necessitate a trade-off in terms of service; you’ll not only have full use of Clefs d’Or concierge, but your own butler too.
For more information on Es Saadi, visit here.
Panacea Estate, Koh Samui, Thailand
This collection of five luxury villas straddles the hills of Koh Samui, offering panoramic views across the island. The stylish, contemporary properties make the most of an undeniably beautiful location: open plan lounge areas double as viewing platforms, while dining areas become virtually open-air with the help of sliding doors.
The largest of the residences, Praana, is a prodigious 4700m2 in size, offering an experience unlike anything else on Koh Samui. Sleeping six, this villa has two infinity pools, its own Muay Thai boxing ring and is serviced by 20 full time staff – including an Executive Chef. The staff emphasise the resort’s ability to provide a rejuvenating guest experience – something reflected in its name, Panacea, borrowed from the Greek the goddess of universal remedy. There’s no denying that the view alone is rejuvenating.
For more information, visit here.
Bushmans Kloof, South Africa
Bushmans Kloof is a standard-setting lodge experience located at the foot of the northern Cederberg Mountains. The lodge sits in an ecological oasis, making this a landscape of spectacular contrasts; the hewn, sun-baked rock of the hills meets verdant grassland at ground level.
With accommodation for up to 34 people, Bushmans Kloof is a small-group experience, allowing the staff to focus on individual desires. Perhaps the most notable is the outdoor dining, which is second to none. Guests are driven to some of the area’s most beautiful locations, where a table is set up and a gourmet meal served.
For more information on Bushmans Kloof, visit here.