LONDON, Nov 10 ― A seaside manor in Dorset that channels English charm with romantic cottages, free-standing baths, four-poster beds and restored dovecotes has been named the best boutique hotel of 2015 by tastemakers who specialise in independent luxury hotels.
The Pig on the Beach in Studland, Dorset was crowned the Best Smith Hotel 2015 by Mr and Mrs Smith for its fairytale hideaway, seaside setting and sense of whimsy.
The country house features 23 bedrooms that offer uninterrupted views of the sandy coastline and, according to Mr and Mrs Smith, evokes the setting of a “happier” Harry Potter movie.
If the main house is reminiscent of Harry Potter, something about the thatched roof and hexagonal shape of restored dovecote cottages could be reminiscent of The Shire, in “The Hobbit.”
Compact trailers are also transformed into independent cabins for a whimsical glamping-style getaway.
Decor is shabby chic, with vintage light pieces, rotary phones and weathered furnishings set against crisp, white, and floral linens, wood beams, and lounge chairs that are set under the window for daydreaming.
The kitchen serves British garden food, with ingredients either plucked from their own garden or sourced within 25 miles (40km) and include home-smoked pork belly with crispy courgette flowers, and rhubarb cheesecake with wild rosehip syrup.
For the awards, a panel of 50 judges took into consideration the votes of 22,000 travellers, whittling down a list of 1,000 hotels to a dozen winners.
Here are a few other notable winners from the 2015 Smith Hotel Awards:
Best dressed hotel: Ett Hem, Stockholm
Sexiest bedroom in the world: Roccia Suite, Bellevue Syrene, Sorrento, Italy
Hottest hotel bar: Zetter Townhouse, London
Best hotel restaurant: Oreade at Monteverdi, Italy
Best hotel pool: Amangiri, Utah, USA
Best spa hotel: The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
Best budget boutique hotel: Masseria Cervarolo, Puglia, Italy
Best for families: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
Eco Award: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Above and beyond: Huka Lodge, New Zealand
Best newcomer: The Battery, San Francisco ― AFP-Relaxnews
