When many travelers think of their next destination, they may first think of the stimulation of grand scenes like large crowds of people or vast landscapes. However, it is important not to overlook the worlds that can be discovered in tiny intimate spaces with close friends or a loved one, whether it be through unique fine dining experiences or wellness-focused group activities. Some large resorts can offer some personalized experiences, but the fact of the matter is that smaller hotels tend to do it better. Here is a list of places it would be a mistake to overlook for those seeking a unique and intimate getaway in small tranquil spaces. Many of these experiences require reservations, so be sure to contact properties and plan ahead.
8 Find Peace In The Salt Room At Paséa Hotel And Spa - Huntington Beach, California
Paséa Hotel & Spa provides an oceanfront sanctuary in Huntington Beach where relaxation and rejuvenation is the goal. The Aarna Spa features its Salt Room which holds a Himalayan salt wall that regulates mood, increases energy, and helps relieve stress. This can be a great site for small wellness-focused group activities, but the spa also offers more, including yoga, workout equipment, a private Spa Garden, and a couple's suite.
7 Work Remotely From "The Box" In The Shay - Culver City, California
The Shay hotel was built with productivity in mind and is becoming the place to go for "bleisure" activities. Its stylish lobby, known as "The Box," offers a comfortably modern co-working space for guests to get some work done and is also available to book for meetings of 5 to 10 people. This spot has become in high demand by local companies, so be sure to reserve the space well ahead of time for groups. For those working solo, a comfortable seat in the laid-back atmosphere will always be ready for one to sink into and get some work done.
6 Fine Dining At Bellyard Hotel - Atlanta, Georgia
Bellyard Hotel is one of the newest boutique hotels in Atlanta, and it is serving up some of the best dining experiences in town in its bar, lounge, and outdoor terrace but also offers a 15-person private dining space available for booking. This restaurant serves up an elevated Southern cuisine, often with an Asian twist, along with expertly crafted cocktails.
5 21c Museum Hotel - Lexington, Kentucky
This 108-year-old building in downtown Lexington was transformed into an 88-room boutique hotel and contemporary art museum featuring "The Safe," which is an intimate dining experience in what was formerly a functioning bank vault. Guests can enjoy a top-notch dinner of locally sourced ingredients before perusing the art on display in the hotel.
4 Caribe Royale Orlando - Orlando, Florida
A lively experience can be found at Caribe Royale in its intimate yet vibrantly flamboyant bar. This, of course, should follow fine dining in the AAA Four Diamond Venetian Chop House, in which the tiny bar accommodating 10-15 people can be found.
3 Deer Path Inn - Lake Forest, Illinois
Deer Path Inn offers a personalized experience with a bit of classic English flair in its building, dating back to the 1800s. Here a small group of 2-4 guests can get an exclusively customized dining experience with a fine selection of wine in the lavish wine cellar.
2 Chocolaty ParadiseAat Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda - Michès, Dominican Republic
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is calling all chocolate lovers to this all-inclusive tropical resort. Here guests can find one of the world's most unique speakeasies serving chocolate, cake, and ice cream made with local cacao instead of cocktails. This family-friendly option takes groups on a journey during dinner, where the location and an entry code for the Secret Chocolate Room must be found before entering spectacular fanfare and indulging in all-you-can-eat sweets.
1 Experience The Cellar At Alaia Belize - San Pedro, Belize
As the first four-diamond resort on Ambergris Caye in Belize, Alaia Belize boasts numerous pools, lounges, restaurants, and even a piano bar. The standout offering here is found in The Cellar, which provides fine dining for 8-10 people and pairs exquisite wines and local Belizean beers with dinner from the hotel's ambitious international cuisine concept known as Sea Salt, which curates dishes with the catches of the day.