04 November 2025
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As the cold weather descends upon the Northern Hemisphere, consider a very small hotel for your seasonal getaway. The fewer the rooms, the more personalized and authentic the experience, where a vacation feels less market-tested and more like a homey overnight at a friend's country cottage or grandparent's beach house.
The hotels below are unquestionably tiny in room count, each with 11 rooms or fewer. As such, they're able to sneak within the bounds of some of the most extraordinary locations in the world. From Slovenia's snowy Alps to Colombia's lush coffee triangle, each of these little hotels has been distinguished by MICHELIN Inspectors with at least One Key, denoting the best of the best in the selection.
For those looking for a winter escape, these spots offer sojourns of two kinds: either cozy, cold weather locations with the warmth of crackling fireplaces, or beachside settings in locales for sun and surf.
Befitting a Key hotel, each is a mixture of great design, dining, views and, thanks to the low room counts, individualized service that transforms each guest into something more like family.
Chalet Sofija — Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
What it's all about: A Two-Key, five-room, food-forward chalet in Slovenia's spectacular Alps.Five adults-only suites and a breathtaking panorama of mountainous terrain are just two of many reasons to visit what may be Slovenia’s most sophisticated chalet. Alpine winter activities await those seeking adventure, but, surprisingly, nature may not be the core attraction.
The fact that the villa is the owners’ own home adds to Chalet Sofija’s exclusive appeal, where every room features a jacuzzi, and wine comes directly from the couple’s cellar. The pair own their own restaurant in Ljubljana — while at the chalet, they prepare each exquisite gourmet meal for their guests, a rare touch that leaves a lasting impression.
Hacienda Bambusa — Armenia, Colombia
What it's all about: A traditional hacienda with eight rooms and One Key, tucked into Colombia's lush coffee region.As much of the Northern Hemisphere falls into the winter doldrums, Colombia is in the throes of the driest, sunniest months of the year. This is the moment to visit the Coffee Triangle, a mountainous region known for brilliant green forests and colorful flora, not to mention hundreds of bird species and the occasional howler monkey.
Mesmerizing views are best enjoyed with a glass of wine by the pool and farm-to-table meals under a breezy palapa. The hacienda features eight suites — three with private pools — each designed with tasteful, funky flair. But it’s the immersive experiences, like horseback riding, birdwatching, cacao tastings and coffee plantation tours, that really stand out.
SHIGUCHI — Niseko, Japan
What it's all about: In a One-Key retreat with five rooms, a sampling of Japanese culture in a quiet valley outside the ski resort town of Niseko.Five traditional kominkas — nail-free wooden farmhouses — sit in the heart of Niseko’s snow-covered countryside dotted with hot springs and mountain peaks. The perfectly minimalist Shiguchi is no mere hotel, despite organic linens and private onsens, but an immersion into Japanese art, tradition and nature.
The elegant property offers a rare mix of activities, from the authenticity of a Japanese tea ceremony to the artistry of the hotel founder’s personal photography exhibit. When you're not admiring the peaceful winter landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows, staff will happily curate whiskey tastings and art tours.
The Lindis — Omarama, New Zealand
What it's all about: A Two-Key, eight-room architectural marvel for exploration of New Zealand summer.If escaping a snowy landscape is your cold-weather objective, Key hotels throughout the Southern Hemisphere await. New Zealand summers enjoy long, light-filled days, ideal for heli-hiking in the mountains or fly-fishing in crystal-clear rivers.
The Lindis, an eight-room lodge known for striking architecture and windows that double as walls, invites you to swap sleds and skis for stargazing and horseback rides. The building itself is in lovely harmony with its valley setting, a design-lover’s paradise of wood-paneled suites and futuristic mirrored pods in the singular Ahuriri Valley.
Terra - The Magic Place — Sarentino, Italy
What it's all about: Eleven suites, Two Stars, One Key, and countless snowcapped peaks in Italy's dramatic South Tyrol region.Despite the UNESCO World Heritage peaks as the backdrop, Terra is not merely trading on location. This tiny sanctuary in South Tyrol marries culinary artistry, to the tune of Two MICHELIN Stars, with mountain immersion, where inventive Alpine cuisine transforms local ingredients into tasting menus that are nothing short of theatrical.
Wake to snow-draped Dolomite spires from a chic suite, then spend your days hiking pristine winter trails, rejuvenating with spa treatments, or indulging in a world-class breakfast before relaxing by the fireplace.
Leonardslee House — Horsham, United Kingdom
What it'' all about: The epitome of English manor charm at this One-Key hotel with its own Star restaurant.Ancient, restored gardens set a 240-acre scene for a wooded, wintry wonderland with a side of house-made wine. Even in winter, guests of this romantic Edwardian mansion are invited to explore the vineyard in a golf buggy, where Sussex’s celebrated sparkling wines are crafted.
The estate itself is as charming as an English manor gets: ten quaint rooms feature eclectic prints and standalone tubs, as well contemporary comforts like Nespresso machines and 300-thread-count bed linens. Between rare winter blooms and a quirky doll museum, it’s hard to determine the crown jewel, though a strong case can be made for Interlude, the on-site MICHELIN-Star restaurant serving a multicourse tasting menu.
L’Ovella Negra Mountain — Canillo, Andorra
What it's all about: Four rooms of pure tranquility and isolation, recognized with One Key in this oft-overlooked country in the Pyrenees.Like the tiny hotels on this list, the country of Andorra itself — roughly the size of the U.S. state of Rhode Island — punches far above its size. Its location in the Pyrenees draws thrill-seekers in search of outdoor adventure, while thermal spas attract those in favor of something a touch more demure.
L’Ovella Negra is the best of both: a One-Key, four-room, rustic-modern lodge centered around a communal fireplace, quiet nooks for contemplation and unobstructed access to untouched wilderness. The experience is profoundly cozy, accented by flickering candles and velvet furnishings, and defined by its isolated valley location only accessible by snowcat in the winter months.
Decu Downtown — Mérida, Mexico
What it's all about: An eight-room, One-Key historic mansion in the midst of a fascinating Mexican city.For many, Mexico is the ultimate winter getaway, and Yucatán's lively capital is a fan favorite. As a destination, it has a lot to offer: the sophisticated colonial gem hugged by beaches, ruins and nationally-designated pueblos mágicos, with a culinary scene on the up and up.
The restored 19th-century mansion that serves as your base is graced with original tiled floors, towering columns and courtyards bursting with palm trees. Although there is plenty to do on property, including an infinity pool, a stylish restaurant and a guest-exclusive speakeasy, the main draw may be the setting: museums, cafés and art galleries that define an evolving city. Grab one of the property's bikes and explore.
Alpenloge Hotel — Bavaria, Germany
What it's all about: A chic, design-led, nine-room One-Key Alpine escape.Bavaria’s woodsy landscape and gingerbread-style villages just might be the epitome of a traditional European winter. Alpenloge Hotel, nestled at the junction of Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria, is perhaps the ideal location from which to explore the Alpine region — always better on a set of skis or snowshoes.
As cozy as it is modern, each of the lodge’s nine design-forward rooms showcase spectacular views of rolling hills and pine trees from a different cardinal direction. Evenings are best spent by the fire or in the kitchen as the head chef guides you through a cooking class.
Casa Flor Hotel Boutique — La Barra, Uruguay
What it's all about: An intimate Two-Key, nine-room refuge nestled between forest and sea.Uruguay’s seaside charm peaks between December and February, during the summer season on the South American coast. Casa Flor is an ideal place to experience it, with nine serene suites adjacent to La Barra’s lively downtown. Inviting public spaces are adorned with bold hues, vintage accents and pops of unexpected greenery.
The owners value connection among their guests: mornings are for homemade breakfasts, afternoons for lounging by the backyard pool. Everything you need for the beach — a short walk away — is readily available, making this experience a lot like a laid-back summer vacation home, with housekeeping.
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Hero Image: A cozy room at New Zealand's The Lindis. ©The Lindis
