The Best Of The Best: Owner Operated Camps, Lodges & Boutique Hotels

L’Archipel is a long term favourite at Love To Explore, partly due to its idyllic setting on a secluded section of the Côte d’Or beach on Praslin. The other reason we love the boutique hotel is the personal, attentive service. 

The hotel has just 37 rooms, dotted throughout the lush tropical gardens and hillside.  L'Archipel is dedicated to sustainable travel, with an innovative green initiative which aims to eliminate food waste as well as utilise solar power, rainwater and 100% biodegradable products in efforts to minimise the environmental impact. 

The D’Offay family, who own and manage the hotel, first arrived in the Seychelles in the 18^th century and opened the property 38 years ago. Eddie D’Offay, the hotel’s managing director, and his team are keen to maintain a “home away from home” feel that keeps guests coming back. And it works, as the hotel has an impressive repeat guest rate. 

Tekanda Lodge’s owners spent two years searching for the perfect location in Sri Lanka, and they certainly found it. Perched on a scenic hilltop and surrounded by lush coconut and tea plantations, the boutique lodge is just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from both the nearest village and the coastline.

The tranquil property has just six rooms and operates as both an exclusive-use villa and a boutique lodge. Guests are encouraged to embrace a laid-back pace, whether by wandering through the ten-acre estate to explore the lush jungle, relaxing beside the idyllic pool, or heading to the beach to enjoy the area’s popular surf spots. 

Tekanda Lodge is the first foray into hospitality for Charlie and Richard Pembroke, who were originally based in the UK. The couple bring an infectious energy and a deep affection for Sri Lanka and the surrounding community. They have also established the Tekanda Foundation, in partnership with a local charity, which supports vocational training and a thriving girls' cricket academy.

Blue Margouillat is a boutique hotel in Saint-Leu, on the west coast of Réunion Island, with views across the Indian Ocean. The hotel is a great base for guests looking to explore Réunion’s wild landscapes, from volcanic peaks and waterfalls to black-sand beaches and coral reefs.

The hotel has twelve stylish rooms and two suites, including options with private plunge pools and terraces overlooking the sea. As you would expect from a Relais & Châteaux property, dining is a highlight. The on-site restaurant blends refined French-Creole cuisine with an exceptional wine cellar, home to over 1,000 labels and 11,000 bottles.

Owners Marc Chappot and Marie-Pierre Fresson have shaped Blue Margouillat with a deep love for Réunion’s culture and flavours. Marc is an excellent chef who has lived on the island for over 20 years, while Marie-Pierre focuses on service and hospitality, with an endless supply of local recommendations she is always happy to share. Their warm, attentive hosting and outstanding cuisine have earned the hotel a fantastic reputation.