My name is Giulia and I am the creator of Flaïa.

Flaïa was born from a simple but powerful idea: to travel light, with an open heart and senses ready to capture every detail. Its name comes from the English verb to fly, because for me a journey is not a list of stops to check off, but an experience to be lived at a slow pace, letting yourself be carried away.

It is not enough to visit a place to really know it. One must immerse oneself in its essence. Walk through unknown alleys, listen to the stories of its inhabitants, savor its authentic scents and flavors. Find refuge in intimate facilities, with attention to the smallest details, where hospitality is not a service, but an art.

"I discover, live and tell #styleflaïa structures in Italy."

Through my five senses I explore these special places and tell them with curious and authentic eyes. Each structure you find on Flaïa I chose because it excited me. If you want to discover them with me, follow me on Instagram and on my website www.flaia.it.

And now, let me take you far away.

Close your eyes and imagine: your feet sink into the soft sand, the sound of waves fills the air, palm trees move slowly as a gentle breeze caresses your skin. Before you, a sea that fades from turquoise to deep blue. A tropical dream, isn't it?

But a trip to the tropics is much more than a perfect postcard.

It is an experience that engages all the senses. The intense scent of spices, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the feeling of freedom as you walk through the rainforests, immersed in nature that seems to breathe with you. It is the luxury of slowing down, of rediscovering the beauty of simplicity, of living each moment unhurriedly.

And that's exactly what I look for when I travel: places that are not only beautiful, but that can really make you feel somewhere else.

And what could be better than enjoying this magic in an adults-only boutique hotel, where every detail is designed to give you privacy, tranquility and a tailored experience?

In the next few lines I take you with me to discover 10 "tropical" boutique hotels that are part of my precious bucket list. Intimate, exclusive facilities perfect for unplugging and indulging in pure relaxation.

Scroll through, be inspired, and maybe--find your next piece of paradise.

1 . Sussurro - Mozambique

Between the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the unspoiled nature of Mozambique lies Whisper. A boutique hotel where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand while respecting the surrounding environment.

And it is precisely its remoteness from the beaten path destinations that makes it a small and refined retreat capable of giving its guests an authentic experience in harmony with nature. Six bungalows in a fairy-tale landscape are presented in their extraordinary simplicity, with essential design in keeping with traditions.

The natural materials and local craftsmanship that characterize these spacious open-air suites overlooking the lagoon make Sussurro a place where hospitality is at home, but even more so is a conscious stay.

A boutique hotel for those who dream of escaping to the tropics to stay away from the chaos, where time flows to the rhythm of the tides and African winds.

Photo courtesy of Whisper - www.sussurro.co

2. Boca de Agua de Frida Escobedo - Bacalar, Quintana Roo, México

There are places that tell their own story and do not need many words to show themselves in all their beauty, such as the Boca de Agua resort in the Yucatan jungle.

A project that aims to make sustainability its guiding thread, signed by Frida Escobedo, an architect who chose wood and neutral tones for the resort's 26 accommodations. It is a clear choice that goes along with important values such as inclusion and respect for the local community and the environment of Bacalar, with a clear reference to the colors of the lagoon.

Bacalar, with its timeless tranquility and turquoise-hued waters, is a trip I longed for but alas, cut short too soon because of the Covid.

And if I had to leave today, I would definitely choose Boca de Agua.

Then again, local craftsmanship and respect for the environment are two elements I have always looked for in Flaïa-style accommodations, and this boutique hotel in Yucatan perfectly embodies my needs.

A shelter that is not just a place to sleep, but an experience that leaves its mark.

Photo courtesy of Boca de Agua - www.bocadeagua.com

3. Ka Bru beach boutique hotel - Barra Grande, Brazil

Nestled in breathtaking scenery, right at the entrance to Brazil's Camamu Bay, and within walking distance of the village of Barra Grande, is the Ka Bru beach boutique hotel.

Here river and ocean meet and beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. An exceptional location to experience an intimate tropical getaway with a refined atmosphere, ideal for couples seeking peace and quiet.

What struck me was the perfect balance between modernity and nature, which does not impose itself at all on the surrounding landscape but rather enhances it, letting the natural light and ocean breeze envelop it.

Open spaces and essential furnishings make for a minimalist architecture that distinguishes the boutique hotel's six rooms: intimate and cozy, deeply connected to the environment.

An exclusive stay where isolation becomes an integral part of the experience, which is why it is rejuvenating and enjoyable. And it is at low tide that the village is reached,

strolling on an almost deserted beach, surrounded by beauty. A new idea of tropical luxury that captivates those seeking not just a trip, but an experience to be lived to the fullest.

4. Lücke boutique hotel - Koh Tao, Thailand

A small boutique hotel right on the ocean and it is the view that provides an extraordinary sight in the morning when the sun rises and so does the desire to enjoy a beautiful day at the beach.

Days that pass slowly in a facility that has everything you could want: from the large windows with breathtaking views, to the convenient location for reaching the area's small restaurants, in a place that makes simplicity and views its strengths, not to mention that feeling of being in tune with the environment.

Here you don't need too many frills, or even the swimming pool present in this boutique hotel, but simply open the door of your room and immerse yourself in the waters of Thailand. A beachfront vacation, could this perhaps be yours?

5. Lagoon Attitude - Mauritius

The journey to the best boutique hotels in the tropics continues, this time with the Lagoon Attitude, located on the shores of the Anse la Raie lagoon along the north coast of Mauritius.

A larger facility than the ones I usually consider for my travels, but one that immediately captivated me because of the many intimate nooks and crannies and secluded spaces present, where one can carve out pleasant moments of pure tranquility.

An adults-only oasis where the sea is its sovereign protagonist, whose architecture is an immediate reminder of Mauritian tradition, but with a contemporary twist.

Light structures with gabled roofs and light filtering through, creating an airy and relaxing atmosphere. Finally, the interiors are on natural tones, where colors are but a slight hint, and are further enhanced by the essential furnishings and natural materials chosen, which blend in with the surrounding landscape.

The Lagoon Attitude in Mauritius is immersed in beauty and tranquility. What I like is that the stay alternates between different experiences: from the authentic cuisine of the Kot Nou and Taba-J restaurants to the sociability of the Seabreeze Bar overlooking the sea to the absolute peace of the infinity pool.

Not to mention the opportunity to explore the lagoon with nautical activities, experiencing Mauritius not only from land, but also from its most precious element: water.

Photo courtesy of Lagoon Attitude - www.hotels-attitude.com

6. Panorama Resort - El Nido, Palawan

The Panorama Resort in El Nido, on the beautiful island of Palawan in the Philippines, also blends seamlessly with its surroundings, standing out for its architecture, inspired by local tradition. Welcoming you, should you decide to spend your vacation here, are eight large, organically designed bungalows with curved shapes, thatched roofs and large windows.

Not a classic stay, but a total immersion in the tropical jungle, to experience an atmosphere hidden among the palm trees and lush vegetation, where luxury and simplicity combine. And to relax even more and enjoy the exotic environment, there is the swimming pool, the heart of the resort, which is surrounded by a natural wood deck.

The interiors, with their elegant, minimalist aesthetic, also reflect a harmony with nature through the clever use of wood, rattan, and stone. Light floods into the rooms, creating a continuum with the outdoors, and from the windows the view is of the private garden and palm trees.

The Panorama Resort at El Nido is a charming and exclusive retreat in one of the most enchanting places in the Philippines. Amenities include gourmet breakfasts served outdoors, sunset cocktails by the pool, and many organized activities to explore El Nido's natural beauty, from crystal-clear lagoons to the limestone formations of the Bacuit archipelago.

For an authentic and immersive experience, the Panorama Resort is the property I would choose if I were to go to Palawan: a perfect balance of exquisite design, comfort, and tropical nature.

7. Sivana Villas - Bali, Indonesia

The atmosphere of the Sivana Boutique Hotel in Bali represents what I love to find in a property, namely wide openings to the outdoors, the essential furnishings and local materials in authentic connection with the surrounding environment.

Located in Uluwatu, a few kilometers from Impossible Beach and Bingin Beach, Sivana is an adults-only whose villas have ocean or garden views, ideal for anyone seeking tranquility and beauty in one place.

The rooms are spacious and bright, with a design in which materials such as wood, stone and woven fibers are used. Each unit has a private entrance, kitchenette, and sitting area, while the infinity pool provides views that fade between the green and blue ocean. Free WiFi and bike rentals make your stay even more convenient, allowing you to explore the surroundings with greater ease.

Sivana Villas in Bali is that haven for admirers of minimalist design, authenticity and contact with nature.

8. Como Lucala Island - Fiji

Imagine a private island in the Pacific Ocean, where nature sets the pace of island life, and luxury is intertwined with sustainability.

How great would it be to spend a stay in Como Lucala Island Fiji?

Far from mass tourism, it is an exclusive retreat in Fiji that sees respect for the environment as central to every experience, as well as the concept of self-reliance.

In fact, fruits and vegetables are grown on the island, poultry and livestock are raised locally, honey is produced directly on the land, even volcanic mineral water is bottled here. The result? Fresh, top-quality ingredients for the resort's restaurants, minimizing environmental impact.

And the villas, with their thatched roofs and design in harmony with the vegetation,offer priceless views of the ocean and the feeling of being the only ones on the island.

A tropical paradise that embodies the idea of a vacation in symbiosis with nature, and there are few guests with whom one shares its beauty.

Photo courtesy of Como Lucala - www.comohotels.com

9. Qualia luxury resort - Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, Australia

Tucked away in the northern part of Hamilton Island, the Qualia Resort embodies the essence of authentic Australia. A property surrounded by eucalyptus trees, overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Whitsundays. This resort is an oasis of tranquility, where every detail is designed to provide a sensory experience of absolute relaxation.

The owner is Bob Oatley, a wine producer and avid sailor. For him, Qualia is a tribute to his land, and it is no coincidence that nature and luxury come together without ostentation, with pavilions that are designed to blend in with the Australian bush, which is why they are built of wood and stone in warm, natural hues. Spacious spaces, exclusive amenities, and breathtaking views of the ocean and lush vegetation.

There are many experiences that can be enjoyed within the resort. These include boarding a catamaran for a sunset cruise, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, relaxing with a "Bularri Yarrul" hot stone massage, or enjoying a gourmet dinner at the restaurant. Dishes are prepared with local organic ingredients, and fine wines come from Bob Oatley's cellar.

A refuge for the few, for an experience that stays in the heart.

10. Casa Tikiri - Ahangama, Sri Lanka

Some places can speak to you even before you set foot in them. They captivate you with their history, with the passion of the people who created them, with the promise of an experience that goes beyond just staying. Casa Tikiri is one of them.

I have followed Alice and Stefano since their first steps, when their dream of building a home far from Italy was just an idea, a wish hanging in the air. I discovered them on social media, fascinated by their journey, their desire to create something unique. And today Casa Tikiri is exactly that: a retreat that tells the story of Sri Lanka with authenticity, respect and beauty.

Here, every detail bears their signature. From the choice of warm, enveloping hues to the custom-made furniture, from the doors that frame the light to the walls that breathe the soul of the place. Nothing is left to chance. Casa Tikiri is not just an adults only boutique hotel, it is a journey inside a dream made of colors, scents and traditions.

In the heart of Ahangama, a small village on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Alice and Stefano have found their rhythm, far from the hustle and bustle, immersed in a slower, more conscious time. Here, among towering palms and the sound of waves in the distance, they experience genuine hospitality, made up of small gestures that warm the heart. Seven rooms, each with a different soul, between ochre and pink, green and beige. A perfect mix of aesthetics and warmth.

Also, the experiences. Because Casa Tikiri is not just a place to sleep, but a place to live. Tea and cinnamon tastings, wilderness safaris, yoga and local cooking classes. Every moment here is an immersion in the country's culture, a way to feel part of something bigger.

If I ever go to Sri Lanka, I already know that Casa Tikiri will be my home away from home. I know that I will feel welcomed, that every dish will be a journey into local flavors, and that every corner of this abode will be able to tell me a story.

And then...showering under the stars? I'm looking forward to it.

Every place has a story to whisper to you, if only you choose to listen. Traveling is not just getting around, it is letting yourself be surprised, let yourself be crossed by the colors, the scents, the people that make each destination unique. The real beauty is there, in the details that speak of traditions,

in respect for the environment, in the realities that know how to welcome you with authenticity. And it is precisely this feeling that the boutique hotels I have chosen convey to me.

No matter if you are on the other side of the world or in the heart of Italy: the magic is always the same. It is that of a vacation that becomes an experience, of days that flow slowly, without tight schedules, without frenzy. Where the only thing that matters is really living.

This is what I call a Flaïa-style journey.

10 Adults Only Boutique Hotels for your tropical vacation