This year, most of us will be sticking close to home on Valentine’s Day because of the plague. To anyone considering a sexy and trendy staycation, I’m here to tell you about a downright magical place. A mouthful of seven words are what Valentine’s Day dreams are made of. One: The. Two: Olive. Three: Exclusive. Four/Five: All-Suite. Six: Boutique. Seven: Hotel. All together now: The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Boutique Hotel. 

From the minute we stepped into our suite, the magnificent attention to detail let us know that we’d arrived somewhere very special. Greeted by original art, I observed the interior design of The Olive Exclusive to be as unique as its operations because highly personalised service is the hallmark here. 

I made a hasty reservation on a lazy Sunday evening and within an hour of a panicked phone call to Liana Conradie, the Reservations Manager, we were checked into paradise. Otavi. Namib. Benguela. Etosha. Kunene. Caprivi. Erongo. These seven names of beautiful units of Namibian geography, are the names of the seven individually themed suites at The Olive Exclusive. The décor and interior design steal the show and set a thoughtful ambiance. Because I like things (nice things!) the high-quality expensive looking materials, and the quirky touches presented a memorable visual experience. 

Now I’m going to tell you about the bespoke luxury amenities, because I wasn’t ready for the extensive pillow menu, the fluffy robes, the artisan toiletries (Charlotte Rhys!), a massive freestanding bathtub, a Nespresso machine and what felt like a double XL kingsized bed. I’ve never seen a bed that big before in my life, I could lie sideways with my hands stretched over my head and still not reach the edges. 

The walk-in shower is the size of my first flat and the suite was so clean one could eat off the floor. The atmosphere of comfort and luxury makes The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Boutique Hotel the ideal romantic destination/staycation for your Valentine’s Day trip for two. They even offer sumptuous spa services, mbaue! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, The Olive Exclusive is what Valentine’s Day dreams are made of, and is in fact perfect for a romantic escape any time of the year. 

One thing my stay did make me curious about for the first time, is why everyone everywhere is flocking to boutique hotels, but no one anywhere can agree on what they actually are.

So what exactly is a boutique hotel? I surely don’t know and I think defining what a boutique hotel is remains a challenge because maybe that is the point. They’re all far too unique. The question however remains, what exactly is a boutique hotel? Is this trend a phenomenon? A movement? A real hotel category? I’d say yes to all of the above and even though there are no strict definitions or specific rules for a hotel to be called “boutique”, the genre does tend to have some common features. Here are five characteristics of boutique hotels and how The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Boutique Hotel measures up.
 
Size
A boutique hotel is small and the number of rooms should range from 5 - 50, are intimate in scale and create the ambiance of being a guest in someone’s very nice home. The Olive Exclusive boasts seven individualised suites and therefore offers a personal touch to every guest.
 
Uniqueness 
Boutique hotels have a distinctive vibe and The Olive Exclusive has one that is cool, contemporary and stylish with an authentic Namibian soul. The architecture and interior design combine historic details with chic elegance and conveys a progressively forward style. The property nurtures a distinctive Namibian identity in a series of striking, large scale Ovahimba portraits that compel one to stop and stare.
 
Location 
Boutique hotels are often located in the most hip and fashionable urban areas, as well as in high-end residential neighbourhoods that are away from the crowds, but convenient to city highlights. The Olive Exclusive does this right at 22 Promenaden Road in the upmarket and tranquil suburb of Eros in Namibia’s capital city.
 
Clientele
The type of people who are attracted to boutique hotels are as special as the hotels themselves and tend to be just as cool. Namibians are cool and generally like things, nice things at that, and will be right at home at The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Boutique Hotel. 
If you’re looking for a stylish romantic Valentine’s Day escape and experience with all the comforts and service of a great hotel, look no further than The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Boutique Hotel for what is guaranteed to be an incredible staycaytion. More Valentine’s Day weekend getaway recommendations coming your way next week, until then.