Small Luxury Hotels of the World launches a ‘Stay Small, Stay Safe’ initiative offering enhanced health and detailed safety guidelines for all 520 member hotels in 90 countries. SLH has always been a champion of elite independent hotels with the utmost standards and as more than 330 member hotels have already reopened and many more prepare to open in the coming weeks, the programme provides peace of mind for guests as they prepare to travel the world once again.

A recent survey conducted of loyal SLH guests shows over 90 per cent of travellers would feel more comfortable staying in a small independent hotel. The ‘Stay Small, Stay Safe’ initiative acknowledges the desire for intimate hotel experiences with fewer crowds that travellers are seeking. With just 50 rooms on average, SLH properties are able to offer secluded, discrete options with the highest safety standards.

In order to safeguard these standards, SLH has entered a partnership with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) for its hotels to pursue GBAC STAR accreditation. The performance-based cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention programme helps hotels minimize risks associated with infectious agents and biohazards. GBAC STAR accreditation provides third-party validation to ensure hotels have the elevated cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques and work practices in place so guests can truly relax during their stay.

"Travellers are yearning for a change of scenery and have now begun to cautiously book their next adventure, and with these new measures, SLH can confidently reassure each guest of a worry-free stay," says Jean-Francois Ferret, CEO at Small Luxury Hotels of the World. "The ability to be flexible and adapt is crucial at this time, and our intimate member hotels can do so in a thorough and bespoke way. We look forward to welcoming guests back to our outstanding properties warmly and safely."