More often than not, we return with the material evidence of our travels: the food we ate, the coffee joint that revealed what a truly full-bodied brew could be, or the hole-in-the-wall vintage shop where you found those Miu Miu earrings. Everything we touch and feel makes the trip back, quietly, neatly stored in an already overpacked bag.
But something crucial gets left out. It’s the vibe, the surround sound of a new place. It’s the momentary burst of joy, curiosity, or calm that the unexpected tunes, the unfamiliar music, injects into the air. That soundtrack, the one you can’t pack, is what truly defines the feeling of being there.
It’s the elusive playlist.
For avid travelers, we acknowledge the immense effort the staff puts into perfecting a guest experience, yet the soundscape often goes unnoticed. As the hospitality industry evolves faster than ever, these curated playlists are becoming the most unexpected souvenirs of the places you’ve been.
Take Amaya, for example. This quiet hideaway in the Himalayas is soundtracked by the calls of native birds and the rustling of leaves. But the indulgence with nature doesn’t stop there.
The vibe of its common areas is masterfully curated by By The Boutique. Every mood is anticipated, every song is carefully selected to be non-intrusive, yet lingers long after you leave. This isn’t just background noise; it is a deliberately crafted layer that bottles the moment, ensuring that “Amaya” can be taken home simply by pressing ‘play’.
This intentionality is reflected in the playlist names themselves. Each one on their Spotify account, from “Sunset Serenade” to “Starlit Nights” is a carefully constructed mix by the team.
Instead of generic background tracks, Amaya and BTB have successfully identified and distilled the varied tastes of its guests. The music moves effortlessly between contemporary Alternative/Indie tunes and the rich, classic tones of old Hindi songs. This curation isn’t left to chance; the selection has been penned down to be precisely the right vibe. It turns a temporary backdrop into a permanent, shareable artifact that guests can take home, extending the memory of their stay.
Listen to the music curated by By The Boutique here.
Abode Boutique Hotels utilizes this strategy expertly. Their Mumbai and Ahangama properties, separated by miles and coastal climates share a single playlist. This isn’t oversight; it’s a conscious brand decision designed together with By The Boutique to define their guest experience.
The musical mix, consisting of Lofi, alternative, hip-hop, and blues, keeps the defined taste of their clientele consistent. As a result, the vibe at both hotels is quietly the same.
The commitment to music is second nature to the property, and extends past the playlist. Their #SoundsOfAbode initiative actively promoted musical culture. Their collaboration with The Revolver Club allowed guests and locals to #ExperienceVinyl, tuning out the city’s chaos to discover and learn about Jazz artists on vinyl.
Listen to the music co-curated by By The Boutique here.
Outside of our Member Stays, at The House of Shila, the playlist isn’t just on the in-room iPad for you to vibe on cue; it’s so good, we were sure to snag it as a souvenir.
And then there’s the Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa. Staying ahead of the curve, they share their exclusive playlist with travel agents before arrival. Guests can hit play on their transfer, getting a sneak peek of the resort’s entire vibe.
When brands treat audio curation like this, as an extension of guest experience, you know the game has changed. We’re just waiting to see how sound evolves to deepen the immersion next.
