BOUTIQUE & LIFESTYLE LEADERS ASSOCIATION

What is the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association?

The world’s most innovative and progressive organization dedicated to the luxury independent boutique lodging and lifestyle industries. The association connects the world’s most dynamic executives with cutting edge business and operational insight. BLLA’s membership benefits allow access to the world’s leading minds in the space through events, research and education. Our mission is to provide leadership and opportunities for global recognition and connections to the world’s best hotels, vendors and manufacturers. All resulting in strategic interactions and access to information that helps people and organizations thrive. 

The BLLA was created to unify, empower, educate and advocate for a growing community of creators within the dynamic realm of boutique lifestyle—not only establishing and maintaining industry standards, but boldly advancing its cultural impact and category innovation.

We are your voice and your megaphone. We are your home and your launching pad. A catalyst for trends and unapologetic pioneer, the BLLA is where the best in boutique gathers to become better—from hoteliers and hospitality entrepreneurs to visionaries in retail, fashion, beauty, fitness, and beyond. 

Boutique is powerful. Boutique is captivating. And above all, boutique is a global movement that we are proud to lead. Our mission? To counteract corporate monotony and champion creativity. To forget the forgettable and forge the once-in-a-lifetime. To break down doors and link the most brilliant minds in the industry. To build on our now 10-year legacy of reimagining the multifaceted future of boutique—together.

Who We Are

Founded in 2009, the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) is the voice of the world’s independent boutique and lifestyle hotels, small brands and boutique businesses.

The association was founded in response to a demand for a collective voice for this fragmented industry. Today the association has members around the world. As the lifestyle industry sees an ever-increasing demand from discerning boutique-seeking clients, BLLA is primarily dedicated to creating greater economic success for independent business owners by helping them level the playing field against larger brands and chains.

We have verified over 10,000 authentic boutique hotels around the world (following guidelines and categories listed here) and we are working with nearly 300 hotels closely with the BLLA-intensive program.

Goals And Benefits

Through BLLA, members can find expert resources to address any of their needs—including digital and print marketing & sales professionals, technology providers, architects, interior designers, food & beverage vendors, laundry design/purchasing consultants and others.

Association members benefit from distribution channels as well as boutique specific resources, marketing tools, news and information. BLLA serves as the go-to destination for everything boutique and lifestyle-related.

Our members finally have a resource that understands their specific needs and niche market.

In addition, members benefit from access to research papers, webinars, industry reports, marketing tools, and news and information specific to boutique businesses and their suppliers.

BLLA was founded in answer to the expressed need for the industry’s collective voice.

Testimonials

“BLLA is the premier organization for independent hoteliers, bringing together a bespoke group of industry peers hyper-focused on thinking outside of the box. For first-time hoteliers or those established but hoping to gain traction in the independent arena, I would highly recommend BLLA as an organization."

Michael Kitchen, Partner, Aparium Hotel Group 

"I think BLLA has provided a great platform for all of the boutique industries to come together with the goal of broadening the reach of independent, unique concepts."

Javier Egipciaco, Managing Director, Arlo Hotels

"We are so grateful for BLLA and the wonderful community they’ve been able to create around the boutique community and lifestyle. “As a fairly new boutique investment & hospitality group, they have welcomed us with open arms and provided so many great connections and resources that have positively impacted us."

Lance Helfert, Principal, Montecito Venture Partners

"Huge fan of what you guys do for our industry."

Brian De Lowe, Co-Founder & President, Proper Hospitality

"You are all about boutique hotels and creativity and for that I thank you!"

Jacques Olivier Chauvin, CEO, Fauchon Hotels

"To the BLLA Leadership and Organization. Thank you! Anything for the BLLA!"

Ian Schrager, Founder, Ian Schrager Company