Hacienda Cusin

Otavalo, Ecuador.

Each room is unique, and furnished with antiques that merge colonial style with country-pile cosiness. In keeping with this theme, there are crackling log fires to take off the chill in winter. All rooms at Hacienda Cusin have beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and mountains, and some have their own terraces. There are also cottages with their own gardens, making you feel totally at home.

A team of no less than twelve specialist chefs preside over the kitchen, turning out a range of delicious offerings, from freshly baked breads to mountain trout and crème caramel for dessert. After dinner, the hotel’s in-house balladeer entertains guests in front of the log fire. A variety of animals roam the grounds amid acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

Horse riding, mountain biking and hiking in the surrounding countryside, basketball and volleyball in the grounds, massages in your room or a private Spanish lesson are all on offer.