Planning
Dream destinations 
As it is often easier to plan a journey with specific hotels or guest houses in mind, we make a small selection of those establishments that we consider particularly worthy of mention. Not all have hot water, none have gold taps, but all are unique!
Alto Atacama, The Atacama desert
Chile (Lodge/Hosteria)A unique hotel, which blends into its setting, near the Pukara de Quitor ruins, around a 10 minute drive from San Pedro (4km). The living room has a fireplace and there are also some outdoor firepits which are great for stargazing. The hotel also offers six outdoor pools and a spa. View details
Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas, Iguassu Falls
Brazil (Country hotel)A 5-star hotel, with a traditional feel, owned by Belmond (formerly Orient-Express). The hotel is a lovely old colonial-style property inside the National Park and at the edge of the Iguassu falls. There is a large swimming pool, extensive gardens, 2 restaurants, bar, tennis court and spa. View details
Belmond Maroma Resort, The Riviera Maya
Mexico (Beach hotel)A formal, yet relaxed, luxury hotel set on the long, beautiful beach 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen, owned and managed by Belmond (previously Orient-Express). The original house (part of the coconut plantation) has been kept, and additional rooms have been added around large well-maintained grounds. There are 3 swimming pools, a spa, and a beach-front restaurant. View details
Casa Oropéndola, Santa Marta and Tayrona
Colombia (Country hotel)In a unique setting in the heart of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta at 1,500 metres above sea level, with views to the distant Caribbean sea. This area offers an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna and it is a prime destination for birdwatchers, with 628 bird species found here, 20 of which are endemic. The house is surrounded by rainforest and coffee fields, and most afternoons rising clouds flood the house and then fade into the sky leaving a breath-taking sunset. All meals and drinks are included (excluding bottled soft drinks and alcohol). View details
Casa Palopó, Lake Atitlán
Guatemala (Inn/Posada)Beautiful hotel on a hill above the lake, with just 8 rooms, small heated pool and terrace with views to the volcanoes. There is also 2 bedroom villa which offers stunning views, total privacy and butler service. View details
Casa San Agustin, Cartagena
Colombia (City hotel)A lovingly restored luxury small hotel in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town. The beautiful white-washed building dates back to colonial times and original frescoes can be found in the library. The ‘Alma’ restaurant features fresh seafood and there is also a pool bar. View details
Chili Beach Hotel, Jericoacoara to Fortaleza
Brazil (Beach hotel)A beautiful, small hotel with just 6 rooms next to a quiet beach a few minutes walk from Jeri's restaurants, shops and bars. There is a spa, a lovely pool overlooking the ocean and a good restaurant. View details
Cristalino Jungle Lodge, Alta Floresta
Brazil (Lodge/Hosteria)A luxury jungle lodge on the edge of the clear waters of the River Cristalino, along the southern belt of the Amazon. The lodge is accessible only by river and is set in a private reserve of 11,399 hectares of pristine and primary rain forest. This region is recognized as an important area of the Amazon in terms of biodiversity. View details
El Mirador de Guadal, Southern Carretera Austral
Chile (Lodge/Hosteria)A stunning 6 hour drive south from Balmaceda, through the rugged terrain of northern Patagonia and you will reach this beautifully tranquil lodge. Just outside the village of Puerto Guadal and nestled on the shores of the crystal blue Lago General Carrera, the lodge is made up of a series of comfortable wooden cabins, overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. Set slightly further back from the cabins is the restaurant, which serves a selection of local cuisine. View details
Estancia Cerro Guido, Torres del Paine
Chile (Estancia/Ranch)This traditional lodge is on a 90,000 hectare working sheep farm with 50,000 sheep about 45km from the Laguna Amarga (eastern) entrance to Torres del Paine national park. It has wonderful views of the Towers themselves. View details
Estancia Los Potreros, Córdoba
Argentina (Estancia/Ranch)A 6,500 acre working cattle farm that has remained in the same Anglo-Argentine family for four generations, 40km from Córdoba, in the hills. The main house is steeped in family history with many references to the days of the Jesuits who first organised farming in the area before they were forced to leave quite suddenly in 1769. The hospitality and food are both excellent, there is an outdoor pool and lots of good horses. View details
Explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine
Chile (Lodge/Hosteria)The iconic Explora Patagonia hotel, with its striking contemporary design, is stylish and comfortable and offers an inclusive package with full board and choice of excursions (called 'explorations' and shared with other guests). Its position, overlooking Lake Pehoé, gives stunning views of the Paine massif (the cuernos - horns) to one side and to the Salto Chico waterfall on the other. Their Ona spa building, reached along a boardwalk, has a heated pool, sauna, steam room, and several ourdoor hot tubs. View details
Finca San Juan de la Isla, Granada and Ometepe
Nicaragua (Lodge/Hosteria)A restored, colonial hacienda with 160 acres of private land inside the Finca San Juan, a tropical fruit tree plantation surrounded by precious wood trees and rare wildlife, on Santo Domingo beach. The main house has a lovely terrace with hammocks, tables and chairs and wonderful views of both Madras and Concepción volcanoes. There is a bar, informal dining area and sitting room with a selection of books, games and a television. The gardens are well kept with many tropical plants, attracting a variety of birdlife and butterflies. View details
Galapagos Safari Camp, Santa Cruz (Indefatigable)
Galapagos (Lodge/Hosteria)A luxury tented camp on a 55 hectare farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz (altitude 450 metres) with views over the Pacific and western and northern Galapagos islands. There is an infinity pool and a viewpoint terrace, and the main lodge has a lounge, library, bar and restaurant, serving fresh, organic, home-grown food. 10 hectares of the farm has been dedicated to reforestation, and they have reintroduced some endemic tree species. View details
Grace, Galapagos yachts and cruises
Galapagos (Cruise ship)Quick facts - Level: Luxury | Passengers: 16 | Duration: 7 nights | Length: 145 feet | Cruising speed: 12 knots | Operator: Quasar Expeditions
A classic motor yacht built in Southampton in 1928. She has a colourful history, previously owned by Aristotle Onassis and given to Princess Grace of Monaco as a wedding gift, and also used during WWII at Dunkirk (she even captured a German torpedo E-boat!). The yacht has an al fresco dining area, sun deck, library, bar-salon and outdoor Jacuzzi. View details
Hacienda San José, The coffee region
Colombia (Estancia/Ranch)Dating back to 1888, San Jose is a wonderful hacienda surrounded by spacious grounds and colourful gardens, situated at the heart of the coffee triangle in between Pereira and Chinchina. Owned and run by the Mejía Jaramillo family, the traditional two-story hacienda is full of charming colonial décor, period furniture and family mementos, an elegant testament to a by-gone era. There is an open verandah running the length of the building where breakfast and meals can be served while towards the back, a paved patio enclosing an elegant pool and Jacuzzi. View details
Hacienda San Lucas, Copán and the West
Honduras (Hacienda)A pretty hacienda owned by the same family for over a hundred years. There is a wonderful kitchen with traditional log stove on which meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients. The gardens have views over a river to the ruins. The tiny Sapos Maya site is on the property but the major attraction is the nearby site of Copán, with its fabulous carved stelae. View details
Hacienda Uayamón, Campeche
Mexico (Hacienda)Formerly a 16th Century cattle ranch and a sisal plantation Uayamón has been beautifully restored, maintaining many original features. It dates from 1894, has an impressive entrance and several of the buildings have been left as ruins. The main house has a library, spacious communal area and dining room, plus a wonderful terrace. There is a lovely pool in the old storage house and a spa in the old payment room (the hacienda had 600 employees at its peak) which has the original stone walls. There is also a small chapel and a jail in the grounds! View details
Hacienda Zuleta, Otavalo and surrounds
Ecuador (Hacienda)85km north of Quito in the Zuleta Valley. A beautiful colonial, family-run, working hacienda set at 2,800m with lots of history, in the tiny village of Angochuagua. It is set around a couple of cobbled courtyards, lined with geraniums, with lovely views up the valley and there is a tiny chapel, cheese factory and impressive organic vegetable garden. There is a wonderful sitting room with an open fireplace and the food is good. View details
Hostería Helsingfors, Chalten
Argentina (Country hotel)Founded by Finn Alfred Ramstrom as an estancia in 1917, this remote property (the gravel access road alone is 75km) is in a beautiful setting sheltered from the fierce glacial winds by knarled sequoias. Power is provided by a hydraulic turbine. View details
Hotel B, Lima
Peru (City hotel)A charming boutique hotel in the heart of the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco. Originally a mansion house, this historic building has been beautifully restored and furnished. There is a restaurant specialising in Peruvian food, a library and beautiful roof top terrace. View details
Ibitipoca, Minas Gerais
Brazil (Country hotel)Ibitipoca, a 5,000 hectare reserve about 4 hours inland by road from Rio de Janeiro (270km), began in 1981 with the purchase of the Fazenda do Engenho. The old farmhouse, built in 1715, was rebuilt in 2006, retaining many of its original features; it overlooks a lake and offers some wonderful views, particularly from the terrace. The dining room is traditionally furnished with a wood burning stove and guests can either eat ‘family style’ at the main table or be seated at individual tables. The main sitting room has an open fire and there is also a small TV/DVD room. Other facilities include a spa, sauna and outdoor hot tub. View details
Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu
Peru (Lodge/Hosteria)A lovely authentic hotel, set in 5 hectares of beautiful grounds, by the train station in Aguas Calientes. There are 2 restaurants, a small outdoor pool, spa and Andean sauna. View details
M/V Tucano, Amazon lodges and cruises
Brazil (Cruise ship)A beautiful river boat that operates trips up the rivers Negro and Blanco, north of Manaus, and also visits the famous “Meeting of the Waters”, where the rivers Negro and Solimões meet. Their signature programme (Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon) is 6 nights, an in-depth exploration of the Amazon ecosystem (including the Anavilhanas archipelago) and fascinating for those with a real interest in nature and wildlife. They also operate a shorter 4 night itinerary (Into the Wild Amazon). View details
Maquenque Eco-Lodge, Arenal and the North-east
Costa Rica (Lodge/Hosteria)A family-owned jungle lodge, built within the Maquenque National Wildlife Reserve and surrounded by tropical rainforest. The lodge is just north of Boca Tapada and access is by boat across the San Carlos river. View details
Napo Wildlife Centre, The Amazon
Ecuador (Lodge/Hosteria)In Yasuní National Park, 2 hours by boat and 1 hour by canoe from Coca, Napo is set in an 82 square mile nature reserve. It is the only lodge on the relatively undisturbed south bank of the Napo river, where there is a particularly high concentration of bird and animal species. The lodge is based on a conservation partnership with the local Kichwa Añangu community. The dining room overlooks Añangu lake, and there is a library, bar and shop. On a clear day you can see the Andes from the 131-foot ecological tower, which was built using palm leaves, bamboos and other local materials. View details
Narbona Wine Lodge, Colonia and surrounds
Uruguay (Country hotel)Just outside the small town of Carmelo and surrounded by vineyards, this winery lodge is ideal for those looking to spend a couple of days relaxing and sampling Uruguay's famous wines. The hotel also makes its own dairy products, including cheeses, yoghurts and ice creams, which are available in the restaurant. View details
Pacuare Lodge, The Central highlands
Costa Rica (Lodge/Hosteria)A beautiful lodge on the Pacuare river best reached by white-water raft (grades 2-3). The main building is set above the river with good views, a large dining area (mostly open air), an open kitchen and upstairs bar with comfortable sofas and chairs. The lodge also has a spa. View details
Pelican's Pouch Hotel, The Cayes
Belize (Resort)The caye is reached by boat (40 minutes) from Dangriga and is the perfect place to relax! There are plenty of hammocks and a lovely beach from where you can snorkel. View details
Peuma Hue, Bariloche and Villa la Angostura
Argentina (Estancia/Ranch)A charming rural hotel set in 500 acres at the end of a beautiful lake, with 2 miles of lake shore. It is surrounded by pristine forests, mountains, streams and waterfalls. A homely atmosphere with good food. View details
Playa Cativo, The Osa Peninsula
Costa Rica (Beach hotel)A beautiful beachfront lodge set in 405 hectares of private reserve, surrounded by the Piedras Blancas national park (a former extension of the Corcovado national park). Accessible exclusively by boat, Playa Cativo overlooks the tranquil waters of Golfo Dulce, and has a swimming pool, restaurant and numerous walking trails. View details
Posada del Angel, Antigua and Guatemala City
Guatemala (Inn/Posada)A small inn which oozes style and good taste. 4 blocks from the main square. Family atmosphere and guests are provided with a list of things to do in the area. Breakfast only, drinks extra, but many good restaurants within walking distance. View details
Tambopata Research Centre (TRC), Tambopata and Manu
Peru (Lodge/Hosteria)A remote lodge immersed in primary rainforest within the Tambopata National Reserve on the banks of the Tambopata river, about 5 hours from Puerto Maldonado and accessed by a combination of road and motorised canoe. Meals are served buffet style in the open sided dining area, there is a bar, hammocks, communal seating areas and small massage room. View details
The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Natales
Chile (Country hotel)Once a cold storage plant for Patagonia sheep exports, this historic building has been reborn as a luxury hotel whilst maintaining its original industrial architecture and heritage. There is a spa, sauna, and indoor/outdoor pool. View details
Titilaka, Lake Titicaca
Peru (Lodge/Hosteria)A luxury hotel set on a private peninsula on the beautiful Lake Titicaca (around 45 minutes from the centre of Puno, 90 minutes from Juliaca airport). Spacious communal areas with wrap around terraces and wonderful views. View details
Uxua Casa Hotel, Porto Seguro, Trancoso and Arraial d'Ajuda
Brazil (Beach hotel)An exclusive small hotel situated just off the main 16th century square in Trancoso, the Quadrado. There are individually designed casas, a restaurant specialising in regional Bahian food, a spa, pool, beach and beach bar/restaurant which is a gentle 10 minute walk away from the Quadrado. View details
Victoria House, The Cayes
Belize (Beach hotel)An exceptional hotel on a white sand beach with pool, bar and restaurant all set in lovely grounds. A quiet hideaway just 2 miles from San Pedro, which is easily accessible by buggy, bike or taxi. View details
Vila Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Brazil (Country hotel)An elegant boutique property set within a five hectare private estate in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood. The hotel is owned by the Monteiro de Carvalho family who have lived on the estate for the past four generations. There are spectacular views over the city and bay and communal areas include a lounge, library, dining room and pool deck. View details
Wayra Lodge (MLP - Salkantay), The Inca Trails
Peru (Lodge/Hosteria)In a windswept valley at 3,900m below Humantay mountain, this lodge has a small hot tub in an inner courtyard. There is also a bar and dining room. From here the trail leads downhill, in the knowledge that the highest pass is behind you! View details