 Mansión del Angel
Quito
This charming boutique property is located in the Mariscal Sucre neighborhood, considered the gastronomical and cultural center of Quito. The building is an actual mansion built at the turn of the century as a private home; it has been carefully renovated and now welcomes guests into an elegant, intimate setting. Dominated by the sweeping staircase in the entryway, the interior is decorated with tall statues, Persian rugs, and antique furnishings. Rooms are bright and comfortable, most with four-poster beds. Afternoon tea is served in the living room and the sunny rooftop deck is a leafy retreat that provides a perfect respite from the busy city streets below.
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 The Swissôtel
Quito
This luxury property is one of Quito's finest, presenting visitors with a modern, contemporary design and an acute attention to comfort. The hotel also enjoys a good location: set in the heart of the commercial district and just a 5-minute walk to the trendy Mariscal neighborhood, where the city's fashionable bars and restaurants are found. Guests may also enjoy the hotel's wide array of delectable international cuisine; the Swissôtel boasts five restaurants with choices ranging from French to Swiss to Japanese. And for those guests with a little extra time on their hands, they must try the extensive and luxurious Amrita Spa, the perfect place to rejuvenate oneself after a long journey.
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Mansión Alcázar
Cuenca
Located in the heart of the charming colonial town of Cuenca, Mansión Alcázar is an elegantly decorated luxury hotel recently converted from a privately owned mansion. It's newly renovated interior has an unmistakable colonial flavor and a very sophisticated allure. Guests can choose among 14 beautifully appointed rooms, no two of which are alike. Spend some time strolling through the winding paths of the impressive garden – and then stop for a bite at Casa Alonso, where local dishes are the order of the day. We recommend taking tea in the Reading Room, where cozy chairs and a library of books relating to Ecuador's cultural and natural heritage make for peaceful and informative reading.
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 La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa
Otavalo
Located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, this boutique garden retreat is the perfect spot to indulge a healthy appetite for relaxation and pampering. The rooms are elegantly designed with both classic European touches and indigenous crafts and materials. Only 23 rooms - each decorated individually - means that the hotel has a very intimate and personal feel. Meals can be taken on the great lawn, but don't be surprised if a peacock or other bird stops by to pay his regards. Activities at La Mirage include garden walks, tennis, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching - and, of course, a visit to the spa is nearly mandatory. |
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 M/V Evolution
The M/V Evolution recalls the turn of the century, when cruising was the most deluxe way to see the world and careful attention to on-board guests was almost an art form. This deluxe yacht only allows 32 passengers, making for an intimate and personalized experience in the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy dinners and cocktails on the ship's deck while the local wildlife creates a vivid natural backdrop. And, after a long day of visiting the islands with the naturalist guides, take a dip in the onboard pool, a rare luxury for such a small ship. Lectures and discussions also enhance your experience in the Galapagos, giving some background and context to what you see in this beautiful, unspoiled paradise.
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 Galapagos Explorer II
This larger vessel hosts up to 100 passengers for 3-, 4- or 7-night cruises of the remote islands. Six onboard bilingual naturalist guides provide background and information on the natural history of the Galapagos, and facilities include a boutique, library, karaoke bar, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, sundeck, massage suite and a 24-hour on-call medical doctor. Two glass-bottom boats allow guests to see the variety of island species without diving or snorkeling, an attractive feature for those who prefer to stay above the surface of the water. Every suite has a view, and all include a mini-bar, sitting area, walk-in closet, panoramic windows and TV system with documentaries on the islands. The culinary staff brilliantly prepares both international and Ecuadorian cuisine; dining is informal and lunch is usually served as buffet-style on the outdoor deck.
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