This fairy-tale 17th-century hacienda is on the southern outskirts of San Pablo del Lago, 10km from Otavalo. Tall cedar trees shade the garden paths linking the cozy cottages and gracefully aging buildings. Impressive carved wooden doors, European oil paintings and South American textiles and antiques create museum-like interiors. You may feel, though, like you're in a creepy old horror film.
Guests can play squash, ride horses or bikes, lounge in the reading library (every room also comes equipped with its own collection of books), then cozy up to the bar, where a roaring fire cuts the highland chill. The formal, proper dining room (check out the oil canvas depicting a severed head) serves delicious meals made with organic fruits and vegetables grown in the impressive on-site garden. Packages offer everything from overnight horseback-riding expeditions and Spanish-language lessons to weaving courses. Wi-fi can be frustratingly spotty (as in most non-urban areas, let's be honest).
