Discovering the Wonders of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, Greece
Discovering the Wonders of The Westin Resort… Costa Navarino, Greece A not-to-be missed hotel in a part of Greece not frequented much by tourists. The Resort Exploring the Region Day Trip to Methoni Before Midnight Exploring Film Locations Along the pristine shores of the Ionian Sea in the Peloponnese region of Greece, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino offers a luxurious escape for families, couples, and golf enthusiasts alike. This stunning resort, set amidst lush olive groves and overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, provides a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. The Resort Accommodations The Westin Resort Costa Navarino features a wide range of beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each designed with your comfort and well-being in mind. From the spacious Deluxe Rooms to the opulent Infinity Suites, every accommodation offers a harmonious blend of modern amenities and traditional Greek design elements. The rooms are equipped with Westin’s signature Heavenly® Beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a day of exploration and activities. Many of the rooms feature private balconies or terraces, offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea or the resort’s lush gardens. Dining The resort boasts an impressive array of dining options, catering to every taste and preference. Start your day with a sumptuous buffet breakfast at Morias, where you can indulge in a wide selection of local and international dishes, including fresh fruit, pastries, and made-to-order omelets. For a taste of authentic Greek cuisine, head to Taverna, a charming restaurant nestled in the heart of the resort. Here, you can savor traditional dishes like grilled octopus, moussaka, and souvlaki, all prepared with the freshest local ingredients. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, The Diner is a must-visit. This retro-inspired American diner serves up classic favorites like burgers, milkshakes, and apple pie, all with a gourmet twist. In the evenings, the resort comes alive with a sophisticated crowd of wealthy Athenians who flock to Costa Navarino for a taste of the good life. Mingle with the elite at The Westin’s chic bars and lounges, where you can sip on handcrafted cocktails and enjoy live entertainment. Pools and Waterslides One of the highlights of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is its incredible pool area. The resort features three expansive outdoor pools, each with its own unique atmosphere and amenities. The main pool is a hit with families, thanks to its thrilling waterslide that winds its way through the lush landscaping before plunging into the refreshing waters below. Children will spend hours splashing and playing in the pool, while parents can relax on the comfortable sun loungers or enjoy a refreshing drink from the poolside bar. For a more tranquil experience, head to the adults-only infinity pool, which offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Here, you can unwind in peace and quiet, soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun and taking in the breathtaking scenery. Cocoon Children’s Club The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is a paradise for families, thanks in large part to its exceptional Cocoon Kids Club. This state-of-the-art facility offers a wide range of age-appropriate activities and programs for children aged 4 months to 12 years. Frankly, this is the best kids club we’ve ever seen. Babies and toddlers are well-cared for in the nurturing environment of the Cocoon Crèche, where trained professionals engage them in sensory play and stimulating activities. Older children can participate in the Cocoon Kids Club, which offers a fun-filled schedule of games, crafts, and outdoor adventures. From cooking classes and treasure hunts to movie nights and pool parties (there’s even a bowling alley), there’s never a dull moment at the Cocoon Children’s Club. Parents can enjoy some well-deserved “me time,” knowing that their little ones are in excellent hands. The Dunes Golf Course Golf enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover The Dunes Course, a world-class 18-hole championship golf course designed by former US Masters Champion and Ryder Cup Captain Bernhard Langer. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Ionian Sea, this par-71 course offers a challenging and rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course features wide fairways, undulating greens, and strategic bunkers, all designed to test your skills and provide an unforgettable golfing experience. After your round, head to the clubhouse for a refreshing drink or a gourmet meal, while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Falconry Demonstrations One of the most unique and memorable experiences at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is the falconry demonstration. Each day, a skilled falconer brings a selection of majestic birds of prey to the resort, offering guests the chance to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. Watch in awe as the falconer showcases the birds’ impressive hunting skills, with hawks and falcons soaring through the sky before diving down to capture their prey. Learn about the ancient art of falconry and the important role these birds have played in Greek history and culture.For a truly unforgettable experience, sign up for a private falconry lesson, where you can learn how to handle and fly these magnificent birds under the guidance of an expert falconer. Exploring the Region Kalamata Airport The closest airport to The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is Kalamata International Airport, located just a 45-minute drive from the resort. This modern airport offers direct flights to and from major European cities, making it easy to reach the resort from anywhere in the world. Upon arrival, you can take advantage of The Westin’s convenient transfer service, which will whisk you away to the resort in style and comfort. Sit back, relax, and take in the stunning scenery of the Peloponnese as you make your way to your luxurious home away from home. History of the Region The Peloponnese region of Greece is steeped in history and mythology, with a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. From the ancient city-states of Sparta and Corinth to the Byzantine monasteries and Venetian fortresses that dot the landscape, there is no shortage
Your Guide to…Bergen Børs Hotel
Luxe Hotel… Bergen Børs Bergen Børs is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of Bergen, Norway, housed in a beautifully restored former stock exchange building from 1862, offering elegant rooms and suites, exceptional dining experiences, and a prime location near the city’s top attractions, making it the perfect base for exploring the charming port city and its surrounding fjords. History Accommodations Amenities & Dining Exploring Bergen Discover the Timeless Elegance of Bergen Børs Hotel in Bergen, Norway Introduction In the heart of Bergen, Norway’s enchanting coastal city, the Bergen Børs Hotel stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and modern sophistication. This iconic hotel, housed in a former stock exchange building dating back to 1862, effortlessly blends classic architecture with contemporary comfort and style. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the unique features of the Bergen Børs Hotel, its accommodations, on-site amenities, and the many attractions that await you in Bergen. A Storied Past The Bergen Børs Hotel is steeped in history, with its building having served as Bergen’s stock exchange for over a century. The grand, neoclassical structure was designed by the renowned Norwegian architect Franz Wilhelm Schiertz and was completed in 1862. The building’s impressive facade, with its towering columns and intricate stonework, has been a landmark in Bergen’s city center for generations. In 2017, following an extensive renovation and restoration process, the historic building was transformed into the Bergen Børs Hotel. The renovation carefully preserved the building’s original architectural features while incorporating modern amenities and design elements to create a truly unique and luxurious hotel experience. Accommodations The Bergen Børs Hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, each designed to provide guests with the utmost comfort and style. The hotel features 127 rooms, divided into several categories to suit the needs and preferences of most travelers. Note: we stayed here as a couple, not as a family of five. The room categories include: Superior Rooms: These well-appointed rooms offer a comfortable and stylish retreat, with a choice of a queen-size bed or twin beds, a work desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. Deluxe Rooms: The more spacious Deluxe Rooms feature a king-size bed or twin beds, a seating area, a work desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. Junior Suites: These luxurious suites offer a separate living area, a king-size bed, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a private bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. Some Junior Suites also feature a balcony with views of the city. Børs Suites: The most luxurious accommodations at the Bergen Børs Hotel, the Børs Suites offer a spacious living room, a separate bedroom with a king-size bed, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a private bathroom with a shower and a bathtub. These suites also feature stunning views of the city and the nearby harbor. All rooms and suites at the Bergen Børs Hotel are equipped with high-quality linens, toiletries, and modern amenities such as air conditioning, a minibar, and complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Prices for accommodations at the Bergen Børs Hotel vary depending on the room type, season, and availability. As of 2021, rates for Superior Rooms start at around NOK 1,500 per night ($180), while Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, and Børs Suites range from NOK 2,000 to NOK 4,000 per night ($240 to $480). It’s always best to check the hotel’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing and special offers. On-site Amenities and Dining The Bergen Børs Hotel offers a range of on-site amenities and services to enhance your stay in Bergen. One of the hotel’s most impressive features is its rooftop terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy a drink or a light meal at the rooftop bar while taking in the stunning panorama. For those looking to stay active during their stay, the hotel offers a well-equipped fitness center, featuring modern cardio machines and weight training equipment. After a workout, guests can unwind in the hotel’s sauna or book a massage treatment to soothe tired muscles. When it comes to dining, the Bergen Børs Hotel offers several options to suit every taste and occasion. The hotel’s main restaurant, Bare, serves a delectable array of Norwegian and international dishes, prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s elegant dining room, with its high ceilings and chandeliers, provides a sophisticated setting for a memorable meal. For a more casual dining experience, guests can visit the hotel’s bistro, Børs Bistro, which offers a selection of light meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the day. The bistro’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular spot for both hotel guests and locals alike.https://youtube.com/watch?v=/YEYyY-5HDoU?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/watch?v=/0YYYRwk4sOU?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/watch?v=/GxSgdEaBYTw?feature=share Exploring Bergen Bergen, known as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” is a city of incredible natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. The Bergen Børs Hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the many attractions and activities the city has to offer. top things to see and do in Bergen: | 1. Bryggen | Just a short walk from the hotel, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen is a must-visit attraction. This colorful row of Hanseatic wooden buildings along the harbor has been a symbol of Bergen for centuries and now houses a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants. | 2. Mount Fløyen | Take a funicular ride to the top of Mount Fløyen for stunning panoramic views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. At the top, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and a restaurant with spectacular vistas. https://youtube.com/watch?v=/9RWEDanBWCI?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/watch?v=/M7we_jHSU8g?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/watch?v=/C8E2shGKDuM?feature=share | 3. Fish Market | Bergen’s famous fish market is a lively and colorful place to explore, with stalls selling fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Norwegian delicacies. Visitors can sample some of the freshest seafood in the world or sit down for a meal at one of the market’s many restaurants. https://youtube.com/watch?v=/-gobn21FenU?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/watch?v=/AqytQ8Ne33s?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/watch?v=/6JDAQR7_MZo | 4.
Your Guide to Hotel…Quinta Do Furao
Luxe Hotel… Quinta do Furão Quinta do Furão is a stunning 4-star hotel located in Santana, on the island of Madeira, Portugal, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush green mountains, while providing guests with comfortable accommodations, excellent dining options featuring local cuisine, and a range of activities to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Accommodations Dining Amenities Exploring Madeira History Quinta do Furão: A Serene Sanctuary on the Island of Madeira Introduction Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Quinta do Furão is a stunning boutique hotel that offers visitors a tranquil and luxurious escape on the lush island of Madeira. This former farmhouse, dating back to the 18th century, has been lovingly transformed into a charming retreat that seamlessly blends traditional Madeiran architecture with modern amenities and unparalleled hospitality. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Quinta do Furão promises an unforgettable experience in one of Portugal’s most beautiful destinations. I mean, just check out our sunrise each morning in the video below. https://youtu.be/VprruPyQURI Accommodations Quinta do Furão offers a range of elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each designed to provide guests with the utmost comfort and relaxation. The hotel features 54 rooms, divided into four main categories: Standard Rooms: These cozy and comfortable rooms feature traditional Madeiran decor, with wood furnishings and warm, earthy tones. Amenities include air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, and private balconies with garden views. Prices start at around €100 per night. Superior Rooms: Slightly larger than the Standard Rooms, these accommodations offer additional space and comfort, with upgraded furnishings and stunning ocean or garden views. Prices start at approximately €120 per night. Junior Suites: These spacious suites feature separate living areas, king-size beds, and large private balconies with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Prices begin at around €150 per night. Master Suite: For the ultimate luxury experience, the Master Suite offers an expansive living area, a separate bedroom with a king-size bed, and a large terrace with panoramic ocean views. Prices for this exclusive suite start at approximately €250 per night. All rooms and suites at Quinta do Furão are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and daily housekeeping services to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Dining Quinta do Furão is renowned for its exceptional dining experiences, which showcase the best of Madeiran cuisine and local ingredients. The hotel features two main restaurants: Restaurante Quinta do Furão: This elegant restaurant offers a menu that combines traditional Madeiran dishes with international flavors, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy stunning ocean views from the restaurant’s terrace or cozy up by the fireplace in the indoor dining room. Be sure to try the hotel’s famous “espetada,” a traditional Madeiran skewer of grilled meat served with mixed salad and bolo do caco (Madeiran sweet potato bread). Adega da Quinta: For a more casual dining experience, head to Adega da Quinta, a rustic tavern-style restaurant that serves delicious Madeiran tapas, petiscos (small plates), and an extensive selection of local wines. This charming space is perfect for sharing a meal with friends or family in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. https://youtube.com/watch?v=/dNfIshZPAOMhttps://youtube.com/watch?v=/vuMGm-B0Cr4 Amenities and Services https://youtu.be/NMJkVPbD-_Y Quinta do Furão offers a wide range of amenities and services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay: Outdoor Swimming Pool: The hotel’s stunning infinity pool appears to merge with the ocean horizon, offering a truly breathtaking swimming experience. Surrounded by comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas, the pool area is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the Madeiran sunshine. Spa and Wellness Center: Indulge in a range of relaxing treatments at the hotel’s on-site spa, which features a sauna, Turkish bath, and massage rooms. Choose from an array of massages, body treatments, and facials designed to rejuvenate and refresh both body and mind. Fitness Center: Stay active during your stay at Quinta do Furão’s well-equipped fitness center, which offers a range of cardio machines and weight training equipment. Library and Games Room: Unwind with a book or challenge your travel companions to a friendly game of chess or cards in the hotel’s cozy library and games room. Meeting and Event Facilities: Quinta do Furão offers a fully-equipped meeting room that can accommodate up to 50 people, perfect for small conferences, workshops, or intimate weddings. https://youtube.com/watch?v=/GGgBQfObujw?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/watch?v=/9zQ8pQHj-Hc?feature=sharehttps://youtube.com/watch?v=/dHCikuoFTBg?feature=share Exploring Madeira Quinta do Furão’s prime location on the northeastern coast of Madeira makes it an ideal base for exploring the island’s many attractions and activities: Hiking and Nature Walks: Madeira is a hiker’s paradise, with over 2,000 kilometers of well-maintained trails that wind through the island’s stunning landscapes. The hotel’s knowledgeable staff can recommend nearby trails suitable for all skill levels, from gentle coastal walks to challenging mountain treks. Levada Walks: Unique to Madeira, levadas are ancient irrigation channels that crisscross the island, offering a network of scenic walking paths. Quinta do Furão is located near several popular levada walks, including the Levada do Furado and the Levada da Serra do Faial. Santana Village: Just a short drive from the hotel, the charming village of Santana is famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses, known as “palheiros.” These colorful triangular houses are unique to Madeira and provide a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. Funchal City Tour: No visit to Madeira is complete without exploring its vibrant capital city, Funchal. Located about an hour’s drive from Quinta do Furão, Funchal offers a wealth of attractions, including the stunning Madeira Botanical Garden, the colorful Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market), and the historic Sé Cathedral. Monte Palace Tropical Garden: Perched high above Funchal, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a lush oasis featuring exotic plants, koi ponds, and intricate tile work. Visitors can reach the garden via a scenic cable car ride from Funchal and return to the city center by taking an exhilarating toboggan ride down the steep streets. https://youtu.be/LyPQJDA7zEI History and Architecture Quinta do Furão has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century when it served as
Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali vs. Bali Nusa Dua Hotel
Our first ever Bali hotel challenge led to a colossal victory for the one hotel that watched our kids and kept feeding us alcohol. No surprise really.
Man Eaters Lodge, Tsavo West, Kenya
Man Eaters Lodge, Tsavo West, Kenya Safariing (this is a real word by the way) can get exhausting. It’s good to know that at the end of the day you can rest and relaxation at a decent lodge. One of the lodges we chose on a particular safari was the Man Eaters Lodge, a luxury tented camp nestled on the banks of the Tsavo River in the middle of Tsavo National Park. How the Lodge Got Its Name The lodge is called “Man Eaters” because it’s located near one of the attack sites of the famous man-eating lions of Tsavo. The Tsavo Man-Eaters were a pair of notorious, man-eating, maneless Tsavo lions (named “the ghost” and “the darkness” respectively) responsible for the deaths of a number of construction workers on the Kenya-Uganda Railway from March 1898 through December of that same year. These story of these deaths became a book, which in turn became a movie starring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer. The East Africa Railroad company estimated that the lions ate 28 men. The author of the 1907 book, British Army Colonel John Henry Patterson, estimated that the lions ate 135 men. However, in 2009, a team of biologists performed a chemical analysis on hair and skin samples from the stuffed and mounted lions, concluding that the lions actually ate 35 men. Lions ate approximately zero people during the time we stayed at the lodge. The Lodge Itself Way better than the horrible tents we were in other nights, but not the poshest place ever. Still, I consider it luxe for the mere fact they had clean sheets, soft beds, a pool, electricity (most of the time), and decent food in the middle of nowhere. The lodge consists of 30 luxury tents – each with a view of the Tsavo River. Lodge Activities You can sleep, read, or look at animals. And, after a day on safari, what more do you want to do than look at more animals? The Conclusion If you go to Tsavo West, which, in my estimation, is one of the best parks in Africa, you should definitely stay here. I don’t mean to downplay the awesome of this lodge (which, I fear my sarcasm has done). There aren’t many places to stay in Tsavo, and, based on my research and experience, this is THE best one. It’s relaxing, clean, inexpensive (~$150/night), and right in the middle of the park not far off the main highway.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India Deep in the Indian state of Rajasthan, lies what I believe to be a gem of a city. Udaipur, the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar, is a far cry from Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, etc. It’s sleepy and comfortable, exotic and refined. It’s like a getaway within a getaway. A place to escape the hustle, bustle, and 1.3b people of India. Though there are many things to do within the city, we found Udaipur to be the perfect place to relax at our hotel and melt into relaxation. There are many amazing hotels to choose from in Udaipur, but none more elegant that the Oberoi Udavilas. Location and History Located on the bank of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas manages to remain unique amongst luxury hotels in Udaipur. Spread over fifty acres that abut the sparkling Lake Pichola, it rests on the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Twenty of those acres are protected as a wildlife sanctuary with deer, peacocks, and wild boar. The Layout, the Prestige You arrive at the domed palace by private boat and are immediately treated like royalty. Every staff member makes a point of politely recognizing and addressing you (in a sometimes demonstrably deferential way – picture someone dropping what’s in their hands so that they could make a praying sign with their hands while bowing). The hotel itself has an intricate layout of interconnecting domes and corridors that actually reflects the layout of Udaipur itself; whose seven lakes are linked by canals. The domes and walkways are flooded with natural light, which gentle, cool breezes flowing throughout (Udaipur is almost 2,000 feet above sea level, which means it can be refreshingly cool in the hellish summer months). If that doesn’t sell you, the Oberoi Udaivilas was voted Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure in 2014 and 2015. What to Do As you’d expect from any hotel, there’s an 18th-century former palace on-site, Bada Mahal, which you can explore at leisure. There’s also many activities available, such as: culinary classes, yoga, camel rides, Henna lessons, art classes, lake cruises, sightseeing tours, and luxury on-site spa treatments. But, basically, you can just walk the grounds and be amazed at the ornateness. The Room There are a few different types of rooms – two types of suites, two types of premier/standard. Some with a courtyard off the back end; some with a shared pool that wraps around the hotel off the back end; other suites that we didn’t get a chance to view (we’re not actually royalty). We stayed in the middle tier room (the Premier Room with a semi private pool) – and had the shared pool mostly to ourselves. The Pools, the Pools, the Pools. It’s all About the Pools. They’re seemingly everywhere. And they’re all amazing. The Details, the Crazy Attention to Details Walk into any room and you’ll find class. Each little nook, each cranny filled to the brim with class. How do I define class? Oh, I don’t know…quality textiles, no cheap shortcuts, no real cracks in the foundation (literally and figuratively), and candles, lots and lots of candles. The Food We basically never left the hotel for our meals. Traditional fare, as well as food that agrees with Western tastes. It was all there. We did order room service on one very romantic night. We even ordered wine with our meal – which is quite the luxury in this country. Our server remained out on our room’s deck for quite some time with the bottle of wine in hand, lest we need a refill. Being embarrassed of, and unaccustomed to, such over-the-top service, we struck up a long conversation with our server. We had him grab himself a glass and we drank together – staff and guest. It was the first time he had tried wine. He told us that no-one had ever taken the time to talk to him like we had. At the end, he told us it was the greatest moment of his life. I’m not sure if that makes me happy or incredibly sad. Last Reason to go Here
Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi Lodge Rating = WORLD CLASS Rooms 9.4 9.4/10 Food 9.1 9.1/10 Value 8.6 8.6/10 Activities 10.0 10/10 The Location Three to four hours northwest of Quito, Ecuador (Sector La Delicia, Parroquia Pacto) in the 3,200-acre Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve located in the Ecuadorian Chocó forest. Along the way you can visit the touristy Center of the World complex (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo) and/or the competing Center of the World monument a few miles away. If you’re prone to carsickness, the drive can be torturous, but the end destination is more than “worth it.” The Rooms 22 rooms and three suites – all with floor-to-cieling glass walls. No TV (who cares?); but slow Wi-Fi (yikes!). Feels like you’re sleeping in the middle of a rainforest, which, well, you are. Simple, Clean, Elegant…all in the Middle of a Rainforest Did I Mention You’re in the Middle of a Rainforest? The Food Traditional Ecuadorean. Think ceviches, yucca, plantains, and…popcorn. The Dining Area (Where You’ll be Spending a lot of Time) The Activities Since the lodge is located in the reserve, many miles from civilization, you’re lucky that there are ample activities to partake in. Whether you’re a fleet-footed early bird, or the slow-to-wake sedentary type, Mashpi has you covered. Sky Bike Because biking across the chasm of a rainforest valley is something you never knew you wanted to do. https://vimeo.com/196346180 Guided Nighttime Walk A highly recommended excursion is a guided nighttime walk. There are multiple walks you can take – each with their own highlights. One walk, very close to the lodge, takes you near a small stream and waterfall. In that area, you’ll be treated to several different frogs living in their happy place. In fact, Mashpi has it own tree frog, the Mashpi Torrenteer (Hyloscirtus mashpi), which was discovered in the reserve in 2015. Butterfly Garden Great for kids. Great for adults. Great for adults who want to feel like kids. Great for big kids. Great for kids who want to be kids forever. Great for adults who aren’t kids (but still act like kids according to their spouses). Great for adu-kids (that a cross between an adult and kid, kind of like an animal hybrid). Great for…ok, I’ll just stop. They Call This Butterfly the “89 Butterfly” for Reasons that are Beyond Me If You Can’t See a Butterfly’s Wings, does it Have Any? Waterfall For the adventurous person, there are a couple of waterfalls on the reserve. One smaller waterfall is close to the lodge, the other, larger waterfall, is about a two-hour hike away. For the larger waterfall, you’ll get to walk directly through the rainforest and observe all of the sights and sounds that come along with it. At the end of your walk, life will reward you with lunch and access to your own personal waterfall. Morning Birdwatching If you are even remotely interested in birdwatching, this is THE place for you. In fact, I think this hotel is on every serious birder’s bucket list. On-Site, Expert Naturalists are There to Document Your Every Move Hummingbird Garden You can spend more time watching hummingbirds of all shapes and sizes up close here, at Masphi, than you have your entire life combined. Meaning, like, at least an hour or so. I Didn’t Know Hummingbirds Were as Big as Regular Birds View Tower Mashpi is a rainforest…or maybe it’s a cloud forest? Not sure. I do know that it’s a forest with a lot of rain and a lot of clouds. But even on the cloudiest days you can get above it all by climbing their observation tower. Pros v. Cons of Visiting Pros – You’ll be able to tell your friends you stayed in one of National Geographic’s Unique Hotels of the World; You’ll see plenty of exotic birds that you never even knew existed; You might become one with nature; You’ll see an pristine rainforest before…gulp…it goes away 🙁 Cons – You may vomit on the drive from Quito to the preserve and lodge if you are a weak human being; Wi-Fi is conspicuously absent at the times you need it the most; There is no television for you to stay in your room all day and watch; There is no swim-up pool bar (only because there is no pool); Surprisingly, it’ll rain a lot in the rainforest. Conclusion If you like exotic travel, going is a no-brainer. Even with the cost. I mean, would you rather have 20 nights at an airport Holiday Inn or four nights at a unique, National Geographic-recognized, world-renowned eco-lodge in the heart of the rainforest? Exactly.