If you were to dream up a rustic little treasure where you can get away from it all, Termas de Papallacta may just fit the bill. Sitting at a head-spinning 3,250 metres above sea level, the lodge is almost embedded into the Andes and as as you step out your front door, you'll be peering directly onto the snow-capped Antisana Volcano. As lovely as the accommodation is, the real drawcard of Termas are the incredible thermal pools, where you'll easily while away a few hours. When you fancy a touch more action, hike into the hills where the glorious vistas become clearer with every step higher.
The entire lodge is set around the steaming thermal pools with an array of jets to luxuriate in and sensational views to surround you. You'll also find a polar pool to add to the experience! Back at the spa, enjoy delicious treatments including Andean mud, chocolate and white grape mousse body wraps. They really do sound good enough to eat... The casual, cosy restaurant serves a variety of dishes inspired by local cuisine and everything is prepared with the freshest of ingredients. The glass-sided spa cafe offers a menu of light snacks too, if you fancy something to nibble between treatments.
Built from preserved wood, there are 35 rooms all centred round the lodge's thermal pools (which are only used by guests, it's good to note). With King-sized or double beds, the rooms are uncluttered and polished and the decor is inspired by the flora in the surrounding hills. The bathrooms are especially spacious and three rooms feature a private Jacuzzi tub for some extra special. Set around 100 metres from the hotel, there are six duplex cabins with a room on each floor, a sitting area and some with a roaring fireplace.
We agree, you could spend every hour enjoying a good soak and all the massages, but the glorious outdoors beckons... There are hiking trails aplenty, from riverside walks to expeditions into a glacial valley and quiet strolls beside gushing waterfalls. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for the vivid birdlife (you could see anything from soaring Andean condors to iridescent hummingbirds) and, if you're lucky, some larger wildlife like the spectacled bear. Leisurely horseback rides into the highlands can also be arranged.
The sheer amount of space and peaceful air, whether it's sitting on the patio, steeping in a thermal pool, or just gazing at the Andean peaks.
For added privacy, book a room a little further away from the restaurant or spa.
The lodge is very family friendly, so a kids-free, couple's holiday may not be on the cards.
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Sandwich your adventures with a city-slicking break in exuberant capital city, Quito.
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