Oasis in the Northern Highlands of Ecuador My extended family group of 10, ages 9 -60, spent five nights here over Christmas. If you arrive at Quito airport at midnight,... read moreMy extended family group of 10, ages 9 -60, spent five nights here over Christmas. If you arrive at Quito airport at midnight, as we did, and then drive north, you will be greeted by fragrant flowering plants in the cobbled courtyard, an eager staff, blazing fireplaces and hot water bottles warming your beds. This is the most charmingly idiosyncratic hotel, reflecting the good taste and humor of its owner who has dedicated himself to restoring the hacienda and gardens over the past thirty years. The buildings are rich with paintings, textiles, traditional furnishings and creative touches. We horseback rode, took some beautiful walks in the countryside, visited Otavalo market (twice) and the Condor Park, but one of the pleasures of the hacienda is the absence of touring pressure: the adults in our group enjoyed reading in the gardens or on the porches and hanging out together in front of the fire while the kids ran around freely, played board games and squash. With only two exceptions, we ate all our meals at the hacienda where many of the fresh ingredients are supplied by the large vegetable garden. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve Feast in the brightly muraled monastery building, complete with the largest buche de noel you have ever seen. All of our outside reservations and transportation were arranged by the reception office as well as special requests like the private Christmas morning we celebrated in front of a fire in the bar room. Of our five bedrooms rooms, three were really lovely (two were part of a suite that included a large ante-room and three fireplaces total) and two are on the renovation list. We discovered a favorite local wine but suggested that the coffee needed an upgrade. It all added up to a very special experience for our family that we would be happy to repeat. read less

Most unique, amazing place Hacienda Cusin was our first stop during a 10 day trip to Ecuador. We have never had such a wonderful experience, and we travel... read moreHacienda Cusin was our first stop during a 10 day trip to Ecuador. We have never had such a wonderful experience, and we travel extensively. From the moment you pull up to the hacienda you are surrounded by the most beautiful scenery. The restored 1600 buildings are enveloped in flowers and trees, and the mountains of the region stand out in the background. During your meal at night the wonder hacienda staff light a fire in your room. We filled our days with long walks, horseback riding, and delicious food. What more can you ask for?

The staff are unbelievably helpful, and the food is delicious. Every morning you start your day with a complimentary breakfast and the lunches and dinners are made up of fresh produce grown around the farm.

The owner Nik and his wife were lovely as well- every morning and evening you could find them in the dining room, ready to chat about anything and everything. If you come to Ecuador do not miss Hacienda Cusin! More read less

A destination unto itself ! My professional focus has been historic hotel design for the past 45 years, so I do have closely held opinions to go with a... read moreMy professional focus has been historic hotel design for the past 45 years, so I do have closely held opinions to go with a great depth of experience. I can tend at times to be quite critical. In this case, I have absolutely nothing but praise for the Hacienda and the quality of our stay. The grounds are enormous in size and in character: flower beds, large shade trees, vegetable garden to serve the kitchen, decorative pool, and five llamas grazing on the grass. The high containing walls frame the views of the background peaks. On the larger site are the stables (across the way) and a self contained events center , a former monastery, with its own extensive landscaped site, many guest rooms, and separate bar, kitchen, meeting, and dining rooms. This collection of arcaded buildings are arranged to form engaging courtyards with central features such as small fountains. We stayed in the main hacienda and enjoyed our large sunny room and the private sitting areas of the second floor and the main sitting areas of the first. Most evenings we had returned from touring and could find us in front of the fireplace in the lobby enjoying our wine, prior to moving on to the fireplace in the dining room and its excellent cuisine. These two rooms along with the bar use the fireplace to simply take the chill of the evening air. Each room has been dressed... My professional focus has been historic hotel design for the past 45 years, so I do have closely held opinions to go with a great depth of experience. I can tend at times to be quite critical.

In this case, I have absolutely nothing but praise for the Hacienda and the quality of our stay. The grounds are enormous in size and in character: flower beds, large shade trees, vegetable garden to serve the kitchen, decorative pool, and five llamas grazing on the grass. The high containing walls frame the views of the background peaks. On the larger site are the stables (across the way) and a self contained events center , a former monastery, with its own extensive landscaped site, many guest rooms, and separate bar, kitchen, meeting, and dining rooms. This collection of arcaded buildings are arranged to form engaging courtyards with central features such as small fountains.

We stayed in the main hacienda and enjoyed our large sunny room and the private sitting areas of the second floor and the main sitting areas of the first. Most evenings we had returned from touring and could find us in front of the fireplace in the lobby enjoying our wine, prior to moving on to the fireplace in the dining room and its excellent cuisine. These two rooms along with the bar use the fireplace to simply take the chill of the evening air. Each room has been dressed for the mood with extensive early tapestries (Flemish?), portrait paintings, and carved wood and leather chairs. Many of the wood sculptures were sourced from the nearby village sculptors, the village being well known for its wood carving. We spent quiet time on the stone verandah, and in the reading room and the library. While the Hacienda was established in 1602, the expansion in accommodations has been completed over many recent years with great taste. The two adjoining properties contain about 50 rooms which can provide for large gatherings while also providing an intimate setting for one or two couples, as in our case. I want to also compliment the excellent staff, anticipating our needs, always ready to assist, and never intrusive.

We did visit the nearby fabulous Condor Center, and the nearby towns. We did not make use of the nearby sailing center on the lake, nor use the on-site squash courts, nor the bicycles or horses for extended enjoyment. For certain, our next stay will be longer to maximize our engagement with the area. I can frankly state that the Hacienda is one of my top destinations of all time, and I believe you will share in the same opinion when you treat yourself to a stay. More read less