Mashpi Lodge

Voted by National Geographic as a “Unique Lodge of the World” and starring on the BBC series “Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby”, eco-friendly Masphi Lodge is a cocoon of luxury in the clouds.

Steel and glass walls allow guests to feel completely immersed in the pristine jungle. With floor to ceiling windows, the building has been designed to blend in beautifully to its surroundings.

Within a 1300-hectare private reserve, north-west of Quito, the area is home to more than 500 species of birds, trees and frogs found nowhere else on earth, crashing waterfalls and jungle cats. With a contemporary design, the décor is modern and minimalist, rooms are spacious, simple yet luxurious. Meals are served in the two-storey, glass-walled dining room, and exceptional Ecuadorian dishes are on the menu using a variety of native fruits, herbs and vegetables.

The recently renovated spa offers rainforest-inspired treatments, and guests can relax in the jacuzzi overlooking the forest reserve. There is a variety of activities available, including a 26-metre observation tower, an open-air viewing platform and terrace, a hummingbird station, butterfly house, and many different nature trails to discover with expert naturalist guides. A unique activity is the sky tandem bike, which is pedalled high up through the tree canopy.