Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Our Trip to Cotacachi -- Part 1 of 3


Established over half a century ago, Relais & Châteaux is an association of the world’s finest hoteliers, chefs and restauranteurs that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality. Relais & Châteaux has redefined luxury hospitality by emphasizing holistic experiences that transport its guests, taking them on a sensual journey and introducing them to a deeper, truer understanding of the Art of Living.  (www.relaischateaux.com)

So, why am I telling you this?  Well, there just so happens to be a  Relais & Châteaux resort property in Cotacachi called La Mirage.  As you can imagine, it is a beautiful five-star resort with lush grounds, lavish guest suites, delicious dining, along with a wonderful spa experience.  

LA MIRAGE GARDEN HOTEL & SPA
Perched on an Andean hillside in the town of Cotacachi, La Mirage is a contemporary resort built on the grounds of a 200 year old Hacienda in 1985.  Fragrant hummingbird-filled gardens, 23 large exquisitely furnished rooms and suites, impeccable service, and gourmet food compromise the package that is the La Mirage experience. It is the details of this resort that secure its position in the esteemed Relais & Châteaux Association, which stand for the 5 C’s: Calm, Charm, Character, Courtesy and Cuisine. To find out more about this resort, you can go to their website at:  www.mirage.com.ec.


Accommodations
Thanks to a bit of architectural wizardry, and lavish landscaping, each of the 23 unique rooms and suites is laid out so that you gaze at the gardens instead of at the room next door.  One unit may be L-shaped with crimson walls, while another will be decked out with a king-sized canopy bed and golden accents.  The furnishings are an eclectic blend of local and European pieces of art, and all rooms have a separate sitting area, and a fireplace. 


Daisy Room






Dahlia Room










Glass Pavilion Dining Room
Dining 
You can have your breakfast and lunch in the glass pavilion room on the lawn while watching peacocks strolling nearby and hummingbirds flying by.  








The select four-course a la carte gourmet dinner  (included in the price of your stay) is served in the main dining room.


Main Dining Room

Our lunch started with an hors d'oeuvre . . .

. . . served in this music box



View from our table

The king and his harem (taken from inside at our table)



More pictures of the grounds:











Spa
La Mirage Spa offers a  large range of  different types of massages and treatments, including Reflexology and Aromatherapy.  The Purification Room at La Mirage is oriented towards the established indigenous healing practice for Body, Soul and Spirit.



Couples Massage

Chocolate Massage

Lavender Massage

Cleopatra Room

Hot Stone Massage

Relaxation / Purification Room (after your massage)

Surrounding Area
  • Condor Park
  • Weaving & Handicrafts
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hiking around the Cuicocha Crater Lake
  • Museum of the Cotacachi culture
  • San Pablo Lake
On our visit to Cotacachi, we just had lunch at La Mirage.  But we plan on coming back so we can stay a few days at this beautiful resort.









We did, however, visit Lake Cuicocha, which will be part two of this blog; and part three will be our visit to Hacienda San Isidro, overlooking Cotacachi.

2 comments:

  1. Wow, to stay there I would feel like one of the "Rich and Famous!"

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    Replies
    1. Karen,

      We actually did stay at the La Mirage for three nights last week and it truly is a 5-star experience. Any place else just doesn't compare!

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