Argentina Won't be Crying for Anyone Who Stays Here

When I travel I usually prefer to stay at boutique hotels that have a distinct charm or style. I like the intimate feeling of a small hotel and having the ability to explore different corners of the property without bumping into other guests. However, there is also a drawback to smaller hotels. Smaller hotels usually lack a spa, a pool, and other resort style amenities. Therefore, when I learned about an early 1900's mansion that was converted into a chic boutique hotel with many resort style amenities I was intrigued. 

The location is the stylish Recoleta district in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I would consider Recoleta a fusion between Beverly Hills and Paris. With the opening of Algodon Mansion there is now a little hint of New York City chicness in Buenos Aires. Recoleta is known for its five star resorts such as the Four Seasons and Alvear Palace. However, the area was in much need of a luxury,  boutique hotel that had a sense of style that can contend with its surroundings. 

The Algodon Mansion began its restoration in January 2007 and is schedule sometime in 2009 (the grand opening was originally supposed to happen in December 2008.) The hotel consists of 10 large, elegant, contemporary suites. You would never expect resort style amenities at a hotel with only 10 suites. However, guests staying in one of the 10 suites at the Algodon Mansion will also be able to enjoy a wine cellar, a library bar, a spa, a haute French-Argentine restaurant, a rooftop pool and a lounge. The hotel also offers 24 hour butler and concierge services. 

A Class IV Arrival

I am recalling a trip I took to Paris with a few friends. We were headed to our accommodations for the first time, via train and metro. The metro station we thought was closest to our hotel actually was not. We spent hours (did I say hours because I meant HOURS) wandering the streets of one of Paris' suburban districts. 

Hotel arrivals can actually be part of the overall experience and in a GOOD way. Recently I am noticing more and more hotels incorporating some sort of over the top way for their guests to arrive. The more unique the arrival the more exclusive or remote the hotel, it seems. 

The Pacuare River, often described as one of the most beautiful white water rivers in the world, flows from its origin in the Talamanca Mountains through the rainforest towards the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. How enticing would it sound if I told you that in order to get to the Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica that you had to raft down the Pacuare River's class III and IV rapids while your luggage follows you in a supply boat? Well consider yourself told and possibly enticed. 

There are 13 "rainforest bungalows" with nearly 360 degree views of the river and rainforest. It is not often we have the opportunity to shower alfresco.  However, each bungalow has an in door and out shower so that you don't miss a piece of nature while you are showering. Watch out for those monkeys though...they tend to peek when they are not supposed to.                                                                                          

As nice as all of this sounds, I actually haven't told you the best part. Electricity is generated by a small hydraulic station and is used exclusively to light up the walkways. Other than on the walkways you will not find a lightbulb on property. Beginning at dusk the entire lodge is lit by candlelight. You will dine by candlelight and relax in your bungalow, all by candlelight. 

The Pacuare Lodge is a blend between pure nature and unexpected luxury on the banks of the Pacuare River. In every essence of the words, the lodge is a tropical hideaway deep in Costa Rica's rainforest where guests fall asleep to the sound of rushing water intermixed with the calls of the wild. And yes, you really do make quite a grand entrance via raft! 

A Moroccan Morning

I can't start with my Moroccan Morning without acknowledging what I had to go through to get here! I traveled for 2 entire days to get to where I am now. 36 hours, 4 plane rides (with delays,) a few hours napping under the Eiffel Tower, and an hour drive later I find myself high, high up in the Atlas mountains at the Kasbah Tamadot. 

Lets start with the drive to the Kasbah Tamadot. The drive was slow. I clearly hadn't left my American habits at home because I wanted to tell the driver to put the pedal to the metal. However, as soon as we got to the mountains I didn't think it was possible to go slow enough. I felt like I was being taken to Hogwarts, School or Witchcraft and Wizardry, or something similar. I was on a long and very windy, road that I would consider to be one lane. I could barely see anything but was well aware that there was a very steep cliff with no railing just a few feet from my car. At a distance I could see some light,which I assumed was the hotel but it looked like it was hanging off the tallest cliff.  What I loved so much about the drive was being able to see the endless snowcapped mountains glowing from the moonlight. I arrived at this very humble but stunning resort and just knew that come morning, I was going to be blown away. 

The kasbah Tamadot is wildly romantic. My reservation clearly shows one person, myself. However, I was escorted through the most romantic hallways, strewn with candles. The door to my room opens and guess what...more candles! There were rose petals and lit candles strategically placed all over one of the most gorgeous rooms I have ever seen. I appreciated the line of rose petals leading to my bed. I was so tired that had they been there I probably would not have found the bed on my own. As for the rose petals scattered all over my bed, well I just pushed those aside but loved that they left a lingering aroma. 

Now back to my Moroccan morning: How many of us check the view from the window immediately after entering your hotel room for the first time? I always do. However, I didn't bother checking the view when I first checked in because it was dark. Come morning as I was brushing my teeth, I wandered over to the window thinking "I am probably in what they consider a standard room with a standard view." The reality was that this view was of those views that make you forget what home looks like. At that moment, standing on my balcony I had completely escaped to this Moroccan moment. There were mountains, valleys, rivers, and mules, yes I could see and hear mules. The only thing I didn't see were people. 

During this Moroccan Moment I put down the pain relievers because my muscles and joints no longer ached from traveling. Because of one Moroccan morning and a glimpse of something that I had never seen before, I felt completely rejuvenized, almost as if it didn't take me 36 hours to get here.