Hosteria La Cienega

The hacienda is invariably grand, with walls of volcanic stone and gardens alive with greenery - and a wishing well for good measure. The restaurant has a medieval feel with studded wooden chairs and plated windows where Chef Alfredo serves a fixed menu of Ecuadorian and international fare - don't miss the trout! The lounges and hallways are lined with bright, floral couches and gilded oil paintings, and there's an authentic Spanish chapel on the grounds, which is definitely worth a visit.

The rooms are plush and beautiful with wood-panelled ceilings, gold-framed artwork and twinkling chandeliers above enormous four-posters. In shades of rose, sage or robins-egg blue, the rooms are spacious with wide windows, antique furnishings and intricate rugs. The bathrooms are light-filled with a shower or tub, while some rooms also have a fireplace in the bedroom. There are triple rooms available, which have three single beds, and the Family Suite can accommodate four people.