Set within the rolling hills of Ecuador's northern highlands, surrounded by trees and flowering bushes, the rustic Hacienda Piman has been recently renovated to combine the best of its traditional features with a low-key, contemporary elegance.

From the outside the hotel resembles a typical Ecuadorian country house, its colonnaded walkways dotted with rocking chairs in which to spend peaceful moments appreciating the idyllic scenery.Interiors feature exposed brickwork, patterned wallpapers and stylish furnishings. Guestrooms are either in the main manor house, elevated at the top of a grand staircase, or in one of the five separate cottages, all set within peaceful grounds scattered with crumbling columns, arches and other atmospheric architectural remnants.

There's even a beautiful little whitewashed chapel tucked in between the greenery. The hacienda also has an outdoor pool and a restaurant which brings the feel of the outdoors in with its floor to ceiling windows, and serves home-style cuisine alongside an array of exotic fruit juices.