“This is actually a B&B&B,” smiles John Fernandes, owner and host of Secret Garden Iguazu. I look at him, puzzled, my brain whirring in the heat and halfway through my delicious caipirinha. He gestures toward my drink. “Bed, breakfast and booze!”
Ever the charming host, John serves Brazil’s national cocktail to guests every evening. One or two, plus hors’ d’oeuvres, are included in the rates, but John says he will not serve you a third at any price. I walk a little wobbly to dinner — and I shared the last half of my second cocktail — so I completely understand.
Iguazu Falls should be on any traveller’s must-see list. There is so much water going over so many different falls, it is almost unbelievable. Eleanor Roosevelt’s comment upon seeing them, “Poor Niagara!”, is an understatement.
However, it is not easy to get to Iguazu, and once here, not the nicest of tourist destinations. You’ll need bug spray, as there are dengue-carrying mosquitos. Except in the winter months of May to August, it is hot and humid and the South American sun extremely strong. The two towns built around the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the Falls are not so charming, full of soulless hotels and restaurants, most of which don’t care about your return business or even your referrals.
Not so Secret Garden.
The B&B has just three rooms, and they each have the feeling of a cottage. They are almost hidden behind the multiple hues of green in the garden, shaded under the tree canopy, and near a feeder very popular with the hummingbird crowd. Rooms are decorated simply, but you’ll have the basics (including strong AC) for a short stay. On the porch of the main house, you’ll enjoy breakfast and the chance to exchange stories with John and fellow guests over cocktails and beautiful glowing lights.
John likes to show visitors around town upon arrival, to situate them before they go off to the Falls for the day. He’ll even take your photo along the Parana and Iguazu rivers — one of the few places in the world where you can get three countries in one photo. John provides excellent advice on seeing both sides of the Falls, dependent upon the weather and how much time you have. He’ll arrange the best driver for your day (ideal for crossing the border to the Brazil side), or give you advice on taking the bus (easy for the Argentine side, unless you’re very pressed for time). He has great recommendations for lunch and dinner too.
The B&B is simple, and the luxury aspect focuses on your experiences. If your interests are in enrichment, Secret Garden is an ideal base for your Iguazu explorations.
From US$125 inclusive of breakfast and caipirinhas
– Host John Fernandes is the key to Secret Garden’s appeal
– A place to learn about Iguazu and Argentina and chat with fellow guests
– Fantastic caipirinhas, even though you’re in Argentina rather than Brazil
– Breakfast is delicious, but you’ll likely want some eggs or other protein to get you through a morning of walking at the Falls
– Wifi is good on the breakfast / drinks porch, but only occasionally reaches the rooms
The award-winning Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort sits proudly atop a tree lined ridge allowing for fabulous views over the surrounding, verdant valley. With only 43 rooms the resort is small but spread out over the jungle-clad hillside, giving a feeling of tranquillity and privacy that is a respite from Thailand’s sometimes hectic tourist trail.
We stayed in a very spacious jacuzzi villa which was appointed in dark wood and had a high ceiling to add to the sense of space. A large, private decked balcony, with table and chairs and our very own jacuzzi, wrapped around the room. There are also pool rooms available with private infinity pools with stunning valley views. Some jacuzzi rooms have views, others face directly into the tall teak forest, so specify when you book if a view is important to you.
The multi-level pool area is beautiful, with water cascading down a rock face from the upper tier pools to the larger one below.
Panviman is about 40 km outside of Chiang Mai (there are twice daily free shuttles to/from town) but is ideally located for the many activities in the area and the resort also has its own activities. There is a small but adequate gym, free use of mountain bikes, giant chess, and a pool table and also excellent, free wifi throughout the resort.
The onsite spa is located downhill from the main part of the resort and is highly recommended. Feel yourself relax as your main treatment is preceded by a brief foot ritual overlooking the large pond stocked with koi carp. This wonderful oasis of calm has a wide range of treatments, including Tibetan stone massage, Thai Yoga massage and various Ayurveda treatments.
Panviman, meaning ‘heavenly’, is aptly-named and a perfect choice for a relaxing break during a holiday in Thailand.
From US$105 per night (Deluxe room with breakfast); Jacuzzi room with breakfast from $250 per night
– The peace and quiet of the resort and having the pool almost to ourselves
– The organic salads from the hotel’s own gardens and their delicious homemade organic jams
– The beautiful setting for the spa
– Most junior staff had little or no English which made things tricky at times
– While there are on-demand buggies to get around, the hilly resort is not ideal for anyone with mobility issues
Steve and Candice
Review Team
Hotel Viento 10 offers a harmonious combination of ancient and modern. A small but perfectly formed boutique hotel on one of the narrow maze-like lanes of Cordoba’s Jewish quarter. Easy to miss (hubby and I did), then retracing our steps we were welcomed by Carmen as she opened the door onto a beautiful Moorish arched patio. We felt instantly at home, relaxed and wanting to discover every corner of this quaint hotel with its eight rooms around a typical old Cordoba patio open to the blue skies.
Just across from the River Guadalquiver and about five minutes walk to the Mezquita and main historical centre, the location makes it easy to discover Cordoba on foot.
Hotel Viento 10 has been carefully and charmingly converted by Gerard, owner and host. The blend of cool white minimalism, huge glass doors and Moorish pillars and arches is delightful. This old city house puts its small space to great use, though the bedrooms aren’t large — ours over the street room was the biggest with a high wooden ceiling and soft lights — everything is well thought out.
There are sun loungers on the roof terrace and a jacuzzi and sauna. If you fancy, a variety of massages can be arranged and zen meditation sessions are available on request.
The hotel doesn’t serve dinner but there is an honesty bar laid out for a late nightcap in the cosy lounge area with the aroma of fresh flowers, so just help yourself. Breakfast is served and what an array! No typical buffet breakfast here, but an abundance of breads, cakes, fruits, juice and coffee all lovingly laid on your table. Never have I seen a prettier start to the day.
There is no 24-hour reception, but with Gerard’s and Carmen’s phone numbers (just in case) and your own front door key, Hotel Viento 10 is a real home from home experience
From US$90 including use of spa, but not including breakfast
– Warm welcome
– Perfect blend of ancient and modern
– The fabulous breakfast
– Immediate surroundings a little depressed
– Some rooms are small but still delightful
As someone who grew up in Eugene, staying at Inn at the 5th during the holidays was a wonderful opportunity to experience my hometown as a tourist. The beautiful holiday decorations in the lobby and the kind staff made for a warm welcome. The Inn is located at the 5th Street Market, which has a number of up-scale shops and restaurants to enjoy.
My deluxe king room was very comfortable with a fireplace, a reading nook, and sitting area. The refrigerator, coffee maker, and bathroom night-light made my room feel a bit more like home. The walk-in shower was luxurious, but I was hoping to soak in a tub.
When I’m traveling, one of my favorite ways to spend time is to exercise and Inn at the 5th made that easy. It’s a great location for runners and walkers, as there is close access to nice trail options. The Willamette River Walk is perfect for a stroll, rain or shine, and Pre’s Trail makes for an excellent running path on the soft bark and mulch surface. The on-site exercise room is a great option as well.
If you’re looking to relax, be sure to visit the on-site Gervais Spa & Salon, where you can have a complimentary sauna visit. They provide an array of services, in addition to in-room treatments such as massages.
I liked the sophisticated and local feel of Inn at the 5th. The exercise room has a Steve Prefontaine quote, which made for an excellent nod to Eugene’s status of “TrackTown USA”. Marché, the restaurant that provides room service, has French-inspired Pacific northwest cuisine. The in-room butler pantry, extra cozy king bed, and valet parking made Inn at the 5th feel even more luxurious and comfortable.
From US$189, includes complimentary sauna, gym, and in-town transport (if available). Does not include parking or breakfast.
– Prime location in the heart of Eugene. Close to shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Willamette River walk.
– Comfortable room with a lovely fireplace, perfect during the rainy winter months.
– The Gervais Spa & Salon on the first floor — the complimentary sauna access was a surprise treat.
– There wasn’t a tub in my room. I’d been dreaming of soaking in a tub.
Katherine Wright
Review Team