Hacienda Bambusa

Hacienda Bambusa stands on a working farm in Colombia's Coffee Region, surrounded by the Central Andes, old trees and plantations of cacao and pineapple. The last stretch of the drive is a dirt road, which only adds to the sense of arrival, and once there it is the only hotel for miles. The house keeps the traditional architecture of the region, built of bamboo and clay on two floors, with wide wraparound balconies strung with hammocks. There are seven suites. Four junior suites have their own balcony and hammock, two suites have private terraces with pools, and the master suite adds a separate living room that can become a children's room. Inside, the rooms are simple and handsome, with thick clay walls, wooden shutters and colourful tiled bathrooms. Chef Paula Serna cooks Colombian food with vegetables from the garden and local produce, and meals are served outdoors when the weather allows. The guides know the region well and lead coffee and cacao tastings, hikes, bird walks, mountain biking, market visits and hot-air balloon rides. Between outings, the deep blue pool and the hammocks do the rest.