Spring Newsletter March 2016

We were recently asked to come up with a collection of some of our favourite lodges in Central and South America. After some deliberation, here are our top three:

Playa Cativo - A new beachfront lodge set within 1,000 acres of private tropical rainforest reserve surrounded by the Piedras Blancas National Park (a former extension of the Corcovado National Park) opposite Costa Rica's Osa peninsula. Guests reach the lodge by boat and there are self-guided trails to explore. There are kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkelling equipment for guests' use. Our suggested family itinerary visits this region: www.lastfrontiers.com/itineraries/family-costa-rica

www.lastfrontiers.com/hotels/costa-rica/the-osa-peninsula/playa-cativo

"I'm at Playa Cativo and all I can say is wow! Thanks so much for recommending... it's one of the best places I've ever stayed" - BB

Explora Valle Sagrado - We are really excited about the new Explora hotel, opening 1 July 2016. The hotel will be set within an old corn hacienda in the Sacred Valley of the Inca's near Cusco. Explora are well-established in Chile with spectacular hotels in Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert and Easter Island. At each property guests have all meals included, and guided excursions in small groups. For a luxury trip visitors to Peru could incorporate a stay at the new Explora lodge into our Classic Peru itinerary, staying at the more superior hotels in each area visited.

"Explora Lodge really did meet our expectations, and more! Stunning area and well organised excursions" - KL (Explora Torres del Paine)

Patagonia Camp - One of our favourite options in Chile's Torres del Paine, this tented lodge is just outside the national park on Toro lake. The property will offer two new yurt options for the next season (2016/17), including family yurts with two connecting rooms. It's a great option for those wanting to stay on an all inclusive basis (although B&B is also possible) exploring the park in small groups, with activities to suit all levels. Patagonia Camp is featured in our Southern Chile itinerary: www.lastfrontiers.com/itineraries/southern-chile

www.lastfrontiers.com/hotels/chile/torres-del-paine/patagoniacamp

"The yurt in Patagonia camp was fantastic and so comfortable. The food was spectacular and the scenery out of this world"  - JM

For the full list please see our adventure lodge collection: www.lastfrontiers.com/articles/view/the-2016-adventure-lodge-collection-by-last-frontiers

Last year Fran and Claire headed to north-east Brazil, combining a two-day travel show with a tour around highlights of the region. In our last newsletter Claire reported on the beautiful beaches, from sleepy Boipeba to chic Trancoso. Here Fran focuses on Bahia's capital, the culture-rich colonial city of Salvador and the inland national park of Chapada Diamantina, an area of abundant natural beauty.

www.lastfrontiers.com/articles/view/brazil-fran-in-salvador-and-chapada-diamantina

In January Lizzy whizzed off to Mexico for a trip to Baja California (with a brief stopover in Mexico City). January is a great time to visit the peninsula for whale watching (namely humpbacks, gray whales and blue whales) and although Lizzy didn’t quite have the time to take in all three, she did go on a whale watching trip from Los Cabos and spotted humpback whales and dolphins. In fact, she could see whales breaching from the comfort of her hotel, a new design property called The Cape. Other highlights were snorkelling with whale sharks, some amazing meals (and margaritas) and a final night at a hotel with its own recording studio, El Ganzo.

www.lastfrontiers.com/articles/view/lizzy-in-baja-california-mexico-january-2016