Hacienda San Martin

A friend and I just returned from our stay at Hacienda San Martin in the Nono Valley of Ecuador. It was our 3rd stay there in 3 years .That should begin to tell you how wonderful this place is. The scenery in the valley, backed by the Andes Mts, and volcanic peaks is still spectacular every time. The cabins are super comfortable with grand vistas from the oversized windows and very nice modern amenities. The value of a hot shower in Ecuador cannot be overstated. Of course, you receive a hot water bottle to warm your bed here every night. (I am going to buy one for my house now.) But it is always the family that is the reason to return. This family has so much heart and each member has something special to offer you if you open yourself to them. Spanish certainly will enhance your visit and add to the depth of your experience but is not necessary. Maggi, the mom, is an accomplished chef who clearly enjoys sharing her passion for cooking with her guests. The food is excellent and plentiful. Lunch and dinner are 3 course meals. Her soups are sooo good. The desserts will leave you craving them for weeks after you return home... especially the wild blackberry ice cream and the pineapple brulee. Breakfast is a buffet of delicious in season fruit, granola with yogurt...the real kind... fresh fruit juices, cheese, ham, bread and rolls, eggs made to order and coffee or tea. The mango and papaya in particular are a great way to start your day. Belen, Francisco and Veronica, their adult children, come from Quito to help their parents when they have guests. They speak English. They are some of the brightest, warmest and welcoming people I know. They obviously learned these qualities from their parents. Javier, the dad, has become my philosophical "Guru" and as always is ready to share his thoughts on life and how to live a better and more full life. I always come home with new ideas for changes to make in my everyday life after spending time talking to and listening to him. He is a very special person with an interesting world view and life experiences. I am so grateful that he chooses to spend time sharing with us. Be sure to spend a few nights here and go there on at least one weekend day. The town is only open for business Saturday and Sunday, and you definitely need to walk through town and have Blackberry empanadas. When you get back consider going horseback riding with Francisco or Javier and take in the slower pace of life in the valley. Hacienda San Martin is a peaceful, totally relaxing stay with some of the best people i have ever met. You will love your time there just soaking in the beauty all around you. This family will give you their kind and caring attention and also their hearts if you let them. I am so lucky to call these people my friends. They have changed my life for the better. We love you ... Judie and Lise