Mashpi Lodge is a nature lover’s delight. Set amid the 3,200-acre Mashpi Reserve, the property is surrounded by the Ecuadorian Choco rainforest. More than two dozen hiking trails lead guests past gushing waterfalls, lush greenery and wild inhabitants, including hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, jungle frogs and even pumas. There is an eight-storey observation tower and a hummingbird garden where 19 colourful species zip around, oblivious to onlookers. The Dragonfly is a mile-plus-long cable car ride that provides bird’s-eye viewing opportunities of the rainforest. All rooms feature a floor-to-ceiling wall (or two) of glass windows, giving guests an up-close rainforest and wildlife view day and night. Showers boast rainfall-style shower heads, there are no bathtubs. All rooms feature filtered water and reusable water bottles. Along with a panoramic terrace ideal for birdwatching, there is a spa and hot tub. Breakfast and lunch offer a multitude of both, hot and cold selections ranging from breads, cheese, and eggs any style, to soups, sandwiches and fruit juices. At dinner, guests select from a diverse menu of Ecuadorian cuisine, ranging from the likes of Ecuadorian goat stew and smoked butternut to courgette risotto.