A 15-room hideaway on the magical Lake Atitlan, 2 hours from Antigua, Guatemala. Casa Palopó is like stepping into a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel - think bright colours on the walls, art that was painted especially for the hotel and lots of local flavour. Days are spent admiring the volcanoes from one of the two swimming pools, taking the hotel boat across the lake to visit local villages, having massages and eating delicious food.

Villa Bokéh is a 15-bedroom Relais & Chateaux hotel just 5 minutes from the heart of Antigua, one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Guatemala. Set in 6-acres of gardens, paths wind around the impressive lake, river and lily ponds, all framed by sweeping views of the Volcano Agua. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, billiards room and spa. One restaurant is located in the hotel and the other is a poolside grill.