Pacuare Lodge

Rooms

Pacuare offers a choice of accommodation to suit guests of varying needs and budget. Simplest are the 8 Garden View Bugnalows, spread out through the lovely grounds; each feels private and has pretty views from its small veranda. Inside, the thatched wooden constructions have a double bed, draped with a mosquito net, and a separate couch for lounging on (or for use as an extra bed).

The bathroom is reached along a little corridor - an ingenious design which gives both rooms wraparound windows - and is open to the breezes, but screened against bugs. There are ochre-plastered walls, copper sinks set into green marble counter tops, and copper rainhead showers with quaint copper taps. Water is heated by solar panels. There are stylish candle sconces and polished wooden floors, and the whole effect is surprisingly elegant.

The 4 River View Suites, also well spaced in the gardens, offer far more room as well as a higher standard of design. We think it’s worth the extra for the kingsize bed, the much larger veranda with cane chairs and a hammock, and an extra outside shower, which allows you to bathe in nature! Flower arrangements, bathrobes and rather more stylish furniture make these feel distinctly luxurious compared to the Garden View Bungalows.

Honeymooners might well be contented with a River View Suite, unless they see the Honeymoon Suite first. This extravagant cabin has a huge bedroom and sitting area, a wonderful open deck with grand views, and steps down to a private plunge pool, right in the heart of the jungle. There’s even a suspension bridge over to a secluded observation platform, perfect for declarations of love. The bathroom is luxurious, with a separate outside shower. It’s all extremely romantic.

The Linda Vista Suites are the cat’s pyjamas. Perched on a ridge with awesome views of the Pacuare River and rainforest from each room, these sound seriously luxurious (though we’re yet to see them). Kingsize beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, indoor and outdoor showers, leather chairs and private dipping pools fed by spring water. All this, hidden deep in the jungle: fabulous.

New in 2010, the 2 Jungle View Rooms have been created with families in mind. These have canopied kingsize beds, hot water, a spacious terrace with a hammock, and limited electricity to light the bedroom and bathroom. Extra beds can be provided for kids.

All types of room are equipped with good towels, plentiful organic, biodegradable toiletries, and lots of candles. You’ll be given a torch too, to make wandering the paths through the garden easier at night (though these are lit).