Posada Puerto Bemberg

Jungle paradise at a rustic yet luxurious retreat, in a secluded reserve 30km from the Iguazú Falls

Nothing beats waking up in the jungle: stirred by squawking parakeets, you open the shutters to find the sun burning through the dawn mist. Butterflies flit among the flowers, hummingbirds hover nearby, and the scent of dew-covered foliage and rich red earth hangs in the air.

This is how every morning begins at Posada Puerto Bemberg, a colonial-style lodge set in 360 hectares of rainforest reserve that's alive with exotic flora and fauna. Perched above the languid Paraná river, which separates Argentina from Paraguay, it’s one of the oldest hotels in the Iguazú area, run by brewing magnates the Bemberg family to support local conservation projects.

But there’s no suffering for sustainability here: the bed from which you’ve risen is heavenly, the 14 rooms combine rustic jungle charm with contemporary style, and you can start the day with a dip in the pool. Afterwards, visit the stunning Iguazú Falls, join a guided nature walk, or take a thrilling speedboat ride deep into the reserve. At dusk, sip cocktails on the treetop deck and watch technicolour toucans, then tuck into fusion food at the candlelit restaurant to the soundtrack of chirruping cicadas. Back to nature, but certainly not back to basics.

Highs

• Our recommended base for visiting the Iguazú Falls (30km away) - preferable to Puerto Iguazú's bland chain hotels, and day trips are easily arranged
• A great way to experience the rainforest without skimping on comfort - luxurious touches include pillow menus, L'Occitane toiletries and Egyptian cotton sheets
• Fantastic on-site activities, including guided walks and boat trips; you’ll gain a fascinating insight into this fragile ecosystem, home to 7% of the world’s plant and animal species
• The delicious food blends local and international influences, menus change daily, and there's a 1,600-bottle wine cellar to choose from
• Attentive service from the friendly staff, who are genuinely enthusiastic about the jungle and keen to make your stay unforgettable

Lows

• The hotel is approached via a teeth-rattling 3km dirt track - it’ll certainly wake you up if you’re tired after a long journey
• The remote location means you’ll be eating in every night
• You’ll be prey to hungry mozzies (this is the jungle, after all), though effective repellent is provided in every room