La Mirage Garden Hotel and Spa
Perched on a hillside with stunning views of the Andes is one of Ecuador’s best-kept secrets. La Mirage is a boutique hotel with stunning floral gardens, nestled in the grounds of a hacienda that is over two centuries old. Nature is at the heart of the hotel’s appeal, with the fragrances of bougainvillaea and the sight of flitting hummingbirds throughout the incredible gardens.
As well as allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the landscape, flora and fauna around Cotacachi, La Mirage is home to exquisite local and international cuisine and a range of refreshing and restorative experiences at its decadent spa, including soothing aromatherapy treatments.
Hotel Garden La Mirage Ecuador
The Hotel is located near Cotacachi, three hours from Quito, and its nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre Airport. The grounds are peaceful and create an environment of seclusion in the old hacienda. The town is within walking distance, offering guests ample opportunity to enjoy local culture and celebrations, while still being able to retreat back to Mirage and return to the tranquillity of nature. There are also walking trails nearby and access to hikes at beautiful volcano lakes.
- 3 diverse restaurants
- Afternoon Tea
- Room service available
- Peacocks and other rare wildlife in gardens
- 200-year-old hacienda
- Gourmet cooking school
- Indoor pool
- Tennis courts
- Relaxing spa
La Mirage Garden Hotel and Spa stands out for a level of luxury and service that soars above most others. This 5-star boutique location is the only Relais and Chateaux Hotel in Ecuador and draws guests from far and wide.
Set on an Andean hillside in a secluded spot that enjoys the tranquillity of nature as well as proximity to the bubbling markets of Cotacachi, La Mirage lives up to its name as an oasis of pleasure. Peacocks stroll the gardens while hummingbirds flit among the impressive array of flowers, including orchids, roses, dahlias. Flowers are a central theme of the hotel, and even the rooms are named after different flower species.
As well as the adventures that await in the surrounding areas, La Mirage offers a cooking school, tennis and a world-class spa. The latter is where guests truly experience the luxury of the hotel, enjoying a stunning and unique array of therapies and treatments in beautiful purpose-designed rooms.
Stroll past the stone chapel and gift shop, take in the European and local antiques that tastefully adorn the hotel. Then head into the restaurant – one of Ecuador’s best. It draws gourmet diners from afar for the chef’s international and Ecuadorian creations, served creatively and producing invariably mouth-watering results.
On returning to your bedroom you’ll be reminded of the team’s commitment to service, finding a stoked fireplace, hot water bottle and chocolates welcoming you. La Mirage is a must in the area for travellers looking for the best of the best.
These luxurious suites feature four-poster beds and stunning Ecuadorian interiors. With spacious layouts (50m2) and garden views, these rooms invite the natural world in. Tasteful decor, fresh flowers and gorgeous rugs add to the pleasure of your stay at Mirage.
All rooms at La Mirage offer ample space for work and pleasure, with a desk and flat-screen TV as well as a fireplace for cooler evenings.
These luxurious suites feature four-poster beds and stunning Ecuadorian interiors. With spacious layouts (50m2) and garden views, these rooms invite the natural world in. Tasteful decor, fresh flowers and gorgeous rugs add to the pleasure of your stay at Mirage.
All rooms at La Mirage offer ample space for work and pleasure, with a desk and flat-screen TV as well as a fireplace for cooler evenings.
The multi-level family suite makes for a fantastical accommodation for families enjoying the hotel together. With 60m2 of floor space and vast windows, this is a true living environment where natural light, garden views and tastefully traditional decor transport guests to the pure pleasure of Andean living in style. Fresh flowers and vibrant colours give each suite a warmth and liveliness that invites relaxation.
All rooms at La Mirage offer ample space for work and pleasure, with a desk and flat-screen TV as well as a fireplace for cooler evenings.
The King Suite is the ultimate romantic option at Mirage, with 60m2 of floor space, a decadent four-poster bed and panoramic windows overlooking the garden or patio. Luxurious furniture, drapes and rugs adorn the suites, with fresh flowers from the garden providing invigorating centrepieces.
All rooms at La Mirage offer ample space for work and pleasure, with a desk and flat-screen TV as well as a fireplace for cooler evenings.
The Queen Suite is ideal for friends or groups of couples, with two queen-sized beds and an area of 60m2. These rooms enjoy either a patio or garden view, with the same gorgeous interiors, furnishings and freshly cut flowers that all suites at Mirage enjoy.
All rooms at La Mirage offer ample space for work and pleasure, with a desk and flat-screen TV as well as a fireplace for cooler evenings.
This more formal restaurant has an elegant atmosphere, characterized by beautiful floral displays, a fireplace and a hacienda-style wooden ceiling. Gourmet contemporary international cuisine is served.
The patio restaurant is semi-formal, overlooking the beautiful hotel grounds. High tea served here is an incredible affair, with exquisite desserts and superb coffee.
Colibri Garden Restaurant is where breakfasts at Mirage are enjoyed, with delightful views of the surrounding gardens, peacocks, hummingbirds, flowers, finches and canaries. Enjoy a hot breakfast or fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, meat, cheese, eggs and fresh juices.
The lounge-cum-bar, Pandora, is the place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink in a relaxed environment accompanied by music.
La Mirage is renowned for the quality and variety of treatments available at its spa, situated in the same area as the covered and heated pool. A holistic approach that encompasses mind, body and soul is embodied at La Mirage. Treatments include:
- Aromatherapy – using a combination of Swedish, Shiatsu, Polarity and Reflexology
- Facial
- Lavender Luxury Treatment – in the purpose-designed Lavender Room
- Equatorial Energy Bath – incorporating energized stones and natural crystal formations
- Cleopatra’s Bath – milk, oil and essential fragrances to rejuvenate
- Purification Treatment – treatment by an experienced, local shaman incorporating plants for healing
The nearby Condor Park is home to the species – of which there are only around 40 in Ecuador. As well as enjoying the chance to meet this beautiful, endangered creature and learn about its conservation, there are many other birds to spot. The hotel is happy to arrange transport and guides as guests desire.
The Imbabura region is home to a number of traditional crafts, some of which have been practised since before the colonial era. Visit the weavers of Peguche, woodcarvers in San Antonio and leather craftspeople in Cotacachi. You may even be able to learn some skills yourself or peruse the local specialist goods.
Take in the gorgeous, mountainous Cuicocha Lake, set in the Cotacachi National Park. Surrounded by lush vegetation, this four to five-hour walk is the best way to get a feeling for the landscape here among the Andean volcanoes of Ecuador. You may also spot the magnificent endangered condor, and it is possible to enjoy a peaceful boat ride around the crater lake.
This is Ecuador’s most renowned indigenous market. Open every day of the week and full of artisan items crafted by indigenous people from the surrounding area, this visit is a must for guests wishing to gain a better understanding of the daily lives and cultural heritage of Andean communities. You may be accompanied by a guide who can help you navigate the market, talk to the vendors and craftspeople, and show you off the beaten tourist track. It’s worth leaving plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
San Pablo Lake is another beautiful body of water worth exploring. Located five minutes from Otavalo at the foot of the Imbabura Volcano, the lake is also a base for water sports and birdwatching (several aquatic and migratory species appear here). There are various small villages around the lake, with artisan and culinary specialities to explore.
La Mirage offers family suites for guests with children, who are welcome at the hotel.