Modernist canopy outpost
Expeditions and birdwatching give way to convivial evenings, where muddy boots swap for linen and cocktail conversation over wildlife sightings.
“It is a glass-walled, modernist building of browns, greens and terracotta-reds, squeezed onto a ridge…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Modernist glass-and-steel structure with floor-to-ceiling window walls immersing guests directly in the cloud forest canopy.
Remarkable
Attentive staff tailor daily cloud forest expeditions, paired with welcome herbal teas and post-hike garment drying services.
Remarkable
Native naturalist guides lead private reserve excursions, complemented by dining featuring wild cloud forest botanicals.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The interiors are modern and more than a little bit luxe, though with rustic accents that refer to the local and indigenous methods of building.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Deep in the Choco reserve, trails snake to hidden waterfalls while the Dragonfly gondola glides across the misty upper canopy.
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame the cloud forest canopy, while Yaku Suites feature freestanding soaking tubs overlooking the verdant valley.
The spa
Treatment rooms look out into the mist, with scrubs and massages using local chocolate, forest clay, and volcanic stones.
Yoga and hot tub
An open-air wooden deck hosts yoga in the canopy, beside a covered hot tub looking out across the trees.
The Restaurant
The double-height dining room looks straight into the canopy, serving regional dishes made with ingredients from the cloud forest.
The lodge itself is a high design, three-story, glass-and-steel marvel among the treetops, completely immersed in the forest.
At the table
The bar counter looks directly into towering tree ferns, mixing cocktails with regional herbs and exotic fruits.
How it began
Environmentalist Roque Sevilla acquired this logging tract to protect the cloud forest, building the sustainable retreat without felling a single mature tree.
Good to know
Stay here
Mashpi Lodge
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.