I am not much of a five-star luxury girl. I am more of a this-hostel-looks-cheap-and-fun kind of girl. But I am also extremely adaptable. And if I have the chance to stay in one of the best hotels in the world I am a “YES PLEASE” kind of girl.

There was one hotel we had been highly recommended before Mum and I set off on our South American adventure. That hotel was called Belmond Hotel das Cataratas… Well actually we were told it was called the ‘Pink’ hotel. But being a gorgeous pink portuguese-colonia residence it wasn’t hard to work out that this was our pink hotel.

This was a splurge on our trip. I can tell you right now the two nights we spent at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas could have probably lasted us a couple of weeks in every other hotel we stayed it. But it was definitely worth it. It was completely phenomenal.

First of all the hotel itself is gorgeous – with a grand and elegant entrance hall, elegant furnishings and decadent desertion throughout the hotel, you enter into a luxury oasis. The rooms are not as big as some of its contemporaries, but this is more than made up for by the location. With a huge outdoor swimming pool (and some beautiful chairs to enjoy a poolside Bloody Mary), a gym, a tennis court and great dining areas exploring the hotel is almost as fun as exploring the falls at the hotel doorstep… (Not really – but it’s still a pretty exciting place to explore).

The location is unbeatable. When I say Iguassu Falls was at our doorstep I am not kidding. It is right in front of the falls. The view is absolutely phenomenal. The Sheridan may have the thunder of the falls at it’s front door but the Argentinian hotel cannot compete with the Brazilian view.

The hotel is literally in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. I’m not kidding when I say you have the park to yourself because between the parks closing times the hotel guests have the glorious privileged position to be able to wander out in the morning or evening and have the entire area to yourself. It didn’t feel real. We were at one of South America’s most touristy (and absolutely breathtaking) natural wonders and there was not another person in sight.

And the best part? (Other than um… Iguana Falls) The champagne breakfast buffet. Yep that’s right. Included in the price of your stay is unlimited wake-up champagne. If you need advice on ho to make the most of an unlimited champagne breakfast buffet I advise you to speak to my mother…

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

Rodovia Br 469, Km 32, Iguassu National Park, Foz do Iguassu 85855-750, Brazil

Tel: +55 45 2102 7000 or +55 45 3521 6050 

Email: reservations.brazil@belmond.com

Reservations (Toll-free): 1800 217 568