10 STUNNING HOTELS ON A COFFEE PLANTATION

     Where: Bali

 This stunning nature resort is known affectionately as ‘MMP,’ sits by a 12-acre organic coffee plantation at 1,000 metres above sea level with panoramic views of the

Balinese sea – and on a clear day, the volcanoes of Java about 50km away. MMP is a working coffee plantation that also grows tropical fruits, vegetables and flowers. It also has a forested area and bamboo plantation. There are seven different room types that are similar in character but vary in size and some have their own pool or hot tub. They are all stylishly furnished and decorated with Indonesian art and textiles and are fitted with both showers and baths. The focus of the resort is its stunning infinity pool which makes the most of the tremendous views. The restaurant serves Indonesian and Asian cuisine and some exciting fusion dishes.

There is plenty to see and do with tours of the coffee plantation, treks to the local hill summits for spectacular views and there are various horse rides and mountain bike trails that explore the mountains and the coast. The Resort is close to the sea so there are diving opportunities in particular muck diving. For lovely pampering moments, the Resort has a beautiful spa for restorative treatments.

     Where: Costa Rica

Finca Rosa Blanca promises its guests coffee, art, fine food, culture, adventure and nature and it certainly lives up to its promise! The hotel has been welcoming guests for 30 years and is run by three generations of the Jampol family. There is much to learn about the organic coffee plantation with your guide and there is the chance to watch the whole process from bean to roaster to a great cup of coffee. The plantation is protected by a lush forest which is home to 130 species of wild birds. The most popular excursion from the hotel is to the Poâs volcano.

The hotel is stylish and restful with each quality room being uniquely decorated and featuring handcrafted furniture. Murals and original art work. The emphasis is on comfort in natural surroundings with an artistic ambience and accommodation includes suites, villas or studios. All have beds with beautiful bamboo linen and a spacious balcony for relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere.

     Where: Guatemala

Filadelfia Coffee Resort nestles amongst dramatic volcanoes and beautiful countryside and has been designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. There are just 18 rooms and two suites and each is rich in colour and texture. Some are located on the ground floor with easy access to the gardens and pool, whilst others have a private balcony and enjoy amazing panoramic views of Volcano de Agua.

The coffee plantation was begun in 1870 and has a 130 year tradition of producing excellent coffee beans. There is the opportunity to spend time walking through the nursery and coffee plantation and to watch the wet milling and sun drying production stages where the beans are processed and sorted. In the cupping laboratory there is a fun coffee tasting session with the chance to try R Dalton Genuine Antigua – regarded by many as the world’s best coffee.

Other excursions available from this beautiful hotel a trip through coffee plantations and woodland to the summit of La Montana (6100 feet) which has splendid views over the area. Other activities include mountain biking and birdwatching or stretching out on a lounger next to the resort’s beautiful pool.

     Where: Tanzania

Gibbs Farm and coffee plantation was founded in the 1930s and sits on the outer edge of the Ngorongoro highlands and rift valley and amongst several nature reserves. Gibbs Farm offers visitors a sanctuary for the senses’. With a relaxing ambience, Gibbs Farm comprises of a farmhouse and 17 cottages that are beautifully designed with original wooden beams, eucalyptus floors, open fireplaces, handcrafted furniture and indoor and outdoor showers. Each cottage has a unique decorative theme such as the ‘Mulberry Cottage’ or ‘Shamba’ which in Swahili means ‘farm‘.

There is plenty of opportunities to relax with a cup of good coffee made with beans grown at Gibbs Farm and there is a selection of different massage treatments for those who seek the utmost relaxation. Meals at Gibbs Farm are made with delicious locally grown organic produce. For those who enjoy adventure, there are safaris to enjoy with the chance to see elephants, buffalo and baboons. A trip to the Ngorongoro is memorable as it passes through the untouched forest which is rich in wildlife. There are walks to the local village and fun bicycle safaris too

     Where: Belize

Situated in the lush hills of Southern Belize’s rainforest, just above the village of Punta Gorda sits Copal Tree Lodge. The Lodge nestles in an area known as ‘the forgotten district’ which has amazing diversity and is located not far from the Caribbean coast. There is a cacophony of jungle sounds and 12 kilometres of nature reserve which includes rain forest, tropical gardens, a sugar cane plantation, cacao grove and organic farm! Copal Tree Lodge is steeped in history and was well known for making Rocky Run Rum’! There is just so much to do there including snorkelling, kayaking and saltwater fly fishing – and the jungle gym. There are Maya ruins and fun boat trips with onboard barbecues.

There are 16 suites at Copal Tree Lodge and one family suite and they are all spacious and elegantly furnished in neutral tones with high-vaulted ceilings, private verandahs and bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling jungle views. The woodwork, tiles and artwork have all been created by local artisans. Four of the suites are Signature Canopy Suites which are perched high in the treetops. Copal Tree Lodge presents to its guests’ Belizean cuisine that is made almost exclusively from products from its own farm. 

     Where: Java, Central Malaysia

Surrounded by its coffee plantation, tropical garden, organic vegetable garden and lush vegetation, MesaStila Resort and Spa sits on a hilltop exuding peace and tranquillity. It offers guests beautiful villa accommodation. There are 23 villas ranging from 60 sqm -130 sqm in size and each is elegant and serene with antique furnishings and original artwork. Each villa has a spacious and comfortable living area and verandah with breathtaking views of the coffee plantation, mountains or gardens. The resort encourages its guests to relax and has tennis courts and a hammam spa. There are daily activities including yoga, martial art and Javanese dance lessons. The restaurant offers Indonesian and Mediterranean dishes and the vegetables are all grown in the Resort’s vegetable garden.

There are some wonderful excursions to make including a walk through the towering bamboo to the beautiful waterfalls of Sekar Langit where there is the chance to swim in a crystal clear mountain pool. There is another that explores the 8th century Hindu temple of Gedung Songa and the opportunity to experience the sunrise at one of the world’s greatest Buddhist temples. There are many places to explore on foot or bicycle or to take part in the MesaStila Peaks Challenge which is held each October.

     Where: Colombia

Hotel La Colina is situated in the middle of a beautiful forest 128 species of birds and views of Colombia’s central mountain range and the Risaralda Valley. This beautiful colonial house offers a very special and memorable holiday as it accommodates only seven couples so its service is very personalised. The guest rooms are either standard or superior suites and are very stylish and comfortable. There are tiled floors and some rooms have wood-lined pitched ceilings. The soft furnishings are brightly coloured and made from gorgeous local fabrics.

 La Colina offers many memorable moments for couples as it has several quiet resting places located in the forest and a private jacuzzi in ‘forest under the stars’ which is perfect for enjoying a cheese board and glass of wine together as you relax in the jacuzzi. There is the chance to dine at a table just for two that is scattered with flower petals and surrounded by candles and torches. The hotel has a beautiful spa and there is the option to enjoy the soothing treatments outside. There is the chance to visit the coffee plantation and learn how the coffee is made and other excursions include trips to some hot springs, the town of Salerto and the Cocora Valley and exploring the snow-capped mountain of Santa Isabel.

     Where: Colombia

Standing high above the river with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and canyons is Hacienda Buenavista meaning ‘good view’. This luxury boutique ‘adults only’ hotel is situated in Quindio, Colombia – an area that lies within ‘the coffee triangle’. There are five uniquely designed and furnished suites – including a honeymoon suite and the hacienda offers an unrivalled level of style and charm… Each suite is uniquely styled in warm colours that are inspired by the coffee making process. There is a luxurious bed with beautiful natural wood headboard. There is a wall to ceiling glass wall that leads out onto a private sunbathing terrace overlooking the gardens and mountains and the glass walled shower is another major design feature. There are a number of lovely public areas including The Library and a huge relaxing salon. The Cava has an extensive wine selection. The restaurant has a menu of international classics and much of the produce is grown on the estate. There is an excellent homemade sangria but also a good wine list.

Part of the magic of Hacienda Buenavista is that it is situated in an isolated area. There are 100 acres of orange groves as well avocados, passion fruit and mandarins around the hotel. Just a short hike away is the pretty 7 metre waterfall. There are fascinating guided tours of the coffee plantation and the signature excursion is floating down the Rio Vieja on bamboo rafts with the opportunity of spotting red howler monkeys and other wildlife.

     Where: Jamaica

High in the Jamaican Blue Mountains, there is a magnificent mountain village where the cottages and villas nestle within the mountain contours and where time seems to have stood still – this is Strawberry Hill, 26 acres of very special ‘high heaven’. For those who want to arrive in style, a helicopter ride from Norman Washington Manley Airport to the 3,100-foot resort is certainly memorable! There are studio suites, cottages and villas (both one and two bedrooms) and each is individually styled and is a colonist in character. There is a beautiful four poster bed in each and hand-carved fretwork. Each private verandah is angled so that it is perfect for watching the sunset.

By day, Kingston can be seen in the distance with the blue waters of the Caribbean beyond. There is the stunning infinity pool for those who simply want to do very little and for the more energetic there are hiking trails and guided tours. If you fancy leaving your mountain retreat there are beaches, art galleries and Bob Marley’s teenage home and museum. In the evening there is the lovely Verandah restaurant where you can dine under the stars by candlelight and enjoy all the flavours of the Caribbean.

     Where: Mexico

This elegantly restored 19th-century coral pink coloured casa grande with attractive archways has been painstakingly renovated to create a top quality boutique hotel that overlooks bamboo and coffee plantations with a majestic active volcano as a spectacular backdrop. The hacienda sits in 5,000 acres of the working ranch which includes an organic farm and coffee plantation and is surrounded by beautiful gardens that have been inspired by the Alhambra Palace. The building is two stories with a private courtyard and volcanic stone staircase. There are 25 beautiful and comfortable guest suites. Those on the ground floor have easy access into the gardens, whilst those on the first floor have private balconies

Hacienda de San Antonio offers a very special world with no need to leave it! There is a beautiful swimming pool and sun terrace for lazy moments and tennis courts for the energetic. Interesting tours of the coffee plantation can be enjoyed, as well as horse riding, bird watching and walking. There is both an indoor restaurant and an outdoor dining terrace with a menu of Mexican and international dishes that are beautifully presented with much of the organic vegetables and fruit grown on the estate. There are a number of romantic locations for enjoying a drink for two at the end of the day.