Casa Encantada and the sights, sounds and flavors of Antigua absolutely enchanted us.
We spent a week in February at the intimate 10-room B&B in the heart of the colonial Guatemalan city. The attractive and peaceful two-story white cement building has red roofs and exposed dark wooden beam accents. A courtyard garden surrounds a plunge pool with three comfortable cushioned sunbeds.
Our top floor studio – and only one other suite – opened on to a sunny terrace and included efficient Wi-Fi, a quiet mini-fridge upon request, TV, safe, robes, deluxe toiletries and a large walk-in rain shower. Cool nights and three windows made A/C unnecessary.
Complimentary coffee, tea, drinking water, ice and cookies were available downstairs in the living room 24/7.
We began several days with breakfast on the terrace amid a profusion of tropical blooms and the cooing, trilling and chirping of countless birds. Of the five options, we especially enjoyed the traditional fare: sunny-side eggs, fried plantains, tamales, refried black beans, fresh local cheese, pineapple juice and the region’s famous coffee.
On a few other mornings, we opted instead for the sumptuous buffet poolside at the remarkably low-key 110-room sister Porta Hotel Antigua a block away. We loved the made-to-order omelets, freshly squeezed OJ, and sliced pineapple and watermelon – as well as the manicured grounds, the volcano views and two entertaining (and squawking) resident macaws.