Debbie and I have known each other longer than I've known my husband. She's a free spirit, and I told Ken, if I was a betting woman, I'd bet Debbie will be our first guest!
The flights from the States to Quito take all day. The flight to Cuenca is not available until the following day. Since this was Debbie's first trip to Latin America, and she knows no Spanish, I took the 55 minute hop to Quito to meet her. I made arrangements to spend the night at the Hostal de La Mancha, a charming, clean hotel with great views, and reasonably priced rooms. Right on cue, the hotel's driver was there holding up a small sign with Debbie's name and a big smile. Unfortunately, Debbie's luggage did not arrive, but good natured Debbie took it all in stride. We yakked the entire way to the hotel.
We arrived the next day in Cuenca, and Debbie loved "her room".
I told her she was worth every penny of the $2.00 we spent for the roses we lovingly placed in the vase in her room!
As a special treat, we decided to take Debbie to a beautiful spa resort in Vilacamba, the "valley of longevity. Senior adults in this verdent, picturesque valley live longer on average and are more physically active than their counterparts in other parts of the world. The beauty of the area, the hilly terrain, the mild weather, and fresh food obviously contribute to the vigor of the aged in this southern region of Ecuador.
Ken and I had a room next door to Debbie's. Our front porch had two wonderful hammocks, with spectacular views.
The grounds were colorfully and lushly landscaped with rich vegetation, ponds, natural stone walkways and a beautiful, relaxing pool surrounded by rocks and boulders.
Izhcayluna is the perfect place to escape the real world. You can be as laid back or active as you choose. Ken and I did a little of both. Debbie opted for the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. We girls started our day with an early morning outdoor yoga class. Later, while Debbie lounged by the pool, Ken and I did a little exploring of the hiking trails. All of us opted for massages everyday. Our last day there, Debbie and I not only enjoyed a 75 minute massage, but a natural facial as well. Ken enjoyed the full body massage and an additional leg and foot message.
In the evenings, we enjoyed a leisurely dinner in the outdoor restaurant and watched the different shades of green the mountains turned along with the pastel hues of the clouds as a result of the setting sun.
After dinner we enjoyed some vigorous games of ping pong and darts. I'm proud to report the girls won a game or two!
Our accommodations cost $30.00 per night. Debbie's room, the same size as ours was $20.00. This included the buffet breakfast each morning. Our massages cost $18.00 for 75 minutes. Our facials were $12.00, as was Ken's foot massage. We felt like we were treated like royalty for a very reasonable price. A wonderful time was had by all, and Ken and I agreed we would return some day.
On returning to Cuenca, Debbie and I had a wonderful time. We ate out, took the double decker bus tour, and visited the indigenous markets where Debbie shopped for beautiful and unique items for her shop in NC. We also spent a day with our friend and driver Juan in Chordelah, or "silver town" as it's known.
Once Debbie's roses died, she decided it was time for her to leave! She's hoping to return again to Cuenca late next year. We're looking forward to it!
