Las Cruces

Opulence intertwines with Guatemalan heritage

Step into a bygone time at Las Cruces, tucked beside the beautiful ruins of the Lady Carmen Convent in the middle of Antigua. The small boutique hotel, of Spanish colonial style, has been designed to mingle seamlessly with the age-old buildings around it. Expect, then, a graceful, historical allure infused into its rich character. There are only a handful of private suites across the site, and they unfold around a manicured, open-air courtyard. Given the intimate layout, delight in an exclusive atmosphere to which the hotel’s attentive team add a wholly personalised service.

The suites are all spacious, the largest being the ‘Master Suite with Jacuzzi’. Alongside tasteful living rooms, these feature luxurious Jacuzzis on private patios concealed by emerald swathes of palms. Finishing their outdoor nooks are parasol-shaded dining corners: the perfect place to savour hearty, à la carte breakfasts. Interiors pay tribute to Guatemalan tradition with details like warm floor tiles, lashings of dark wood, beamed ceilings and local ornaments. A sense of regalness accompanies the authentic feel, accented by elegant furnishings, including ornate headboards, gilded mirrors and stone-topped vanities in en-suite bathrooms.

The same air of grandeur persists throughout the property, in which communal areas boast chandeliers, curated artwork of Baroque style and silver trinkets dating to the 17th century. Soak up the stately aesthetic within the exquisitely decorated lounge or dining room. The veranda is also an enchanting place to pause, where views gloriously pan out to the surrounding volcanoes. Outside the hotel walls, cobbled streets inspire exploration, uniting vibrant plazas with striking landmarks such as the Santa Catalina Arch in a butter yellow hue and the ageing yet imposing San José Cathedral.