What is your favourite...
Place
One of my favourite places in Ecuador is Baños, a small spa town in the Andes beneath the volcano Tungurahua. It has an ideal warm climate and the yellow volcanic baths that give the town its name are perfect for a therapeutic soak after some hiking, cycling and ziplining in the surrounding valley that drops down towards the Amazon.
Hotel
When visiting Machu Picchu, it’s important not to rush, so staying overnight is highly recommended. I love Inkaterra Machu Picchu in the cloud forest above the Urubamba river. The stone cottages with wooden beams, open fires and alpaca-hair blankets are incredibly cosy, and the gardens have a vast array of orchids and birds.
Excursion
You can’t beat the Galapagos for unforgettable excursions. My favourite trip was from San Cristobal to Isla Lobos, where I snorkelled with sea lion pups who love to play around in the water. Then we visited the dramatic rock formation of Leon Dormido for more snorkelling with turtles, rays and reef sharks.
Top travel tip
Pace yourself and ensure your holiday has the right balance between activities and relaxation by working in chill out time to the itinerary. You don’t have to be permanently on the move – sometimes it’s really important to just soak in the surroundings and enjoy.
Top packing tip
I always take things that help me get a good night’s sleep because it makes such a difference to enjoying a holiday. I take my own feather pillow, an eye mask and ear plugs. I also take Pilates balls which help get rid of muscle tension.
