Imagine a friend who has struck paydirt and gives up the American hectic life and heads south of the border. Imagine a jewel of a house with lovely gardens, patios, lush plants, private roof-top patio, artifacts and seclusion from the bustle of Antigua but with a high dose of luxury thrown in for good measure. This is Quinta Maconda. My husband and I were planning our first trip to Antigua but when the inn of our choice was booked, we were given the number of Quinta Maconda. Thank Goodness! It was so much beyond what we expected. John Heaton (the owner) met us personally when we arrived via airport transportation that he arranged for us. From that moment on, every conceivable request was granted - a helicopter ride up to a remote village, a trip to an secluded farm in the highlands of Guatemala (if you blinked twice you would think you were in Switzerland), dinner reservations at preferred restaurants, in room massages, etc. We even had the incredible fortune of sharing a Thanksgiving meal with Mr. Heaton and friends who had just arrived from London

Our first night was spent in a room with a fireplace that was very cozy but then we opted to change to the Master Suite which was upstairs for the remainder of the stay. This room did not have a fireplace but had the lovely terrace and was more spacious yet intimate. The bathrooms are perfectly accomodating with fabulous hot water and clean tiles and fixtures. The housekeeping service is exceptional. Veronica and Cecelia were a delight to run into everyday. While eating our delicious breakfast each morning, our room was being meticulously cleaned and put back into place. Fresh towels each day and assistance with lighting the fire or doing laundry for us was never met with anything less than a genuine smile.

In the evenings you can relax in the cozy living room while checking your e-mail (via Wi-Fi), read a book or have some tea or coffee. The staff treats you as if the place is your own.

Mr. Heaton is the like the friend you always wished you had. The one who is a world traveller with great ideas, fabulous taste and the generosity and desire to share it all with you.

I could write more, but look up the website for yourself and realize that everything you see is what you get.