Quinta Maconda Inn is a very unique and special property located on the Madison Avenue of truly cosmopolitan Antigua, a UNESCO Heritage site. It is a gorgeously appointed 4-bedroom hacienda that has been beautifully transformed into an elegantly exquisite inn. Both the funrnishings and gardens were breathtaking. The source for this inspired inn is its current owner and enthusaistic Guatemalan ex-pateriot, John Heaton. He brings not only his keen eye for design but his well-curated and -edited version of Antigua and Guatemala to his guests. His joie de vivre approach to travel and his adopted country are contagious and he has many interesting and informative facts and stories that will not be found in any guidebook. Mr. Heaton also offers travel services and can arrange any type of desired activity (i.e., walking or helicopter tours) with extremely knowledgeable and trusted people.

I took my family (husband and three children) and we were warmly welcomed. We felt that the inn was our home away from home as it was gracious and served as the starting and ending point of our Guatemalan adventure. The staff at Quinta Maconda were exceptional and catered to our every need in an unobtrusive manner. At times, they went over and above their line of duties such as when they called our driver when we forgot some items. When we returned, the staff were outside waiting with our belongings.

We have traveled to many countries and stayed at lovely 5-star and Relais and Chateaux properties. Quinta Maconda was at least on par with the best and in many ways surpassed them due to the individualized nature of the experience and the personality of Mr. Heaton.

One can rent the entire house and I would recommend this, if possible. Quinta Maconda is a slice of paradise in a unique and vibrant colonial city replete with a myriad of possible excursions.

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.