"It all started with a stint living in Bolivia."
About me
My first footsteps in Latin America began with a stint living in Bolivia, which was such an incredible experience and certainly ignited the Latin travel bug in me. I’ve been lucky enough to explore Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador & Galapagos, Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Peru and Cuba since.
As a wildlife and adventure lover, personal highlights would have to include crossing the salt flats from Bolivia into Chile - the wild landscapes were truly breathtaking from cactus-studded deserts to flamingo filled lagoons and the simply awe-inspiring Andes Mountains which never cease to amaze me, snorkelling with playful penguins and sea lions in the Galapagos Islands and galloping through Argentine countryside with the gauchos!
Favourite places I’ve been
Argentina – cosmopolitan, spectacular, iconic, tango, gauchos
Brazil – vibrant, exotic, intoxicating, sun drenched, sizzling
Colombia – captivating, artistic, verdant, diverse, cool
Chile – awe-inspiring, wilderness, mountainous, outdoorsy, long
Ecuador & Galapagos – wildlife, unforgettable, nature, indigenous, enlightening
Mexico – colourful, vibrant, Mayan, beaches, showy
Costa Rica – wildlife, jungle, thrilling, surfy, tropical, adventurous
Nicaragua – off the beaten track, eclectic, surfy, scenic, volcanic
Peru – enriching, authentic, Machu Picchu, colourful, thought provoking
Bolivia – intrepid, rugged, indigenous, landlocked, enthralling
Cuba – retro, mojitos, Havana, unique, Che Guevara
Travel nuggets
01. Be sure to book a night at one of Buenos Aires' fabulous tango shows. One of our favourites is undoubtedly the Rojo Tango, a passion fuelled cabaret-style performance staged at the effortlessly sexy Faena Hotel & Universe.
02. Londra Bar at the uber slick Fasano in Rio is named after the owner’s favourite city – London. He clearly has impeccable taste and this certainly shows in the bar’s funky décor – think cowhide sofas, distressed red brick, mood lighting and splashes of colour from the carefully placed Union flags. Our top tip is to sample one of the Fasano’s signature passion fruit caipirinhas.
03. The Copacabana Palace in Brazil can be seen in several famous movies such as “Flying down Rio”, where the actors Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced for the first time and for its famous guests such as Marlene Dietrich, King George VI, Brigitte Bardot and Theodore Roosevelt.
My hot picks
01. Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica – Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica is without doubt one of my favourite properties as it is so totally unique! Getting to and from the lodge is a real adventure - perched on the banks of one of the most scenic white water rivers guests arrive by an exhilarating raft through pristine jungle. There is an amazing feeling of isolation here.
02. Estancia Los Potreros, Argentina – Estancia Los Potreros in the rolling Sierra Madre foothills near Cordoba is definitely up there for its incredible horse riding, beautiful scenery, home from home feel and amazing Peruvian Paso horses. One evening I spent rounding up the foals with the gauchos, which was great fun.
03. Esencia, Mexico – For beach chill out there really is no beating the gorgeous Esencia boutique hotel on Mexico’s sun drenched Caribbean coast near Tulum. The rooms are stylish and chic and there is a great balance of privacy and exclusivity without being over the top or too cool for school. The sands are pristine white. I only wished I’d been able to stay longer!
My blogs
The driest place on the planet: Atacama
What my guests have said
“Sarah was just fantastic with both advice, arrangements etc. We are VERY grateful to her for pointing us in the right direction.”
“One of the best holidays we have been on! Thank you very much Sarah!”
“Both Sarah Lee & Marianne were excellent. The service and friendliness of Scott Dunn staff was excellent, whenever I had any questions Sarah was always ready to help find an answer.”
“Sarah was exceptional. Nothing was too much trouble. I was impressed by the Scott Dunn experience. We have been skiing with you in the past and thoroughly enjoyed the trips so were pleased to book the Latin America trip through you.”
“We are now safely back home after an incredible time in Brazil. It made all the difference to know that we didn't have to worry about anything and that you had taken care of it all. A huge thank you Sarah for arranging a fantastic itinerary and for making us feel so looked after. We would definitely recommend you guys to people we know.”
"I can’t thank you enough for all your help. You have all been amazing."
