Titilaka

Locations don't come much more dramatic or isolated than Lake Titicaca, believed by the Incas to be the birthplace of the human race and at 12,500 feet the highest navigable lake in the world.

Sitting right on the water's edge on a peninsula reaching out into this sacred lake is the immaculate contemporary Titilaka hotel, reached by 4x4 and then speedboat, if any further evidence of the sheer remoteness was needed.

The journey is well worth it, as there are just 18 comfortable lake-facing rooms with underfloor heating, panoramic views, local textiles, huge baths and bath products created from Andean mint.

The restaurant also has panoramic views of the water and, not perhaps surprisingly, the house speciality is fresh trout from the lake. Other local specialities include alpaca steaks and quinoa and the hotel bar serves a mean pisco sour.

When you eventually tire of gazing out over the deep blue waters of the lake, or lounging on the hotels two private beaches, why not take out the row boat or kayaks to visit the nearby islands. Alternatively, if you're itching to explore further afield, visits to the nearby archealogical site of Chullpas de Sillustani or to the floating island communities of Uros Indians can be arranged.