The business of flying: LAN's flat beds make for a cozy landing.

by Beata Loyfman

You may have noticed that Latin American destinations have been popping up on the Daily Traveler quite frequently these days. And with good reason. Amazing deals south of the border are flying faster than you can say seviche. We recently told you about finds in Costa Rica, Belize, and Mexico. But what if you want to go even farther south? To Chile, say, where December is synonymous with "bikini," or to Argentina, where the grilling is good?

Well, you're in luck. LAN has just slashed prices on its business class flights to Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru by almost 50 percent. Yes, half off. And these aren't just your regular plane seats; these have flat beds, gourmet meals, and high-tech TV screens. Ordinarily, a 13-hour plane haul is about as appetizing as day-old sushi, but with these amenities, you'll be praying for delays.

The discounted rates are available only until May 15. Buena suerte!

Further reading:
* Check out LAN's high-res-screened TV that has 55 channels
* For more travel discounts, go to the Daily Deals section on our sister blog, the Perrin Post. Wendy Perrin and her team rigorously vet every offer they publish to make sure it represents good value for your dollar.

An adorable one-bedroom cottage
at Aguas Claras.

In case you missed the More Sun for the Money piece in the March issue of Condé Nast Traveler, we're doling out the Latin America and Caribbean deals here on the Daily Traveler all month.

Aguas Claras in Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica   with cottages going for $70-$220

Set amid hibiscus bushes and palm trees, Aguas Claras is a relaxing retreat three miles south of Costa Rica's lively surfing capital, Puerto Viejo. The inn's five brightly colored stilted chalets are a short walk from the gorgeous (and surfable) Playa Chiquita and have ceiling fans, screened kitchenettes, and sitting areas. Breakfast at the on-site Miss Holly's Kitchen includes a fresh fruit salad, omelets, and baked goods.

Book: The chalets are equally appealing; the only difference is the number of bedrooms (506-2750-0131; aguasclaras-cr.com).

In case you missed the More Sun for the Money piece in the March issue of Condé Nast Traveler, we're doling out the Latin America and Caribbean deals here on the Daily Traveler all month.

El Convento, San Juan with doubles going for $270-$390

A grand vestige of Old San Juan's Spanish colonial past, El Convento is the loveliest hotel in the city: Marble bathrooms, wrought iron canopy beds, tapestries, and carved desks in the 58 rooms set a comfortable, opulent tone. Housed in a former convent, the hotel is large and frames a charming central courtyard that's a popular wedding spot. It's a prime location in the seven-square-block neighborhood of Old San Juan, which is filled with forts, museums, and more than a few bars--notably Rumba, a salsa club with a Dirty Dancing vibe (152 Calle San Sebastián; 787-365-1418). Daily wine receptions are held on a terrace overlooking the old cathedral, which can also be seen from the small rooftop pool and hot tub.

Book: Higher rooms are nicer and recently renovated (787-723-9020; elconvento.com).

In case you missed the More Sun for the Money piece in the March issue of Condé Nast Traveler, we're doling out the Latin America and Caribbean deals here on the Daily Traveler all month.

Victoria House in Ambergris Caye, Belize with doubles going for $180-$310

In the bustling beach town of Ambergris Caye, the 42-room Victoria House balances gracious hospitality and a casual Caribbean vibe. The grounds are picture-perfect, with lush lawns fronting a fine golden beach. Guests can choose between plantation buildings with wraparound porches or thatched-roof casitas with mahogany beds. Snorkelers will find that the barrier reef fringing Ambergris Caye's windward shore teems with colorful fish, lacy corals, and giant sponges that look like pottery left behind by Poseidon. Scuba, fishing, birding, and cave tubing excursions are all arranged by the hotel.

Book: A stand-alone casita for maximum luxury and privacy (501-226-2067; victoria-house.com).

Looking out from a
shack-chic room at Jake's.

In case you missed the More Sun for the Money piece in the March issue of Condé Nast Traveler, we're doling out the Latin America and Caribbean deals here on the Daily Traveler all month.

Jake's Resort in Treasure Beach, Jamaica with doubles going for $115-$325

There's plenty to keep you from roaming at Jake's, an eclectic mix of rooms and cottages a two-and-a-half hour drive from Montego Bay, on the south coast. There's the free-form pool fronting the property's private beach as well as colorful rooms (without phones) decorated in a Moorish meets West Indian style and featuring minibars and CD players. But with the charms of the surrounding fishing community of Treasure Beach so close at hand, staying put would be a mistake: Have breakfast at the local eatery, shop for crafts, and, on public holidays, hear local musicians performing before returning to the resort to enjoy the catch of the day.

Book: An ocean-view one-bedroom--you'll be able to see the waves lapping just off your private outdoor lounge area (876-965-3000; jakeshotel.com).

The perfect breakfast nook at
Casa de Leyendas.

In case you missed the More Sun for the Money piece in the March issue of Condé Nast Traveler, we're doling out the Latin America and Caribbean deals here on the Daily Traveler all month.

Casa de Leyendas in Mazatlán, Mexico with doubles going for $99-$125

On the edge of Mazatlán's sleepy historic district, this old-fashioned Mexican hacienda was restored a few years ago by owners Glen and Sharon Sorrie. Now the persimmon-hued two-story building is a casually elegant bed-and-breakfast with six large guest rooms and plenty of common areas. Take your coffee in the quiet inner courtyard with wrought iron tables and a petite plunge pool, or curl up with a magazine on a comfy couch upstairs. There are thoughtful details such as a constantly refilled snack basket, an on-site laundry, and free Internet and calls to the United States and Canada. The daily breakfast is a lavish affair with fruit, eggs, and pastries. The property is well situated for both beachgoers (the sand is just blocks away) and antiques hunters, plus the city's small art museum is just across the street. The Sorries know just about everyone and can easily arrange boat cruises, restaurant reservations, or anything else you might fancy.

Book: The Honeymoon Suite for its murals of the sea (602-445-6192; casadeleyendas.com).

Video: Boldface writer Beata Loyfman talks up Casa de Leyendas on Fox News.

Rockhouse in Negril: "In a house
on a rock in a bay on a reef."

In case you missed the More Sun for the Money piece in the March issue of Condé Nast Traveler, we're doling out the Latin America and Caribbean deals here on the Daily Traveler all month.

Rockhouse in Negril with doubles going for $160-$185

The pitch: No one goes to Negril, Jamaica's party capital, looking for peace and quiet. But two and a half miles from town, Rockhouse has its own distinct, easy-going vibe. With its stunning location on the water and its relaxed air, this clutch of rough-hewn villas and low-slung hotel buildings abutting a limestone cliff attracts sun-worshipping music-industry types (the Rolling Stones stayed here in its 1970s heyday) and other glamorous globe-trotters. Paths carved out of the rock lead from guest rooms to the 60-foot infinity-edge pool, the new spa pavilion, and the turquoise waters that reveal a coral reef just offshore. All rooms have four-poster beds, private sundecks, discreet outdoor showers, and air-conditioning. Rockhouse isn't far from the action in Negril, but many guests check in and don't leave the premises until their departure. Days can begin with sun salutations at the yoga studio and proceed in a relaxed progression from lunch to sunset cocktails to moonlit dinners of Jamaican fusion creations such as upmarket jerk pork and crab turnovers with mango salsa.

Book: A studio for a water view at the best price (876-957-4373; rockhousehotel.com).

La Purificadora in Puebla.

In case you missed the More Sun for the Money piece in the March issue of Condé Nast Traveler, we're doling out the Latin America and Caribbean deals here on the Daily Traveler all month.

La Purificadora in Puebla with doubles going for $120-$210

The pitch: A nineteenth-century water treatment plant in the heart of this charming city's Baroque district has been transformed into La Purificadora, a modern marvel from acclaimed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. The hotel integrates the original stone facade seamlessly into its three-story open-air lobby. Legorreta makes liberal use of black and white tones, seen first in the onyx tile floors and whitewashed walls. The lobby is accented with boxy purple furniture--a nod to the colorful frocks of Roman Catholic bishops--surrounding glass tables and slab-stone gas fire pits. The hotel's 26 rooms are spacious, and most overlook gardens and the sixteenth-century Iglesia de San Francisco--views made doubly delightful from glass-walled balconies that seemingly float on air. A small above-ground glass pool on the roof is the place for an aquarium-inspired dip­--as long as you don't mind the stylish set taking in your stroke from the sundeck. Get that swim in early, because after dark the deck--which has stunning views of Puebla--turns into the city's hippest bar.

Book: It's all about the views from the corner suite balcony (52-222-309-1920; lapurificadora.com).

Ranguana Lodge, Placencia.

In case you missed the More Sun for the Money piece in the March issue of Condé Nast Traveler, we're doling out the Latin America and Caribbean deals here on the Daily Traveler all month.

Ranguana Lodge in Placencia, Belize with cabins going for $80 to $88

The pitch: The sleepy Creole fishing village of Placencia, on the southern tip of the eponymous barrier peninsula, has escaped the development boom to the north, allowing it to legitimately maintain its claim to having Belize's best beaches. The slice of silken sand at Ranguana Lodge is the perfect place to let your stress melt away into the surf. Three stilted beachfront cabanas are simply furnished and air-conditioned, while the two other units are larger, set back from the beach, and come with hardwood floors, kitchenettes, and a bit more charm--but no AC. All have decks complete with hammocks perfect for napping. For fun, stroll along the "main road," a three-foot-wide sidewalk that runs through the heart of the colorful town, or head out with a local sportfishing guide for kingfish, tuna, barracuda, and snook, which the locals have lived on for centuries.

Book: The seaside cabana, where you can leave the AC off for breeze-cooled bliss (501-523-3112; ranguanabelize.com).