It used to be that a cruising expedition in the Amazon Rainforest required not just a sense of adventure, but also the ability to ‘rough it’ on ships that had seen much better days. But now in 2024 - with new ships featuring all the mod cons seemingly being launched every year - you can still have all the adventure of an Amazon expedition, whilst travelling on some of the most stylish small ships in the world.
So, we got to thinking about which of these ships offers the most spectacular suites that will leave you picking your jaw up from the floor whilst simultaneously adding an Amazon expedition to your travel bucket list! We’ve done all the hard work for you and narrowed down the choices to rank what we think are the five most opulent suites on the Amazon tin 2024!
Here’s our countdown – be warned though, the WOW factor is high!
Number 5
The Ship: Anakonda
The Suite: Deluxe Suite
Coming in at Number 5 on our countdown is the only ship that’s not found in Peru, the stylish Anakonda. Launched in 2013, the 40-passenger Anakonda is a luxury boutique Amazon riverboat that winds its way through Ecuador's 'El Oriente' Amazon region, operating in the upper basins of the Napo and Aguarico Rivers, taking in Limoncocha Wildlife Reserve and Yasuni National Park - Ecuador’s largest protected animal reserve.
Anakonda’s four spacious Deluxe Suites come in at a generous 24 square metres in size (around 260 square feet) and feature floor to ceiling windows providing panoramic views of the passing river and rainforest. Each Deluxe Suite offers a choice of bedding configuration, a private balcony an en suite with whirlpool bath.
See Anakonda Amazon Expeditions
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Number 4
The Ship: Aria Amazon
The Suite: Design Suite
Designed by the innovative Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, all 16 Design Suites on the Aria Amazon measure a spacious 23 square metres (250 square feet), meaning there’s plenty of room to sit back and relax. Floor to ceiling windows offer uninterrupted viewing of the passing river scenery, polished timber flooring adds to the ambience and of course each suite has individually controlled air-con. The en suite bathrooms feature a rain shower and luxurious, organic bath amenities incorporating the latest eco-sensitive technology.
Soft lighting, natural fibres and neutral hues create a relaxing and luxuriously comfortable enclave where one’s only challenge may be to decide whether to gaze upon the Amazon from atop the California king size bed, dressed with 100% Peruvian cotton high thread count sheets or while lounging on the cozy window-side day bed, binoculars in hand.
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Number 3
The Ship: Aqua Nera
The Suite: Design Suite
Drawing inspiration (and her name) from the black water lagoons of the Peruvian Amazon, the award-winning Aqua Nera boasts exquisite design by renowned architects Noor Design. Like her sister-ship Aria Amazon, Aqua Nera’s interiors exude refined elegance, marrying contemporary design with local heritage and vibrant cultures of Portugal, Spain, and Peru.
Launched in 2021, Aqua Nera’s 20 Design Suites feature premium fittings and bedding, as well as central air-conditioning and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows to admire the endless beauty of the Amazon River while the beautifully-appointed en suite features a spacious walk-in shower and overhead rain-shower.
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Number 2
The Ship: Delfin III
The Suite: Owner's Suite
The 44-guest Delfin III was launched in October 2015 - making it one of the most modern riverboats operating in Peru's Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The Owner’s Suite has the most spacious interior of all the cabins. Located on the second deck in the front of the ship, guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the expansive river through 180 degrees of floor-to-ceiling windows. Added amenities include: one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment per guest, stocked minibar, scented bath upon request and complimentary laundry.
Awaken to a breathtaking vista from the comfy bed, complete with luxurious Peruvian linens and European duvet. A cosy sofa is positioned to allow for reading, whilst keeping a close eye on the passing scenery. A standalone bathtub really turns up the feeling of luxury.
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Number 1
The Ship: Delfin I
The Suite: Deluxe Suite
For several years now it’s been our favourite Amazon suite, and even with the arrival of some new contenders we still think Delfin I’s Deluxe Suite has more WOW factor than any of its nearest rivals.
With interior space measuring 34 square metres (360 square feet), there is plenty of space to enjoy, even before you consider the additional 32 square metres on the private terrace. The cool water plunge pool is a real jaw-dropper and makes Delfin I the first and only river vessel with this luxurious feature.
Located on the main deck, the two spacious Deluxe Suites feature a king size bed that are wrapped by 180° panoramic windows stretching from floor to ceiling, a mini bar, in-suite seating area with a sofa bed, fine Peruvian cotton linens, environmentally friendly amenities, silent A/C units, hot water, hair dryer, safe deposit box and internal communications system. Delfin Amazon Cruises is the first cruise line to become an exclusive Relais & Châteaux member, in recognition of their outstanding service and commitment to excellence.
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