Belmond Las Casitas
A luxury hotel set in the peaceful surroundings of the second deepest canyon in the world; one of Peru's most stunning destinations.
The 'little houses' of this Belmond property are stylish and comfortable, but firmly in keeping with their Andean surroundings.
Dotted throughout the grounds, the spacious casitas offer luxurious and private accommodation. Each features a large lounge and en suite bathroom, all with under floor heating, a private terrace and heated plunge pool.
Activities provided by the hotel include horse riding, guided hiking, fly fishing, and cookery lessons with the hotel's chefs.
Why We Love It
The Colca Canyon is famous for condor spotting and this hotel is ideally placed for all manner of outdoor activities.
Colca Lodge
Colca Lodge is a charming hotel located on the banks of the River Colca deep in the picturesque Colca Valley.
The lodge is surrounded by pre-Inca agricultural terraces and is designed using local materials. The property is paved with traditional stone, mud bricks and the roofs are thatched to give a Peruvian heritage feel to the place.
Colca Lodge is boutique with only 45 guest rooms, all of which are rustic in style without compromising on comfort and luxury, ornamented with ancient handicrafts and Andean llama wool blankets for the cooler evenings. As an Eco- friendly lodge, solar panels heat the water and geothermal energy fuels the heating system.
Food is a rite of passage at Colca Lodge, their restaurant Puye serves Peruvian specialities and fusion 'Alpadina' cuisine - a culinary concept which blends Andean produce with alpine cooking techniques. Colca Lodge also has a barbecue bar on the banks of the river Colca, which is great for some fresh fish with Andean herbs, or a tender piece of marinated meat. The setting and the food make for a great dining experience, which can be further enjoyed by a pisco cocktail at any of the three bars at the lodge.
Colca Lodge is a place for a digital detox with no TV or electronic distractions. Instead guest can indulge in a number of activities such as horse riding, trekking, mountain biking, white water river rafting or vists to pre-Inca ruins. Or relax in the lounge by the cosy fireplace with a good old book or in their Eco-Spa, which offers a wide range of beauty treatments and massage. The USP of the lodge, however, is its own thermal baths in stone pools which are naturally heated by the volcanic hot springs, a perfect way to unwind after a day exploring the Canyon and its surrounds.
Why We Love It
Nothing will beat bathing in the thermal pools under a starry night sky.
Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa
Housed in the former Casa de la Moneda (old Mint), a colonial mansion dating back to 1794, this hotel is a historic gem in Arequipa.
The building's heritage has been kept intact, with high vaulted ceilings and two colonial courtyards. The restoration revealed further surprises that only add to the hotel's sense of history, such as original frescos, reliefs and even a chapel.
There are three large suites in the original mansion, and a further 37 in a more modern addition to the hotel. The hotel restaurant serves delicious food including some true Peruvian classics, and there is also a small spa. Just around the corner from the 16th century Santa Catalina Convent and three blocks from Arequipa Plaza de Armas, the hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the town.
Why We Love It
The meticulous restoration in 2008 was an archaeologist's dream, and it unearthed frescoes, reliefs and even a chapel.
