The chic sleep: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Peru
Find tranquility and luxury on the road to Machu Picchu at this restorative retreat in a former 17th-century convent. By KASIA HASTINGS
Set in a beautifully-restored 17th-century palace and convent built on Incan ruins in Cusco, the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas’ seven cloistered courtyards and stone walls offer a cool oasis from the frenzy of the South American tourist trail. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now well-established as a chic stop-off for anyone embarking on the once-in-a-lifetime trip to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, and the Palacio offers enchantment of its own. Attentive doormen welcome you in from the steep cobbled street and fresh coca tea is poured into beautiful hand-painted cups to help ease any altitude sickness upon your arrival. This is the perfect place to recalibrate; the spa, outdoor heated swimming pool, oxygen-enriched rooms and 24-hour butler service will help you acclimatize to life 3,399 meters up in the Peruvian Andes.
Located on a quiet street a stone’s throw from Cusco’s magnificent Plaza de Armas square and its impressive cathedral, the hotel offers accessibility and escape right in the heart of the city. Venture out to explore the plethora of local churches, museums and Inca ruins, or take things easy and watch the sunset over mist-wrapped mountains from your suite’s balcony with a Pisco Sour in hand. Later, head to the hotel restaurant for contemporary twists on fine Peruvian dining, or book a table at the Palacio’s atmospheric sister hotel, the renowned Belmond Hotel Monasterio, next door.
THE DETAILS
Relax
Once you’ve taken a dip in Cusco’s only outdoor heated pool, let the tranquil flow of the hotel’s water channels guide you to some restorative relaxation at the Hypnôze Spa, the only fully-oxygenated spa in the world. It offers body wraps, flower baths and other treatments inspired by Incan and Andean culture and a tailored wellness program that includes personalized menus throughout your stay.
Must do
Hop on board the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train to journey to Machu Picchu in style. You’ll dine and watch an unspoilt world go by in its elegant 1920s-style carriages as you carve through Peru’s ancient mountains. Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, a private guide is on hand to unlock the secrets of this incredible 15th-century Incan citadel.
Dine
Cusco has a surprisingly thriving culinary scene, but Senzo, the hotel’s chic in-house restaurant is the place to enjoy contemporary reworkings of classic Andean cuisine. Its leading Peruvian chefs have built a reputation on evolving traditional dishes like chupe de paiche (jungle fish soup), locro de zapallo (pumpkin stew) and, of course, trout ceviche for more modern, discerning palates. All of which do not disappoint.
Sleep
Original colonial arches, exposed Inca stone walls, and balconies with endless mountain vistas – the Palacio’s signature suites are steeped in history and designed for complete relaxation. Spanish colonial art in gilded frames is accompanied by luxuriously large four-poster beds and a 24-hour butler to attend to your every need. At the top of the hotel, the Nazarenas Suite’s grand corner terrace and original handcrafted wood ceiling add a sense of drama to a serene sanctuary above the clouds.
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