Stylish Stays Peru’s exceptional accommodation options offer culture, history and stunning scenic views
IN PERU
BY C HR I S R YA L L
T
here’s more to Peru than the spectacular 15th century Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu and the arduous Inca Trail. Peru offers a whole spectrum of landscapes such as the Amazon rainforest with the world’s longest river; Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake; the Andes, among the world’s longest mountain ranges, as well as the otherworldly Atacama Desert and a coastline boasting the largest left-hand point break in the world (surfers take note). You can experience Peru’s stunning scenery, sumptuous cuisine and vibrant culture with a range of accommodation options like mountainside capsule-like pods, lakeview suites, volcanic rock inns, canyon casitas and historic 1940’s luxury hotel rooms. Raise a toast to these unique Peruvian properties with Peru’s favourite cocktail–a refreshing pisco sour.
Skylodge Adventure Suites: Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley Skylodge Adventure Suites redefines what a room with a view means. However you will need an adventurous side to get to your bed. No elevators here. Either climb the 400 metre plus mountainside by way of a via ferrata (a climbing path featuring a series of rungs and ladders affixed to rock), or hiking a trail featuring ziplines. Your reward is a spectacular view of the Inca Sacred Valley below. Each of the three hanging transparent dome-shaped modules can hold up to four people and comes equipped with a private bathroom, four beds, dining area, solar reading lamps, privacy curtains and other comforts of home. Snuggle up to your sweetheart and take in nature’s beauty from your hanging pod. No noisy neighbours–just the call of the wild from curious Andean condors flying by.
Belmond Las Casitas: Colca Canyon Canyon equals luxury at Belmond Las Casitas. Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world at 3,400 metres and twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. It is home to lush green valleys and farm communities where Collagua, Cabana and Inca peoples have inhabited the lands for thousands of years. Pampering is a tradition as is the cuisine at Las Casitas. Bask in luxury in one of the 20 casitas, each with a terrace and hot tub. Relax with a spa treatment, take a dip in the pool, read a book in the library and treat yourself to fine Peruvian cuisine. Venture off the property on a canyon trek, or hop on a Peruvian Paso horse for a ride through the Colca Valley. Feed the baby alpacas at the property’s farm and complete your canyon getaway stargazing by the campfire at night.
TRAVELLIFE.CA SPRING 2022 | 28
