Tag Archive: Luxury Hotels

October 30th, 2012
post by Kuoda Travel | | Closed

Palacio Nazarenas- Cusco’s latest luxury hotel!

We were recently given the chance to visit the newest luxury hotel in Cusco, and we might need to update our top 5 hotels list from last week! Although Cusco has its fair share of top quality places, you can never have too much of a good thing, and the hotel Palacio Nazarenas is the latest stunning property to open its doors.

Opened in June 2012, Palacio Nazarenas is the newest addition to the Orient Express collection, and is right beside Hotel Monasterio, the chain’s other 5 star offering in Cusco. Nazarenas was initially planned as merely an extension of Monasterio, in order to make the popular hotel bigger and increase capacity, but this idea was quickly shelved as the Nazarenas project began to take on its own identity. Although they are side by side, and run by the same company, the two hotels are very different in style, something that becomes immediately apparent on entering. Monasterio uses its setting in an old monastery (hence the name!) to great effect, and the building is extremely grand, full of ornate pillars, walls and hundreds of fabulous, original paintings. The hotel really plays on its history, and the beauty of the building itself is one of the major selling points. Nazarenas however has gone for a much cleaner, contemporary style, with less pomp, gold, and old paintings, and more understated class. It is a beautiful place to explore with all manner of ancient passageways leading you somewhere new and exciting, and it is sometimes a struggle to not get lost! But this is all part of the charm, and it is wonderful to be able to wander round an old 18th century convent and soak up the atmosphere.

It is obvious that the team behind Nazarenas have worked hard on the style and aesthetic appeal of the hotel, and this extends into the 55 rooms that make up the accommodation. Every one of the rooms is a suite (no standard rooms here!) with even the bottom range option offering real luxury to the guest. They are individual in terms of layout, and have special features unique to each room, such as views over the patio, private access via an old Incan passageway etc. In terms of detail the rooms are spectacular, with the clean, simple style mentioned above making for a very bright, welcoming experience. They are all equipped with everything you could possibly want, from silk robes, slippers, and daily newspapers; to a fully stocked, and included in the price, mini-bar, iPads, and an oxygen supply should you struggle with the altitude. And the lavish bathrooms complete with walk-in showers, bathtubs, and heated floors are worth a special mention!

Hospitality is also a big thing at Nazarenas, and you are really taken care of from the minute you check in, with your own personal butler on hand 24-hours a day. Each room is assigned its own butler who will take care of all your needs and ensure that everything is in order and you have all you need to make your stay extra special. As I said, real luxury!

And the food on offer really keeps the luxury count high, as breakfast, lunch, and dinner will each be an experience you won’t forget. The Senzo restaurant is the jewel in the crown offering fantastic Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist for lunch and dinner. Under the guidance of renowned chef Virgilio Martinez the restaurant has made it its mission to use fresh local ingredients, with a focus on seasonality, providing a real showcase to the fantastic, varied produce to be found around Cusco. The highlight is the 5 course tasting menu, giving you the chance to sample all the stars of Peruvian food. Breakfast and lunch are also spectacular, with fruit and salad carts (modeled after similar carts that can be seen in the streets of Cusco), giving diners the chance to customize and take exactly what they want.

Oh and something else the hotel has that really sets it apart from comparable options in the city is its swimming pool! A heated outdoor swimming pool is a real rarity here in Cusco, and after a long day sightseeing and exploring the city, what can be better than a relaxing swim under the stars!

Palacio Nazarenas is just the latest in a long line of incredible 5 star hotels to open in Cusco, but it really has something special about it. The beautiful rooms and personalized butler service, coupled with the classy and clean décor offers the guest something a little bit different, and ensures a truly memorable stay.

Cusco, Luxury Hotels , ,
October 23rd, 2012
post by Kuoda Travel | | Closed

Peru’s Top 5 Hotels!

Today, I thought I’d give you our tips for some of the best hotels in Peru. Although there are hundreds of fantastic hotels to enjoy I have decided to limit myself to just 5 choices, so these are really the cream of the crop! Here goes:

La Casona, Cusco

In a previous blog entry we wrote about the fabulous La Casona in Cusco, and such is the beauty of the place that it merits another mention. The first thing to say about this property is that it is on the small side, with only 11 suites! Although this means it can be tricky to book, and you are always lucky to get a space, it also ensures an incredibly personal level of service, with each member of staff knowing you by name. The staff are always on hand to cater to your every need, and you get the kind of personalized treatment you just wouldn’t receive in one of the larger hotels. But this is not the only plus point, as La Casona offers you the height of luxury in any one of its opulent suites, with fantastic beds, baths, showers and basically anything you can think of. The food is also spectacular and the buffet breakfast they offer is a real favorite. They’ve got it all covered!

Hotel Titilaka, Puno

Puno, the city on the shores of Lake Titicaca, does not have as many stand out accommodations when compared with other parts of Peru, but the city can boast one of the very best hotels in the country. Situated about 45 minutes from the city itself, Hotel Titilaka benefits from being a secluded retreat, where you have the chance to get away from it all and experience firsthand the sheer beauty of the lake. It goes without saying that the rooms are of the highest order, all with great views over the lake and surrounding area, and the food is top draw (included in the price, and giving you the chance to enjoy local dishes prepared with fresh local produce), but the real highlight of this hotel is the activities on offer. Depending on the package you go for when booking, you will be treated to a full or half program of activities, including trips to the nearby islands, bike riding, kayaking and all manner of wonderful opportunities to get out and see the surroundings.

Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley has its fair share of stunning hotels, but Sol y Luna really stands out as one of the best options. With a swimming pool and spa facilities in addition to top notch rooms, it has everything you could possibly need for a memorable stay in the Valley. It is set in incredibly idyllic grounds, giving fantastic views and allowing you to really make the most of this beautiful part of Peru. There is also a great restaurant and activities such as horseback riding and mountain biking on offer, so you can get out and explore countryside around the hotel. It is a place that warrants more than just one night and I would certainly recommend at least two nights, possibly even three if time allows, just to get the most out of it. If you only have one night you won’t want to leave, and will wish you had gone for the extra time!

Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Machu Picchu

Although the most famous hotel near Machu Picchu is Sanctuary Lodge, (as it is the only one situated right by the ruins themselves), if I had to choose just one place to stay it would definitely be Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Set in beautiful grounds that resemble a rainforest, the hotel’s individual cabins are its real selling point, providing secluded privacy away from the garish bustle of Aguas Calientes (the somewhat tacky town situated below Machu Picchu). There are activities available to keep you busy and entertained, and when you couple that with the stunning setting, this hotel really merits at least two nights. It also has the added bonus of being considerably cheaper than Sanctuary Lodge! But you don’t lose anything in terms of quality or overall experience, and it is a wonderful place to have as your base to see Machu Picchu.

Reserva Amazonica, Tambopata jungle

On the luxury end of jungle lodges we have the 5-star Reserva Amazonica. As with most places in Peru, the jungle region has endless great options to choose from, but Reserva Amazonica really stands alone in terms of quality. It is set up like a lodge with individual cabins serving as the rooms, beautiful paths and grounds linking each one, making a lovely place to wake up in the morning. The food is of the highest order, including some fantastic regional specialties that you won’t have tried, but as with Hotel Titilaka the biggest draw here is the activities on offer. There is everything from canopy walks and canoeing on Sandoval Lake, to guided night walking and full day excursions into the rainforest, and the biggest plus point is that it works on an a la carte basis. Whereas the majority of lodges in the region offer fixed daily itineraries of activities, Reserva Amazonica gives you the chance to pick exactly what you want to do, like you would from a menu in a restaurant. So you are not tied to a fixed plan and are free to choose whatever you feel like doing! It is slightly strange to find such a luxurious place in the middle of the jungle, but there is no better to way to see this enchanting part of Peru!

So come and stay in some of these great hotels, and make the most of your time in Peru in real luxury! In two previous posts you will find some fantastic photos of both La Casona and Sol y Luna, so check them out as well.

Till next time!

Hotel Reviews, Luxury Hotels, Travel , , ,
November 4th, 2011
post by Kuoda Travel | | 2

All the Comforts of Home (and More) in Cusco! Staying at La Casona

By Emily Guilmette, Kuoda Travel
Dear Kuoda Friends and Family,

One of our all-time favorite hotels in the entirety of South America is Inkaterra’s La Casona! I recently had the pleasure of spending an evening there and wanted to take this opportunity to tell you why it’s so special.

First, you come upon La Casona, tucked away in one of Cusco’s prettiest plazas, up the hill from the Plaza de Armas. Bounded by low blue-shuttered buildings and a dusty red colonial cathedral, you find yourself in an oasis of calm. In the distance – shadowy blue snow-capped peaks.

La Casona itself is snuggled unobtrusively into a corner of the plaza, quite close to the excellent Museum of Pre-Colombian Art. The hotel strives to make you feel as if you’re in a friend’s beautiful home (in fact, the building may have been one of the first Spanish constructions in Cusco) and so the entrance is unmarked. A knock at the tall, sumptuously carved wooden doors summons a wonderfully polite doorman.

Once inside, you’ll note that the very exclusive 11 suites are arranged around a central courtyard. There is no lobby, rather, an entrance hall and an exquisite living room with chairs and couches you immediately want to sink into, book in hand. You’ll walk past the living room, the intimate dining room and into the courtyard and settle into your room. Check-in is conducted there, so you can settle and relax.

Room doors are tall, wooden and beautifully carved, opened with an old-fashioned iron key. The moment you enter, you are surrounded by understated elegance. Velveteen couches and armchairs in warm, earthy tones. Absolutely beautiful linens, wooden furniture and cabinets that exude Spanish flavor (without being overwhelming or overbearing) and a glorious stone fireplace! Floor to ceiling windows let you gaze out over Cusco and give each room a feeling of light and warmth. The bathrooms are thoroughly modern, with soft curved lines, clean stone and delicious wide shower-heads. Relax, slip on complimentary slippers and robe and settle into the warmth of the room. Perhaps in that moment, you’ll notice the original frescoes high on the wall.

While the rooms themselves are exquisite (I wanted to move in), personal service is the driving force of La Casona. Their staff works with Kuoda to better understand your needs and wants – so you may find yourself introduced to local cocktails or special choice cuisine, if that’s where your tastes lie. Perhaps you’ll be offered massages in the impeccable spa area. Whatever your needs, the staff is there to make you feel pampered and at home.

This dedication to personal service, along with one of the most beautiful facilities in Peru, makes La Casona one of our perpetual favorites and we encourage our guests to experience it themselves! Plus, they are run by the wonderful Inkaterra group, which was one of the first in Peru to commit to sustainable tourism. You can stay in their FABULOUS jungle facilities or their delightful Machu Picchu digs as well!

I hope you enjoy some of the photos from my stay here

.

Please, don’t hesitate to email me with questions about this fantastic hotel: emily@kuodatravel.com

Emily
Hotel Reviews, Uncategorized , , ,
July 15th, 2011
post by Kuoda Travel | | Closed

Peru’s Garden Paradise: Sol y Luna’s Sacred Valley Casitas

By Emily Guilmette, Kuoda Travel
Dear Kuoda Friends and Family,

I have found a secret garden in the Sacred Valley and you can visit too!

Simply wind your way up the hills surrounding Cusco, zip through the stunning high plateaus with vistas of distant icy mountains to the North of the city, and cruise through the warm valley town of Urubamba. At this point, you will find yourself at the gates to the Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa.


The initial idea for this lovely hotel was to create lodging that would allow visitors to enjoy vibrant gardens and the views of the steep surrounding mountains. It was to be a restful and pleasant sanctuary. And so the casitas were born!

Made of local building materials – stone, adobe, wood – these rustic little houses are unobtrusively nestled into the property. Each casita houses a beautifully executed hotel room, from the smaller round casitas to the larger more modern luxury casitas. Local art is incredibly important to Sol y Luna (in fact, their patronage has revived the regional colonial art of making paper flowers) and so each luxury casita’s design is unique, based on a wall mural. Mine was a vibrant green and purple expanse, representing “tuna,” a local cactus and fruit. The bedding is scrumptious and clean white, the bathroom a dream with a gigantic bathtub for luxuriating after a day’s activities, and the living rooms have soft leather couches and incredibly welcome fireplaces. Modern amenities like a flatscreen TV and an iPod and dock are tastefully integrated into the rustic-chic décor. All of the soaps and shampoos are from L’Occitane and I must say that I have never entered a sweeter smelling hotel room!



After passing through the small building that serves as the gateway to the property and the area for check-in, I strolled the pebbled path through rich greens with deep red and purple flowers to my casita. The most lovely reception awaited me: gentle music and local sweets! I settled in to enjoy my delicious welcome chocolates on the patio of my darling casita. Birds sang – there are many different species in this particular area of Peru – and the warm sun completely relaxed me. It was hard to leave my seat to explore Sol y Luna’s many fabulous offerings! But, explore I did…

For many travelers, the Sacred Valley is just a stop on the way to acclimatizing for Cusco and taking the train to Machu Picchu; but from horseback riding to rafting to luxurious spa treatments, this region of Peru has now deserves vacation time in and of itself. Sol y Luna offers a full range of resources to fully enjoy this special place.

First, there are the amenities of the hotel: an incredibly gourmet restaurant with one of the finest chefs in the area (and the friendliest serving staff I have encountered anywhere in Peru), a cocktail lounge for evenings, and a more rustic dining experience in the Wayra ranch. Then there is the absolutely beautiful spa with a jacuzzi, saunas and a wide range of massage and treatment options. In a warm building of wood and stained glass, the afternoon sunshine makes the treatment rooms colorful sanctuaries. There is a beautiful business center, a small boutique where you can purchase some of the art that decorates the casitas, a quiet outdoor pool, and this fall there will be a library and common room.


Then, there are the activities. There are cultural activities such as daily exhibitions of Peruvian dancing horses, theatrical events showcasing local legends and myths, dance performances, pottery workshops and textile demonstrations. Plus, there is the Wayra ranch, where you can enjoy a traditional barbecue and the lovely dining experience of a true Peruvian pachamanca (earth-cooked potatoes and meats).


Finally, in the past two years, Sol y Luna has focused intensely on sharing the fine culinary tradition of the Sacred Valley. From a fabulous chefs’ table and wine cellar, to a private dining room, to cooking demos and lessons to farm visits, there are a plethora of opportunities for the gourmet.

Complementing these offerings is impeccable service: hot water bottles in the early evening to warm the body and the bed, a roaring romantic fire, the world’s friendliest bartender, smiles and helpful information at every turn.

And so, I encourage you to sample the many pleasures of the Sacred Valley with Sol y Luna. It is one of the most relaxing hotels I have ever encountered. If you haven’t time for a longer stay, the restaurants and Wayra are open to anyone passing through Urubamba. You must enjoy!

Best wishes from Cusco!
Emily
Hotel Reviews , , ,
June 17th, 2011
post by Kuoda Travel | | Closed

Historic Foundations + Chic Modern Décor Make for a Rejuvenating Night at the Fabulous Boutique Hotel Casa Cartagena

By Emily Guilmette, Kuoda Travel
Dear Kuoda Friends and Family,Over the past weekend, I had the pleasure of being a guest in Cusco’s lovely Casa Cartagena and I wanted to share a bit of that experience with all of you.

Cusco surprises visitors with its liveliness. The city, with its red-tiled colonial roofs and incredible Inca walls, is nestled in a narrow Andean valley and seems to be constructed of history. Yet, with the suit-clad locals hurrying past traditionally-dressed women leading llamas, taxi drivers racing for fares, visitors marveling at the magnificent cathedrals and merchants haggling over the price of chullos (Andean-style knit hats) modern life is plentiful, vigorous and noisy.

All of which is delightful and thrilling, yet there comes a point when it’s time to rest.

A short climb from the Plaza de Armas up a winding cobbled street brings you to the quiet Plaza Nazarenas. A small central garden is surrounded by some of the best (and prettiest) real estate in Cusco: a combination of low white buildings with bright blue and green balconies, the glorious MAP museum and a towering sandy colonial cathedral. Stroll a bit farther past the plaza and you arrive at the quiet entrance to the Casa Cartagena.

This boutique hotel is housed in the colonial mansion of Don Fernando Cartagena, which was lovingly restored by Luxury Properties before the hotel opened in 2008. Many original details (high ceilings with thick beams, uneven adobe walls, warm stone) as well as pre-colonial Inca walls remain in place and lend the property an elegant, comfortable ambiance.

One of the delights of Spanish architecture in Cusco is that relatively unassuming facades open onto gloriously spacious courtyards. One enters the heavy carved wooden doors of the Casa Cartagena and finds oneself in a lovely garden – green grass, vine-covered trellises and trailing red flowers. Modern sculptural lighting (most prominent of which is a white globe) peppers the courtyard and lends a special glow to the space in the evening and a youthful vibrancy throughout the day.

A restful feeling immediately overtakes you as the friendly staff (attired in beautifully soft Alpaca sweaters and berets for the chill of Cusco’s evenings) offers welcome and you make your way through the courtyard to your suite.

Comprising only 16 suites, each overlooking the courtyard, tranquility prevails in the Casa Cartagena. It was heavenly to enjoy welcome coca tea (for the altitude), fresh juice and delicious local chocolates while sitting on my sunny balcony.

The suites themselves offer a beautiful combination of colonial architecture with sleek modern furnishings and amenities. Traditional and modern local art, including colorful woven thrown pillows, add a subtle homage to Andean styles without overwhelming the clean restful lines.

Spectacularly, original colonial frescoes adorn the walls of some of the suites high above guests’ heads. Sleeping beneath such beautiful antiquities is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Each bathroom offers along with the shower, a large bathtub and a range of bath oils to try. Tall candles ranged near the bath and the fluffy white bathrobes ready at hand seem to whisper, “indulge, rest, relax…”
Self-controlled heat is extraordinarily welcome after a cool night’s walk through town, oxygen is available in all of the rooms, the wireless connection is strong, and room service is available 24-hours.

The suites range from 8 LP Suites with one king-size or two queen-size beds; 6 Master Suites with bedroom and living room; the Presidencial Suite with four-person jacuzzi, living room, dining area, bar and bedroom; and the Royal Suite with living room, dining room, four-person jacuzzi, sauna, California king bed and second-floor bedroom with two additional queen beds. Each is exquisitely designed and delightfully appointed.

Additionally, such are the amenities of the hotel, that it’s a blessing Cusco is so culturally rich. (Otherwise, it might be hard to leave the hotel!)

  • The Qoya spa on premises offers a range of relaxing treatments, and use of the heated whirlpool – overlooking the spectacular hills and twinkling lights of San Blas – and sauna are included in the price of the room
  • Warm social areas with stone fireplaces offer the perfect haven in which to relax
  • The tiny on-site bar is a pop of color and promises intimate service
  • The La Chola restaurant was historically a picanteria visited by the likes of Che Guevara and Pablo Neruda: treading (or eating) in their footsteps is a must
  • Breakfast in-suite or in the restaurant

Finally, the service at Casa Cartagena is exceptionally professional, personalized and pleasant. Guests are served aperitifs and appetizers each afternoon, either in their suites or in the common areas. I enjoyed a delicious pisco (a Peruvian brandy) and chicha morada (a sweet juice from purple corn – sounds crazy but tastes great) concoction served by a fabulously attentive young fellow. When an early departure meant I needed breakfast at 5:30 in the morning, I was deftly served exactly what I wanted in the comfort of my room.

It is this service, the quiet ambiance, and the proximity to the center of Cusco that makes this hotel fantastic. It is the history and the modern twist on Andean design that makes it a must.
I can not recommend this hotel enough to travelers to Cusco. Many of Kuoda’s guests opt to include it in their personalized itineraries and I heartily recommend that they continue to do so.

Many thanks to the delightful staff of the Casa Cartagena for being our ongoing partner and for being such fabulous hosts!

If you have any questions about my stay, Casa Cartagena or Kuoda itineraries, please email emily@kuodatravel.com

All photos here are the property of the Casa Cartagena.

Best wishes,
Emily and the Kuoda Team
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