Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley

The way hotels are named these days, you’d expect “Sacred River” to be a bit of poetic exaggeration. It turns out the Rio Sagrado in question is the Urubamba, however, which happens to run through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Not your everyday sacred river. And the Belmond is not your everyday luxury hotel either. Though it’s a comparatively recent build, there’s nothing attention-grabbingly modern about it — the nineteen rooms and suites (and the two multi-bedroom villas) are patterned after a traditional Andean village, and their shapes and materials are meant to merge with the landscape.

For that matter, you’re meant to merge with the landscape. The interiors are familiar luxury territory, a pared-down contemporary style seasoned with Peruvian accents. All the standard comforts are present, save one: there’s no television. It’s replaced by a carefully engineered view — one early-morning glance out at the sacred river itself and you’ll forget about cable news entirely. The suites come with private garden terraces, and the villas sleep up to six.

The restaurant and bar serve Peruvian fare largely made from ingredients grown on site, and a small spa serves to heighten the relaxation. The bulk of your time, though, will likely be spent exploring the valley, whether on foot, on horseback or on the river. Just don’t let them send you home without their Pisco Sour recipe.


How to get there:
Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado is 48-mile (90-minute) drive from Cusco City Airport. Transfers by van can be organized for up to 3 guests at a cost of $120.