Rupert Parker enjoys a luxury stay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a contemporary hacienda-style 5 star hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, between Cusco and Machu Picchu. It’s sits in the countryside in spacious grounds of around 100 acres, just above the valley. Above the hacienda are imposing green mountains.
Accommodation is either in the main building, Casa Hacienda or in the surrounding Casitas. The key here is the wide open space, offering views over the valley in serenity and relaxing solitude. Architecture and interiors are inspired by the area’s cultural history, with colonial furniture, authentic Inca masks and handcrafted woodwork adding to the hacienda’s charm.
There are just 36 rooms, including 12 in the main building and 24 standalone Casitas or villas scattered around the grounds. We stayed in a spacious Casita, with a panoramic view of the fields and mountains from its own terrace. A comfortable King size bed with 100% pima cotton sheets, down duvet, hypoallergenic pillows and handmade wool coverlets ensured a good night’s sleep.
In the room is a colonial style wardrobe, a dining area for two and a stone fireplace. The large marble bathroom contained two sinks, separate shower and toilet, plus Inkaterra’s handmade toiletries, plush towels and a twin closet. Complimentary bottled water, gowns, slippers are all standard and there’s TV and iPod docking station. Even better, the evening turndown service supplied hot water bottles to keep us warm and cosy.
The restaurant, bar and terraces offer a gorgeous view of the Sacred Valley and the imposing mountains that surround it. The menu specialises in local ingredients harvested from the property’s organic farm. These include red and black quinoa, Urubamba corn, purple corn and a wide variety of potatoes. And Alpaca steaks, reminding me of spring lamb, also make an appearance at dinner.
The bar serves a comprehensive selection of macerated Piscos and a wide range of wines. There’s also complimentary afternoon tea with homemade cakes and a range of hot beverages.
Inspired by traditional Andean architecture, the Mayu Spa is situated between the property’s organic orchard and a forest of pepper trees. With treatments based on 100% natural products derived from native medicinal herbs, the new wellness centre has a plunge pool area, four private therapy rooms and a sauna. Clients can harvest their own medicinal herbs from the adjacent Healing Garden for their treatments.
The hotel offers complimentary excursions including a sunset trail, bird watching, and a hillside Huasi Challa walk exploring medicinal plants. Nearby is the Sacred Valley and the crown jewel of Machu Picchu.
This is the place to get away from it all and embrace nature and wonderful views of the Sacred Valley and the mountains. It’s a bit too far to walk to the nearest village so, unless you have your own transport, you’ll be taking all your meals here. But, judging by the quality of the food, that’s no bad thing.
Factbox
Prices at Hacienda Urubamba start from $462 for two, including breakfast.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Sacred Valley of the Incas Km 63,
08670, Peru
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