BELMOND PALACIO NAZARENAS

PERU

Arriving in Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site at a high altitude of 3,400m (11,200ft), you feel slightly breathless and it is not only from the view of the terracotta rooftops from the plane descent over the Inca city. To ease into your stay within the Andes, it is suggested you begin with a supper of soup and sipping the local altitude remedy of coca leaf tea.

Taking it slow on our first full day we took a short stroll from bustling Plaza de Armas up cobblestoned Cuesta del Almirante to Plazoleta de las Nazarenas, a quieter and smaller communal square to seek out one of the Belmond properties. The ultra luxe Palacio Nazarenas is a 55 suite boutique hotel behind two-storey walls for added resident privacy with a grand facade for an entrance through wooden doors. Cusco’s second Belmond property, Hotel Monasterio is a mere 100m walk away.

Stepping into Nazarenas you start to imagine Peruvian life revitalised. Parting one of the main cobblestone pathways is a channel of water that flows through the property. Seven white walled terraces housing the suites encompass charming courtyards, each with its own uniqueness. You naturally reach for your camera to create many of your own #BelmondPostcards.

Peruvian cuisine from the innovative Senzo Restaurant can be served by Cusco’s first outdoor pool, heated to a summery 29 degrees. If you feel like a Pisco Sour or a Macallan 18yo to take the edge off the effects of the altitude, pop into Senzo Bar. This classy courtyard is the place to be. On our first visit we relaxed by the pool under an umbrella to shelter us from the intense Cusco rays. Shortly after ordering a cappuccino and pot of Chocolate Caliente, a complimentary plate of fresh buttery pastries rivalling those in France was discreetly placed on the table for a little morning tea. This was just the introduction to the fine Belmond service.

To explore some of the terraces, we had the obliging Juan Carlos to help us take a peak at the Hypnôze Spa and some of the suites. We were first shown one of the two Master Suites and there was no boutique detail overlooked including in-room oxygen and access to a Butler service. The lavish Peruvian styled room has a private terrace with a table for two overlooking Plazoleta de las Nazarenas. Lucy at the Spa was so sweet, she booked a treatment for us soon after we saw the double treatment room with glass panels in the floor to face pieces of the Inca wall. The Spa’s very intimate outdoor relaxation area looked so inviting to come back and chill after a massage.

– SUITE – Master Suite with in-room oxygen, iPad and Butler service
– NUMBER – 200
– VIEW – Plazoleta de las Nazarenas and the cathedral tops of Plaza de Armas
– BED – King size
– BATHROOM – Peruvian marble, free standing tub, rain shower, his & her robes and heated flooring
– BATH AMENITIES – Prija and signature Palacio Nazarenas products and handmade soaps
– MINI BAR – Complimentary Mini Bar, Espresso as well as Pisco and Ron (Rum) in the transparent decanters

Juan Carlos had to dash off as he was to host a Pisco Sour lesson, which is just one of Belmond’s speciality experiences you are able to do. He left us in the equally kind hands of Manuel to wander through the second room, a Deluxe Suite that has similar stylings of the Master Suite although cosier with views of the pool and historic city rooftops.

– SUITE – Deluxe Suite with in-room oxygen and Butler service
– NUMBER – 303
– VIEW – Pool and historic city rooftops
– BED – King size
– BATHROOM – Peruvian marble, double vanity, tub and his & her robes
– BATH AMENITIES – Smaller selection of Prija and signature Palacio Nazarenas products
– MINI BAR – Complimentary Mini Bar, Espresso as well as Pisco and Ron (Rum) in the transparent decanters

We returned to visit Palacio Nazarenas a few times during our five nights in Cusco as the service and cuisine were exemplary. Next time we would love to stay and continue to #DiscoverBelmond.

IN SUMMARY | What you need to know….