Cirqa, Arequipa

Location

Amid the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture of Arequipa, this Relais & Châteaux hotel mirrors the history of its location in the heart of Southern Peru. Framed by three snow-capped volcanoes and a city full of manicured plazas and Baroque buildings, Cirqa is perfectly poised for adventures in the Peruvian wilds as well as laid-back city living. A stroll around the hotel's nearby lanes reveals picanterías serving spicy regional morsels and locals selling creamy queso helado; echoes of the city's gastronomic heritage. And, Arequipa has a year-round sunny climate with minimal rainfall, and temperatures ranging from 10°c to 25°c during the day.

Accommodation

The volcanic stone walls of the property have been carefully preserved to retain a sense of character, and many of the rooms feature original high-vaulted ceilings. Decor is both minimalist and luxurious, all fine linens and bespoke furnishings, as well as smart HDTVs, organic tailor-made amenities and a complimentary snacks and beverage service hamper. Choose from three categories of room; Claustro, Aposento and Bóvedo, all presented in the signature Cirqa style, becoming more spacious and luxurious at each level. Aposento and Bóvedo rooms feature bathtubs, while the latter also includes a contemporary sitting room area alongside its King bed.

Dining

Inspired by the picanterías of Arequipa, dining at Cirqa is all about rich flavours and hints of spice. With a blend of native flavours and local ingredients, master chefs create unique, contemporary dishes that celebrate the region's history. Guests can enjoy their meals inside the salón or under the afternoon sun on the terraza, paired with a glass of wine. And, the soon-to-be-unveiled rooftop eatery will offer diners 360º views of Arequipa and the surrounding countryside as they eat.

Facilities

The hotel's airy rooms are its heart, centred around a sunny courtyard terrace with comfortable seating and lounging areas. While the rooftop organic garden is a lovely place to relax, the real draw for this hotel is its location. Excursions are available via the concierge, covering everything from tours of the city to canyon explorations and spotting flamingos across the high-altitude plains of the Aguada Blanca National Reserve.