Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco

Location

Cusco – the ancient Inca capital – is the gateway to the world-famous Machu Picchu. However, look beyond its headline-grabbing centrepiece and you’ll find its cobbled streets lined with Inca temples, ornate cathedrals and a thriving craft trade. It’s no surprise that the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city has become its undisputed archaeological jewel. And, positioned on what was once the training ground for an elite army of Incas, this luxury offering is perfectly poised for exploring it all.

Accommodation

With 11 suites set around a Spanish courtyard, the manor offers sober elegance in maintaining its rich history; all are individually furnished with antiques. Relive Cusco’s mestizo grandeur with neoclassic columns, carved doors, marble bathrooms and plush living areas while complimentary WiFi, cable TV, thrice daily housekeeping, anti-allergenic pillows and thermostat controlled heated floors mean that you won’t go without contemporary favourites. Its only difficulty: you’ll have to choose between courtyard-facing and balcony suites.

Dining

As a Relais & Châteaux property you can expect to be treated to a fine dining experience for all three meals, with breakfast included in the nightly tariff. Using only locally sourced ingredients, regional delicacies and international favourites feature on indulgent menus, complemented by a sommelier-selected collection of fine vintages paired to each course. You might enjoy a spinach rolls dressed in a passion fruit sauce as a starter before moving on to a main of quinoa risotto as Andean flavours are updated with contemporary cooking techniques.

Facilities

Considering that this is a 16th century mansion, the boutique Inkaterra La Casona concerns itself with offering intimate luxury rather than resort facilities. As such you’ll find personalised touches in your included welcome gift, cocktail, tea service and turndown service. For those unadjusted to the altitude, oxygen is also available free of charge. There’s also a therapy room where all spa products are derived from local botany and used in treatments that range from hot stone massages to coca body exfoliations.