The tradition of luxury spas in Peru is a long one. Ancient rulers of the Incan Empire, the largest pre-Colombian Empire in all of the Americas, routinely bathed in Peru’s natural hot springs, which were believed to have sacred healing powers. Well the last of the Inca royalty are long gone, today Peruvian spas are regarded as among the best in all of Latin America. There is ample opportunity to unwind in opulence in each of Peru’s distinct geographical landscapes: sierra, coast, and jungle.
Tambo del Inka
If you would like to unwind like the Inca kings once did you are well advised to head to Tambo del Inka. A Libertador Hotels property, the luxurious Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa is situated roughly one hour outside of Cusco in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, the heartland of the Incan Empire. Designed by the trendy Miami firm Arquitectonica, the 128-room trapezoidal property boasts stunning triple height ceilings, towering stone chimneys, and an azure, heated swimming pool. Over-sized Incan textiles and beautiful regional pottery add an authentic touch to the décor. The property’s 19,375 square-foot spa is without a doubt a highlight. It boasts a number of Andean-inspired treatments, including the renowned Yucamani Stones Massage. The Gods Facial, which utilizes 24k gold to improve tone and hydration, is not to be missed. And if you’re headed to explore Machu Picchu, the hotel even boasts its own private train station.
Hotel Paracas
Also a Libertador Hotels property, Hotel Paracas provides an opulent way to experience Peru’s dramatic desert coastline, marked by vast golden sand dunes and a deep cerulean sea. Designed by famed Peruvian architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia, the 120-room resort features a carefully design décor intended to evoke the natural desert surroundings. Rooms evoke an earthy feel with bamboo walls, wooden floors, and textiles modeled after pre-Colombian designs, while floor to ceiling sliding glass doors blur the division between exterior and interior. Glitzy cabanas and sleek daybeds by one of the hotel’s two pools provide the perfect place to unwind with a pisco sour and a plate of ceviche. The award-winning spa boasts a number of unique treatments including the Andean Chocolate experience, which makes of the protein-rich and enzyme-rich cocoa plant to simultaneously smooth and hydrate skin.
Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica
If it is Amazonian luxury you are looking for you will find it at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica. Ranked among the world’s best eco-lodges by National Geographic, this lavish Amazon retreat boasts a luxurious spa, organic toiletries, and siesta lounges with hammocks. Nestled deep within a private 42,008-acre ecological reserve on the banks of the beautiful Madre de Dios River the resort’s 35 private thatched roof cabañas combine natural materials with contemporary amenities. The unique spa boasts a number oftreatments that make use of exotic Amazonian materials and all products are 100% natural, derived from local botanical extracts. The Amazon Purification treatment is especially noteworthy, making use a unique plant known as cat’s claw to increase the flow of the lymphatic system and cleanse and purify the body.
