There is something about pausing during your time in the Andes that allows you to embrace the wonder of being there. And there is no better place to pause than in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The superior amenities of these Sacred Valley luxury hotels – such as relaxing spa services, fine dining and stunning natural surroundings – make each property a true gem.
Tucked majestically between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley is renowned for its vibrant local markets, adventure excursions, impressive Inca sites and unparalleled natural beauty. While there is an exciting array of tours and experiences to keep you on the go, it is important to schedule time to slow down and luxuriate in the landscape. Experiencing the Sacred Valley at a slower pace, while staying at a premier hotel, provides the opportunity to unwind, connect with your travel companions and treat yourself to deep relaxation.
*This article was last updated July 2020 by Gina Cronin
Guestroom at Hacienda Urubamba. Photo by Inkaterra.
Tucked in a valley of the Andean countryside, Hacienda Urubamba by Inkaterra is a Spanish-style estate with Inca decor throughout. The Casa Hacienda main house and stand alone Casitas offer opulent lodging with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. Here you can immerse in the local charm with a book from your private porch. Or, you can visit the earth-to-table restaurant, wander through the healing garden and enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment. There are also excursions included in your stay that allow you to fully take in the natural landscape. This is a PFL favorite when it comes to Sacred Valley Luxury Hotels.
Sacred Valley Tours:
“Hacienda Urubamba’s spa was really beautiful, it has a tone of understated luxury to it, in line with the rest of the hotel. If you opt for a massage, your massage therapist will take you into the spa’s herb garden, where you can choose your own herbs that the oil will be infused with. There are two massage rooms that can be connected, so if you are a couple, you can enjoy a couples massage. Before or after your massage, you can enjoy warm herbal tea or cold infused water in the warm plunge pool while you gaze up at the stars (true story, it was so beautiful). There is also a charming sauna in the spa complex.”
Lovely exterior of Belmond Rio Sagrado with imposing mountains. Photo by Belmond.
Flanked by mountains and set on the banks of the Urubamba River, guests of Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado enjoy luxurious accommodations and a privileged location. The sandstone-orange main house and free standing structures for the villas and suites are sprinkled throughout the property – akin to a small Andean village. Sit in the gardens beside the rushing river, dip into the climatized swimming pool, enjoy local fare at the elegant restaurants or join a traditional Andean ceremony at the Mayu Wilka spa.
“After a long day exploring Machu Picchu, we arrived at Belmond Rio Sagrado. A nice man from the hotel greeted us with a smile, hot hand towels and some coca tea. Our room was facing the mountains and our terrace gave us some alone time with the joyful hummingbirds. Having the quietness of the night and comfortable beds (heated by water bags) made reading and disconnecting from the world effortless. In the morning, heated floors in the bathroom and a cozy robe made an ideal morning. Later on, we enjoyed fresh coffee accompanied by pancakes with honey and fruit, plus the landscape and happy alpacas playing in front of us.”
Common area at Tambo del Inka. Photo by Marriott.
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, is the first hotel in the Sacred Valley to be granted the prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The picturesque hotel is located on the banks of the river. It offers amazing epicurean experiences as well as spa and pool to unwind. The well-appointed rooms and suites are adorned with sliding glass doors, marble bathrooms and warm Andean design accents. Also, as a plus, Tambo del Inka is the only hotel with a private train station offering daily service to Machu Picchu.
Pool at Sol y Luna Hotel, part of the Relais and Chateaux Collection. Photo by Hotel Sol y Luna.
Hotel Sol y Luna offers all the services you need to relish an extended getaway in the Sacred Valley without ever leaving its sweeping 37 acre (15 hectares) property. The hotel is part of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux Collection, an association of luxury hotels that span 60 countries on five continents. At Sol y Luna, each of the distinct casitas is a private sanctuary. They are constructed of local stone, and decorated with original pieces of Peruvian folk art. Premium Casitas feature a wood-burning fireplace, floor heating, and jacuzzi on a private garden terrace – an idyllic spot to soak in the stunning scenery.
Standard Guestroom at Explora Valle Sagrado Hotel. Photo by Explora.
This award-winning luxury hotel is embedded in the spectacular Sacred Valley landscape with design flourishes reminiscent of the times of the Inca. In fact, Explora Valle Sagrado is located just beside an ancient corn plantation and directly facing the majestic Andes. The standard rooms and guest suites hold a simple elegance and have views of the fields, valleys and mountains. Each room is complete with a private bath with a jetted tub, robe and slippers, heating and local infusions. The experience is complete with access to the onsite Spa Pumacahua Bath House and a restaurant with a menu developed by world-renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez.
Bar and lounge area at Aranwa. Photo by Aranwa.
Aranwa Sacred Valley resides on the sweeping property of a 17th century hacienda overlooking the Urubamba River. Each of the deluxe rooms and suites have a terrace or balcony and a private restroom with a jacuzzi bathtub. We consider this hotel a basic 5 star, but is still an excellent place to relax and renew. According to Peru for Less’ Melissa Dreffs, “It has everything that is expected of a 5-star but it is not quite as impressive as the other 5-star hotels in the area. However the nice part is that is reflected in the price as well; so Aranwa is a great choice for those who want the services of a 5 star without the soaring price tag.”
The pristine setting of Casa Andina Valle Sagrado. Photo by Casa Andina.
This 4 star hotel has grounds as stunning as any 5 star hotel on our list, but more basic. Located in the lush countryside of the Urubamba Valley, visitors of Casa Andina Valle Sagrado can marvel at the panoramic mountain views and wander the landscaped gardens where adorable alpaca residents wander. The guest rooms, suites and villas come with a balcony, cozy robe and slippers, and regional design accents that round out your luxury experience in the Andes. The full service spa, Alma Bar and Restaurant, and onsite planetarium are excellent options to explore during your stay.
“Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado’s grounds are gorgeous and they have baby alpacas roaming (and feeding times for guests to participate in) plus a really great spa. The nice thing about the spa is that you can use the giant jacuzzi hot tub, dry sauna and steam room at no extra cost – just sign up for an hour time slot at the check in desk. We stayed in the Jr. Suite, which is a loft style room with giant comfortable king beds and a really nice balcony with amazing mountain views. There are a lot of flowering plants around the property and you can see colorful hummingbirds while drinking your morning tea.”
The gardens of Sonesta Posada hotel. Photo by Sonesta Posada.
For a more quaint experience, go to Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay, an 18th century monastery surrounded by gardens and mountains in the distance. While this hotel does not offer a spa, it does have excellent dining, an eclectic Inca market, a colonial courtyard and charming chapel. The 88 guestrooms are equipped with climate control and a private bathroom with tub and shower. There are regional design flourishes throughout that connect the property with its heritage and history. Here you can sit back, relax and feel the love of the ancient Andes. A more modest of the Sacred Valley Luxury Hotels, but every bit as pleasant.
Guest Room at Hotel San Agustin Monasterio de la Recoleta. Photo by Hotel San Agustin.
If you want more of a historic luxury experience that surrounds you in the echoes of a colonial past, San Agustin Monasterio de la Recoleta is your spot. This religious monument and monastery was built in the 17th century. It features a traditional courtyard, rustic exposed stone finishes, and charming gardens and greenery. Stepping into the hotel you get a sense of stepping into an ancient chapel. The basic but comfortable rooms have warm Andean decor, hardwood floors, heating and private bathrooms.
Part of the Seven Chakra Healing Garden at Willka TIka. Photo by Willka Tika.
For those looking to dive into wellness in one of the most magical places in the world, look no further than Willka Tika. This eco-friendly wellness retreat center with local Quechua staff is the ultimate place to connect with Pachamama, or mother earth, delight in farm-to-table vegetarian meals and partake in a traditional healing ceremony. You can come on your own for personal growth and exploration or come with loved ones. Or you can even join a scheduled group retreat or host your own. The gorgeous sustainable guest rooms enjoy lush mountain and garden views and are adorned by local artwork with fresh flowers. Don’t forget to visit the property’s gardens, yoga studio, ceremonial temple, and library/music cottage as well. A true community-inspired retreat center in the Sacred Valley for those seeking deep healing.
Sacred Valley views from the dining table of the glass suite at Skylodge. Photo by Natura Vive.
If laying in bed while hanging off an Andean cliff in a glass pod sounds like luxury, this is the spot for you. Skylodge Adventure Suites is an exclusive retreat geared for adventurous travelers looking for a truly unique natural experience. To access these luxury glass suites, handmade out of aerospace aluminum, guests must hike, zipline and climb. The suite itself features a dining area, four beds, and private bathroom.
This was the first hanging lodge in the world, and attracts adventurous travelers from all over the globe. The sense of accomplishment after ziplining and climbing with steel cables, rungs and ladders is unparalleled. Especially when it ends with at luxury mountainside rooms with a 300 degree view of the Sacred Valley.
Your time in Skylodge is complete with private transportation, guides, safety briefing, equipment, snacks, gourmet dinner with a bottle of wine (and indisputably best views in the valley), and an energizing breakfast.
This list of Sacred Valley Luxury Hotels beholds something for everyone. Maybe it’s a massage by the Urubamba River or quality time with loved ones in a villa in the mountains. Or perhaps it’s a yoga retreat in healing gardens or a historic experience at an ancient monastery. Or even a zipline adventure to a glass oasis or an epicurean rendezvous under the Andean stars. Whatever your idea of Sacred Valley luxury is, talk to your travel advisor and they will help plan the ultimate custom Peru vacation.
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