Aranwa Sacred Valley is seriously the best hotel I have ever stayed in. It's such a unique property that my family and I spent our entire stay exploring and being dumbfounded by every single beautiful detail in the architecture, layout, culture, and design. The property is GORGEOUS. They have alpacas and peacocks roaming the grounds in what is a beautiful landscaped garden and pool area. Their chapel is gold-encrusted decadence, out of this world. Same with their museum, orchid garden, and stores. This is the kind of hotel in which upon exploring, you keep finding new elements that surprise and delight you - for example, comfy lounge chairs to catch the sun in privacy behind the museum, or a Spanish-style square behind the orchid garden with its own popcorn machine. The amazing thing about this hotel is the design/architecture. It was originally a 17th century colonial hacienda, and the opulence and beauty of that era is still very much prevalent. In fact, the architects and designers who created this hotel have done the most amazing job I have ever seen of ensuring every single detail, every stone, structure, flower, sculpture, etc. is exquisite and unique. We were awestruck by the hotel because it almost seemed crazy to create something of such perfection and cultural significance.
The spa is a world of itself. WOW. They have the latest and greatest equipment, but in addition to that, they offer some incredible local treatments, such as an Inca spa outside with its own fireplace, a meditation room in which you can burn cocoa leaves, and they can even call a Shaman for you for a special session. Even their manicure/pedicure room is amazing with the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking lush greenery and the river. Their couples spa private room is also pure luxury.
The strange thing about the hotel was that it was only about 50% occupied when we were there, and it felt like a private oasis of calm and serenity. The only explanation I can give for why people are not breaking down the doors to get a room there is because of the somewhat isolated location. However, Sacred Valley is right on the way to Machu Picchu from Cuzco - do yourself a favour and stay for a couple nights at this hotel in Sacred Valley before heading to Machu Picchu. No hotel in Machu Picchu even comes close to being on this level or this nice. Stay here for a couple nights of luxury, use the pool and jacuzzi, play with the alpacas, meditate in the spa, eat at the delicious restaurant with a pisco sour in hand, and trust me, you won't regret it. We loved it so much we even tried to cancel a pre-paid night in Machu Picchu to come back.
By the way, the service is incredible. The staff are there to cater to your every whim and desire. The maître d'hôtel, Carlos Velazquez, was especially wonderful and knowledgeable. He wrote us a comprehensive list of recommendations of places to eat, shop, and visit in Machu Picchu and Cuzco. Carlos - your hotel is fantastic, and we can't wait to come back...
Room Tip: Even the Colonial rooms, which is their smallest/cheapest room category, are incredibly spacious and...
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