What it is

A 17th century former convent that’s now a divine 55-room retreat with three restaurants, a leafy garden, indigenous-inspired spa and the first al fresco infinity pool in town.

What it isn't

Staid. The hotel has curated jolly activities its former inhabitants couldn’t have dreamt of, including gratis salsa dance lessons and cooking classes tailored to the local delicacies, including quinoa and alpaca meat.

What we think

Gurgling fountains in the lush courtyard...coffered ceilings...fresco-painted walls. The nuns that inhabited this building in the 16th century had it good, architecturally speaking. But guests today will find pampering they never would have imagined, including a serene spa that made ancient Incan and Andean traditions its muse (don’t miss the thermal clay, lavender and chamomile body wrap). Guest rooms bear all the ornate flourishes of history, plus high-tech touches today’s travelers demand, including satellite TV and surround sound; an espresso and pisco station; lighting-fast WiFi; and gleaming en-suite bathrooms lined in Peruvian marble. Starter rooms are cozy at 398 square feet; upgrade to a Signature Suite for barrel-vaulted stone arches and private balconies looking out on the historic view. Oh, did we mention the hotel pumps extra oxygen into the rooms to ensure your comfort at this altitude? Now *that* is service.

You're here because

Guest pampering includes 24-hour butler service and insider access to a Machu Picchu day trip via their Hiram Bingham train.

The Moment

You always indulge in hearty breakfasts when you’re globetrotting, but the spread before you at Desayuno is next-level. Housemade huaro bread with Curahuasi aniseed and elderberry jam; poached eggs and native potatoes in pachamanca sauce; a fruit salad with papaya and prickly pear; and coca leaf tea. Energy level: Full throttle.

Restaurants & Bars

Senzo Restaurant - Traditional cuisine

Senzo Bar

Location

In the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cusco, just a 15 minute drive from the Cusco Airport. Chocoholics won’t want to miss the ChocoMuseo, a—yes—chocolate museum (with tastings) just five blocks away.