What it is

A 23-room restorative retreat in a lush Urubamba River valley of the Andes Mountains with an exquisite locally-inspired spa.

What it isn't

Ordinary. This was reportedly once the stomping grounds of the ancient Incan Empire.

What we think

They don’t call this place Rio Sagrado—sacred river—for nothing. There is something hallowed about these grounds, where towering evergreen trees stand like totems along glass-clear waters. The feeling continues, blessedly, in the rooms, where the design was inspired by the surrounding landscape and “mystic energy” (sounds woo-woo, but is unequivocally true). Book a Garden Junior Suite for lofted rafters with exposed wood beams and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the rushing river—fount of all life—below. We particularly love that the restaurant on-site is as locavore-leaning as they come, with produce culled from their very own lush gardens. (Don’t miss the Andean trout ceviche with fried yuca sticks). Oh, and did we mention the climatized outdoor pool staffed with pool assistants who will cater to whims for fluffy fresh towels and cool cocktails? The Incan Gods never had it so good.

You're here because

You want to do Machu Picchu right (who knows if you’ll be back here?), and the hotel will be happy to arrange your tour—via a Vistadome train that winds through the mountains as cinematically as possible.

The Moment

You’re already feeling more than chillaxed when you step foot in the Mayu Willka Spa, thanks to the wildflowers dancing beyond the windows—and the promise of an Incan gold body scrub inside. But nothing compares to your 4 Hands Massage, which is exactly what it sounds like: two masseuses working in tandem to relieve your weary bones from all the stresses of travel. You may have to come back again tomorrow. And every day after.

Restaurants & Bars

El Huerto - Traditional cuisine

El Bar del Huerto

Location

High in the towering Andes mountains in the shadow of Machu Picchu, yet a mere 70-minute drive from Cusco.