Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu
A restorative retreat located steps from a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel, is a heavenly gateway to Machu Picchu. As the only hotel located by the entrance to the ancient citadel, it enables guests waking at dawn to be among the first to enter the ruins, accompanied by an expert guide. It also allows spontaneous exploration of the surrounding mountains and forest. After scenic hikes to the Inca Guard House and Sun Gate, guests can revive themselves in the hidden springs at Aguas Calientes – every experience thoughtfully curated by our concierge.
Sanctuary Lodge itself is a subtropical paradise. Hummingbirds drink from orange and pink orchids that bloom near the rooms, while butterflies float between the ferns. In the surrounding mists, some of the 180 endemic bird species can be observed.
Days may begin with an intimate sunrise breakfast on the terrace followed by a meditation or one-to-one yoga lesson in the gardens. The wellness programme includes alfresco massages rooted in indigenous techniques and local medicinal herbs, while Incan culture further inspires shaman-led rituals and ceremonies on site.
Come evening, a culinary journey awaits at Tampu Restaurant, where delicious Novoandina cuisine draws from the immense bounty of Peru, from the heights of the Andean peaks to the beds of the rainforest and the waters of the Costa Peruana. The bar serves cocktails garnished with handpicked mountain aromatics. As sleep calls, guests retire to elegant, contemporary accommodations paying homage to the region’s cultural heritage with local textiles and exposed stonework.
