There are few places that can surpass the magnetism and magic of Machu Pichu. It’s a spiritual experience wandering the ruins of a civilisation that settled in one of the most wondrous mountain vistas in the world.

Goosebumps are guaranteed. The only thing that could mar your experience? Overcrowding from fellow visitors. One way to mitigate this is to stay as close as possible to the entry gates. The only hotel situated next to Machu Pichu is the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Travellers have to take a bus at sunrise to be the first to enter Machu Pichu, but if you stay at the Lodge you will be the first to see dawn break over the icon, or the sunset when everyone has left, and that privileged access is worth the stay alone.

ambience

The five star hotel is called Sanctuary Lodge for a reason. There are butterflies, fireflies, and hummingbirds in the garden that sit among the clouds. It is in this garden that spa treatments occur, and stone strewn paths weave through terraces where hotel guests can lounge on sunbeds. The Peruvian dining options include a restaurant and bugget nd dishes include fish ceviche and alpaca alongside pisco sours.

rooms

The hotel has Andean influence with textiles and stonework. The effect is earthy and the emphasis is on the windows with views out to the mountain range. There are just 32 rooms in the Lodge, which makes it an intimate and frequently fully occupied property.

transformative factor: 4.5/5

Most of the hotel guests can be found in the garden in the afternoon, taking advantage of the large loungers nd sunbeds. The garden has water fountains and a plethora of orchids, as well as the silence that comes from being on such a remote mountain top. The spa treatments are based on ancient Inca techniques, and after a day of hiking, the massages are much needed and tend to book out in advance, so schedule it as soon as you book.