Belmond Rio Sagrado

The luxury property, situated along the roaring Urubamba River, provides a serene oasis that satisfies spiritual travelers and families alike.

• The two villas at the edge of the property that feel like private homes and are ideal for families.
• The sleek, but petite, spa.
• Enjoying the calming roar of the Urubamba River from your lounge chair.

The 21-room property on a stunning bend of the Urubamba river opened a few years ago and quickly lured Hollywood celebs and became a weekend getaway of choice for Lima’s elite. It was soon snapped up by Belmond to add to their Peruvian portfolio of knock-out properties, which includes Palacio Nazarenas, Hotel Monasterio and the Sanctuary Lodge.

Started as the pet project of two stylish Peruvians, the Rio Sagrado was years in the crafting and has raised the bar in accommodations as well as service. The flowers that were planted along the main walkway were chosen for their heady afternoon scent. The Italian tiles, marbles and fixtures, including elegant sinks with jewel-like faucets, differ in every bathroom, but each shower comes with a river view. Pebble-lined canals were laid alongside the pathways to bring the sound of the flowing river closer to the guests (they also generate clean energy). The wooden beams in the ceilings are bound in leather. Radiant heat warms the wooden floorboards, and vibrant hand-sewn decorative pillows, Inca crafts and pink or orange Alpaca throws add a dash of folkloric color to the sophisticated bedrooms.

There are two larger villas at one end of the property, which are ideal for families as they have additional living space as well as shaded terraces. There’s a beautiful, though small, spa with plunge pools, treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna, and a patio with chaise lounges facing the river and the wild flower garden. Step into the restaurant and bar area, with its contemporary country look and fine wine list and you could think you’re in Napa, except for the distinctive Andean mountains outside and the fact that a cow from a neighboring farm may wander into sight. Don’t be surprised if you find it hard to leave your suite to explore the incredible sights that fill the Sacred Valley. The place casts such a peaceful spell over guests that many extend their stays here within an hour of arriving. Others have threatened to come back for month-long sabbaticals.

Families looking for full amenities, service and a kid-friendly pool. The Alpacas and Llamas on property are a bonus!

Indagare Tip: Contact our bookings team for advice on best rooms to book. The restaurant menu is very limited, but the hotel allows guests to order off of the room service menu in the restaurant. The latter has more of a “western influence” i.e. hamburgers and pastas. For travelers that like to explore, Urubamba town has two good restaurants: Tres Keros & Huacatay. Both have extensive menus and a nice ambiance, but the overall service may be lacking.