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HOTEL TAMBO DEL INKA – SACRED VALLEY, PERU
BY ANDY HOSKINS THE BACKGROUND: In Peru’s Sacred Valley, between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Tambo del Inka hotel opened in June 2010. It is owned by Peru-based Libertador Hotels and is a member of Starwood Hotels’ Luxury Collection. It has 128 rooms in four categories. Traditional building materials and textiles give the hotel local character, with impressive stonework, huge timbers, colourful rugs and wall hangings.
THE LOCATION: The hotel is perched on the banks of the Vilconata River on the outskirts of Urubamba, a 45-minute drive from Cusco and around three hours by train from Machu Picchu. A new train station at the hotel offers guests direct access to the Inca fortress.
THE ROOM: My ground floor deluxe room was fitted out in warm shades of reds, browns and oranges, with Inca motifs, fabric wall coverings, brightly-striped textile cushions and hardwood flooring. There was a king-size bed, 32-inch satellite TV, iPod dock, desk, sofa and armchairs, air conditioning, large walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with twin sinks, separate bath
and shower and Gilchrist & Soames amenities. The room was a little dark, but a lovely sun terrace (with loungers) that led to the hotel gardens compensated for this.
THE RESTAURANT: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the Hawa restaurant and terrace. Specialising in traditional Andean cuisine with a modern twist, the restaurant uses predominantly organic, locally sourced ingredients.
THE FACILITIES: A spa has 12 private rooms and treatments that take their inspiration from Inca culture, such as Misti Mud Therapy, Gold from the Gods and Andean Chocolate scrubs. There’s also a sauna, steam room, gym, two swimming pools, gift shop, business centre and games room.
ACTIVITIES: The majority of guests are in the region for one reason only: to visit Machu Picchu. However, there are plenty of other excellent day trips on offer in the area, including the historic Inca town of Ollantaytambo, Pisac for its famous market, and Maras for the striking salt pans. The Sacred Valley is also perfect territory for activities such as trekking, horse-riding,
cycling and rafting, all of which can be arranged at the on-site T’ikariy tour desk.
HIGHLIGHTS: After a day exploring the Sacred Valley, it was the simple pleasure of sitting on the sun terrace by the river, sipping an ice cold Cusquena beer and enjoying excellent Ceviche.
THE COST: Doubles from $250 (£155) a night for a low-season Superior room.
THE DETAILS: Tel: +51 84 581 777;
www.libertador.com.pe
SILVERADO RESORT AND SPA – NAPA, CALIFORNIA, USA
BY ALAN ORBELL THE BACKGROUND: A grand colonial-style mansion house graces the end of the drive and it’s here that guests check-in to one of the 435 ‘private cottage suites’ dotted around the resort’s 1200 acres; all clustered around hidden courtyards, swimming pools and the Silverado’s two golf course fairways. Each of the suites has its own unique décor, balcony or patio and private entrance. Across the road a spa complex provides additional facilities. The property has had new owners for the past year, who include professional golfer Johnny Miller.
THE LOCATION: A perfect base to combine activity, especially golf, and the pleasures of wine in the 200-plus Napa Valley wineries.
CHECK IN: Efficient and friendly with our escort standing by to whisk us and our luggage on an electric golf cart to our room.
THE ROOM: There are six categories of room. Ours was a one-bedroom fireplace suite. It offered a comprehensively furnished living/dining room with a long sofa and armchair, round table with four chairs, incidental chairs, wide-screen TV and corner
fireplace. Separated by a breakfast bar was the fully-equipped kitchen with outsize fridge and freezer, cooker, microwave, dishwasher, coffee-making machine, etc. The bedroom had two queen beds, TV
and antique-style sideboard. The bathroom has a bathroom, separate shower and toilet and comes with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.
THE FACILITIES: Two golf courses – with the North course recently upgraded – are the resort’s main raison d’etre but there are also 13 tennis courts, two main swimming pools, a hot pool and a 16,000 sq ft spa complex which includes a fitness centre, studio, heated lap pool, spa café, shop, 17 treatment rooms including three outside for summer days and three bocce ball courts (like boules). Bikes are available.
BARS AND RESTAURANTS: The Grill at Silverado is open for all-day dining and cocktails. The Main Lounge is the place to sip some fine Napa Valley wine by a logfire in winter or an outdoor patio in the summer. Overlooking the golf course, The Royal Oak Steak and Seafood offers ‘wine country chic’. There's also a pool-side grill.
The Verdict
A beautifully designed hotel that emanates an aura of calmness. The staff were superb and cuisine excellent, if expensive, though there’s a selection of restaurants in the town.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
RECOMMEND TO: Golfers in particular who will enjoy the two 18-hole golf courses but also sporty types, spa lovers and those who simply want to tour the Napa Valley’s many superb wineries. It will appeal to couples although the spacious accommodation makes it a good base for families too.
RATES: From $179 or from $319 for a one- bedroom fireplace suite.
THE DETAILS: 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, California 94558 Tel: 001 707 257 0200
www.silveradoresort.com
The Verdict
This is an upscale American resort with very spacious and well-furnished rooms, great sport, spa and dining facilities that will appeal to golfers. It's an ideal base for the Napa Valley.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
www.sellinglonghaul.com • October 2011 49
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