Sometimes it’s great to be at a larger international hotel, and this is a great example of that. Importantly, they have the local elements: on the menus, in the spa, and you’re two minutes from the buzzing town, but they also have things you’d expect from a global hotel – great concierges, service 24 hours a day, a bar that could be in any major city, a spa; they even have a beer garden with local beers from the Valle Sagrado and a private train station for trains to Machu Picchu. A sophisticated Peruvian Disney World if you will – and it works.
The Hotel
Get past the gates and drive up the resort’s driveway, and you’ll likely be greeted by their resident llamas hanging out at the lake. There are 128 hotel rooms, an expansive organic garden, rolling grounds with waterfalls, and you can walk into Urubamba, which has shops, local markets, and a charming square. It’s nice to be so close to some ‘action’, especially if you’ve been spending time at a few of the more remote places around.
The Vibe
There’s a definite mountain vibe here – we’re in the Andes after all – with the aesthetic of the main building, and things like roaring fires both day and night, the river views, and an Andean forest. It’s a real mix who stays here – families, younger couples, groups of friends, those in the Bonvoy points system – but they’re all likely people who want a bit of an energetic atmosphere with their stay.
The Rooms
All rooms have balconies or terraces, but opt for a room with a terrace and you’ll really feel like you’re on holiday; lay outside on your chaise longue to look at the mountains and listen to the waterfalls, and don your thick terrycloth robe to waft to their spa and back with ease. Mini bars are stocked with both local and global items, and the bathrooms, which have bathtubs, come with The Luxury Collection’s usual Byredo products. Décor is meant to blend into its surroundings, so it’s wood and neutral tones with local artwork.
Restaurants/Bars
The bar and restaurant offering here is cosmopolitan – with both venues, you feel like you could be in a city inside, but move outside and you immediately know you’re in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Their restaurant Hawa has a monochromatic palette of black and white, with a floor-to-ceiling stone wall centerpiece that houses a blazing fire. In the morning, the sun streams in, and at night, the fire makes things elegant but cosy.
Kiri, the main bar just off the lobby, has a sleek bar and great spotlight-style lighting. For lunch, sit outside for makis directly next to the mountains and by night, pull up a stool at the bar and get to know their gin menu, which they are known for.
Menus have standard hotel options like Caesar salads, pizzas, sushi and club sandwiches, as well as local things like lamb soup with Andean grains, and corn pie. Breakfast is a buffet, with different stations including an Andean, bagel, gluten free, and healthy.
If you want more of a foodie experience, they have a collection of epicurean experiences including a pisco tasting; a five-course ‘Ancestral’ tasting menu; a garden-to-table afternoon where you pick and help prepare your lunch; a five fires lunch or dinner where they use five different types of cooking (Chinese roasting box, cylinder, grill, clay oven and pachamanca style) with different meats; and a Maya Pata lunch by the peaceful Vilcanota River.
Wellbeing
The crown of the Kallpa Spa is their indoor outdoor pool, with the mountains as its backdrop. They also have treatment rooms, a small fitness centre, a bookable Thermal Circuit, sauna and steam room, and even a hair salon.
Highlights
The building is beautiful: glass, wood, stone, concrete. The slanted roof makes it feel less hotel, more local hacienda, and the grounds – with the aforementioned beer garden (with bbqs), cerveceria, train station, playground and games rooms may sound like a lot is going on – but again, this is a resort, it’s buzzing and it’s fun. You can always retreat to your room if you want more solitude. Laundry is reasonable, professional and quick, and concierges are plenty – including one that focuses on experiences – meaning you’ll never wait for assistance.
Anything Else
Go to Machu Picchu! You’re here. And do walk into town; they also have mini torpedoes (motorised TukTuks) available, should you want a lift. There are water stations where you can refill your bottles and lots of special events for hotel guests like salsa (the sauce) making, and wine tasting.
Interesting Fact About the Name
In the ancient Incan culture, a Tambo was located along the roads to provide shelter, food and supplies.
Tambo del Inka is a Luxury Collection Hotel.
