Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

Set in a tranquil plaza close to Cuzco's main square, this former palace and convent has undergone years of restoration to become one of the city's most exclusive hotels. This intimate urban retreat has just 55 suites, each enriched with oxygen to help alleviate altitude sickness and featuring its own private bar. Here, guests (or their private butler) can create drinks using fresh ingredients grown at and around the hotel. Suites are all equipped with free Wi-Fi, an iPad with the hotel's app and satellite TV. The Z Collection area has a special selection of suites with a particular original Inca or colonial feature and/or a balcony with a fabulous view.

The property is more contemporary in design compared to its famous sister hotel, the Monasterio. Amenities within the hotel include a heated outdoor swimming pool — claimed to be the first of its kind in Cusco — a lounge and library within a restored chapel at the hotel's entrance, as well as an additional lounge equipped with an iMac computer, snooker table and 50-inch TV, and a boutique selling local handicrafts. There is also a fabulous spa, a bar by the pool serving cocktails and other refreshments, and stylish restaurant serving cutting edge local cuisine.

OUR RATING: Deluxe