Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado

Rio Sagrado is beautifully located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas overlooking the Urubamba River. Only a few kilometres from the town of Urubamba and 15 minutes from Ollantaytambo train station, it's an ideal place to stay before continuing on to Machu Picchu. Natural materials have been used in the construction of the property, highlighting the ecological awareness the hotel promotes.

The 21 rooms, junior suites and two villas are furnished to an excellent standard, all with private terraces overlooking the river, heated flooring in the bathroom, a fully stocked minibar, a telephone and an iPod dock, with loaded iPods available on loan. Wi-Fi access is provided across the hotel.

The property has an exclusive feel about it, and it is proud of the local and international food it serves at its El Huerto restaurant. There is a lovely spa providing a range of treatments, as well as a heated outdoor pool which is perfect for the summer months. Additional excursions such as horse riding, mountain biking, canoeing and town walks can be organised by the hotel. You can also arrange a tour of the gardens with the hotel's head gardener, who will tell you all about the plant and animal species you can find in the area.

OUR RATING: First Class