It can be a challenge to pull together an immersive romantic getaway that delivers a complete change of scenery from day to day yet weaves in indulgent creature comforts and thought-provoking activities. However, Highgate, a boutique hotel management company brings it together with four evocative experiences that promise to make spirits soar while keeping travelers down to earth with imaginative activities celebrating Peru’s natural, cultural and historic highlights.

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Rethinking the “Urban Jungle”: The Westin Lima
The Westin Lima not only offers breathtaking views of the capitol city’s skyline and a gateway into the history and culture of Peru, but also a blissful discovery of Heavenly Spa’s signature Adam and Eve Massage offer(s) such as the Chocolate Experience. After exploring the city’s green spaces and museums, The Alphonse Speakeasy, tucked away into the hotel lobby and requiring a password for entry, is appointed with a decadently elegant ambiance, delicious menu items and classic cocktails inspired by the Prohibition era.

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The Heart of the Sacred Valley: Tambo del Inka

This property, located at Valle Sagrado near the foot of the Andes, provides a full-on immersion into Peru’s most verdant landscapes, colonial villages and romantic backdrops. The cornerstone of the experience is a ride aboard a private train with luxurious 1920s-style decor and a panoramic Observation Bar Car to Machu Picchu to experience the destination’s most unspoiled views. While outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking and horseback riding) and cultural enclaves (craft markets, archeological parks and photography classes) abound, adventure continues indoors with an In the Oven Cooking Class. A master baker provides instruction on preparing, kneading and baking artisanal bread in a traditional clay oven.

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Beach Bound
Anybody who enjoys beaches, water sports and exploration of marine life will appreciate Hotel Paracas’ picturesque coastline; private beach; and encountering indigenous flora, fauna and the sunset from a luxury yacht 16 meters in length. Other hotel offerings include flights over the mysterious Nazca lines and visits to the ecological sanctuary of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, penguins and other wildlife. A spa day at the resort can conclude with sunset viewings at Lounge Bar, noted for its mixology.

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The Cradle of Peruvian History

Palacio del Inka is built into an ornate, 500-year-old mansion in the heart of Cusco, where cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and vibrant markets set the stage for a romantic stay. The hotel lies near Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s lively main square, as well as historic sites such as Santo Domingo Convent, built on top of the Incan Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha); the Traditional San Pedro Market; and Qosco Center of Native Art. An Ancestral Tasting Menu at Inti Raymi elevates the notion of eating like a local with a five-course meal prepared with Novo-Andean flavors using regional produce and a fusion of cultures. Ades Spirit Spa, Palacio del Inka’s on-site spa, offers a therapeutic indoor pool and a wide range of service treatments and massages inspired by ancient Peruvian culture.