Less dash and dazzle than serene luxury, the award-winning Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel in Peru added new culturally themed guest programs for 2016. Located on the banks of the Vilcanota River in Aguas Calientes, the luxury hotel’s 62 rooms and suites provide a perfect location for easy access to the wonders of Machu Picchu. Adding to the charm, the hotel now offers a Munayki Romance Dinner. “Munayki” translates from Peru’s Quechua language to “I love you,” and this private dinner on a romantic terrace overlooking jungles and mountains includes facets inspired by Andean history. Fragrant candles and flowers set the stage for couples to enjoy a seven-course table d’hote Peruvian menu and bottle of Peruvian wine, all served by a personal waiter. The meal concludes with the delivery of an indigenous gift for the couple.

Themed stays also include Time for Andean Tales, a narrative adventure of Andean legends told by native Peruvians, passed from one generation to the next through storytelling. Mini Chef Lessons stays capitalize on Peru’s delicious and healthy grains and cereals during one-hour kitchen classes for children ages 7–12. Complimentary to guests, the sessions are taught by the hotel’s pastry chef. Kid chefs will learn to prepare cookie dough using local kiwicha, maca, purple corn, quinoa and other ingredients, with the opportunity to design and prepare their own creations. Wind down at the end of the day with a treatment in Aqlla Spa, where luxurious, bespoke body care products are created from indigenous products with regional ingredients, and treatments and therapies embrace authentic Inca techniques.