Thriled to be there!
Stunning venue!
Hotel Monasterio- Cusco, Peru
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Thriled to be there!
Stunning venue!
Tag Archives: Cusco
The Iconic Orient Express Monasterio- Cusco, Peru
I was just so pleased to finally see the spectacular Orient Express Hotel Monasterio. I had heard so much about it, and my clients all raved about the wonderful service.I know now why the service is so incredible: the GM Gustavo de Leon. He is everywhere and adores his job! I have never seen such happy employees and that comes from the top.
We had the privilege of experiencing an Opera Dinner at Monasterio the first night after a cocktail party in the gorgeous Chapel at Monasterio( the chapel in no longer consecrated). What an incredible setting! I have never seen anything quite as glamorous. All that gold!
We were entertained by the number one Soprano in Peru, and her husband. The duets were unforgettable. What an amazing memory. Monasterio offers that dinner each Friday night. I recommend it to anyone. I will be sure to put it into every itinerary I plan for Cusco. Rooms are bright and comfortable- decorated with serious paintings and antiques. Not monastic in anyway. Such a thrill to be there.
Cooking School at Palacio Nazarenas – complete with Uniforms and Pink Champagne!
We had a ball!!
Main Square – Cusco, Peru
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Street scene Cusco
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The Iconic Hotel Monasterio Cusco, Peru
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Breakfast Set Up at Our Table – Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco
Fresh squeezed orange juice, coca tea, selection of local fruits and cheeses- wow!
Pool – Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco
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Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco Beautifully managed by Floris Boyen
We had the pleasure of experiencing Palacio Nazarenas during our stay in Cusco and it was unforgettable.
Beautifully and lovingly managed by Floris Boyen. I have not experienced that caliber of attention to detail and service in a long time. Each member of the staff was warm welcoming, and full of smiles. I felt the warmth from the heart, it was not from instruction or training- although terrific training was evident. Floris’s passion for making us feel comfortable was palpable. The staff was happy and it showed.
The hotel’s historic decoration was impeccable. Every corner was filled with history. The rooms were large and light. The bathrooms were huge and BRIGHT! Happy colors of flowers everywhere. Palacio Nazarenas is the only hotel in Cusco that boasts a swimming pool- heated no less.
Newly Restored Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco Peru
Emerging from 7 years of loving restoration, Orient Express has again brought to life another historic 300 year old palace/ convent. I think it is what Orient Express does best. They bring out the most important reflection of culture in beautiful structures around the world and turn them into fabulous settings for guests to enjoy in delightful luxury. Hotels such as Palacio Nazarenas’ sister Hotel Monasterio in Cusco, Peru.
Hotel Caruso, Vila San Michele, Hotel Splendido and Splendido Mare , and Hotel Cipriani in Italy. Grand Hotel Timeo, and Villa San Andrea in Sicily, La Residencia in Spain to name a few. Their attention is just as focused on their iconic trains: the Royal Scotsman in Scotland, the Venice- Simplon Orient Express in Eastern Europe, the Eastern & Orient Express in Singapore, and the Hiram Bingham in Peru. And then there are their cruise ships: starting with Road to Mandalay- I could go on and on.
Palacio Nazarenas
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Reception Desk at the Fab, Fab Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco Peru
With our Butler, Barnaby and the darling Ximena behind the desk.
Best way to reach Machu Picchu- Orient Express’s Hiram Bingham
The ultimate thrill is to explore the incredibly spiritual citadel, Machu Picchu.
Our group did it the fun way, we took the -luxury with a capital L -Hiram Bingham. Named for the explorer Hiram Bingham, who discovered MP in 1911.
It is an Orient Express train- done to death. I think they must have two employees for every guest. I was blown away with the welcome and care the staff took to make us happy.
We started with champagne, and the local specialty – Pisco Sour. In the early morning, no less!
We placed our order for lunch and enmass headed for the bar car. Orient Express Hiram Bingham absolutely has glamour and service down to a T. There was a musical group playing in the observatory car at the back of the train – next to the bar car, and we danced and sang the morning away. Lunch was a gourmet formal affair, four divine courses, and before we knew it we had arrived at our destination, Machu Picchu. It really is not just about getting to a destination, I have learned the journey is just as important. And what a journey. There are other options to get to Machu Picchu, Peru Train, and a four day trek, hiking the Inca Trail. But adding the Hiram Bingham is an unforgettable, delightful experience.
Machu Picchu
I have the distinct privilege of being a guest of Orient Express for a visit to Peru: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu has always been on my wish list, and traveling with a company the caliber of Orient Express- one of the premier hotel, cruise and train companies in the world, is a no brainer. I am thrilled and honored to be in the group.
Delta has a direct nonstop from Atlanta to Lima so I booked it! One caveat: if you plan to connect with another flight in Lima, give yourself 3 hours. The line to clear customs averages 1 and 1/2 hours. Fast track service is not available. Another important know before you go: Cusco is 11,023 feet above sea level. Getting accustomed to less oxygen takes about 3 days. I strongly that you get altitude medication – it affects everyone.
The flight from Lima to Cusco is gorgeous – be sure to sit on the left hand side of the plane.
Majestic ice covered peaks are just below. Heading for Cusco, yay!
Dispatches from the Road 