Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., in a franchise agreement with Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas, announced the opening of Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, marking the debut of the first of three Luxury Collection hotels opening in Peru over the next two years. Located on Peru's southern Pacific coast and surrounded by the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands, Hotel Paracas features 120 guest rooms with private terraces, a 5,000 square foot spa, two outdoor pools, more than 5,000 square feet of event space and two signature restaurants and lounges.
The Luxury Collection and Libertador also will soon unveil Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in the sacred valley of Urubamba, followed by the 2011 opening of Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Cusco, the capital of the ancient Incan Empire. Each property will integrate local customs, culture and natural influences to offer global travelers unique experiences in one of Latin America's most culturally diverse destinations.
"The Luxury Collection brand has important penetration in South America and allows us to keep the identity of places we have and cherish," says Jorge Melero, Libertador's CEO. "Our strategic plan for the next five years extends beyond Peru's borders, and we look forward to future collaborations with Starwood."
A three-hour drive south of Lima, Hotel Paracas is located near one of the world's largest wildlife reserves. Guests can use a private 52-foot luxury yacht offering excursions to the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas Nature Reserve, a 900,000-acre marine park along Peru's southern Pacific coast. Guests also are invited to explore the region's Nazca Lines, one of ancient Peru's most impressive petroglyphs in the desert, which can be best experienced using the hotel's private airplane.
Designed by architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia with interiors by Caparra Entelman & Associates, Hotel Paracas is inspired by the region's ecological wonders, Pacific setting and diverse heritage. Combining rich imported fabrics with indigenous textiles and ceramics to reflect Peru's heritage, the interiors feature subtle yet striking bamboo and rattan accents to complement the seaside surroundings and offer a soothing yet luxurious environment. Guestrooms feature private terraces with views of the Pacific, 400-thread Peruvian cotton sheets and locally sourced wood furniture. Abstract designs on fabrics and floor coverings reflect the geometric patterns found on ancient Paracas textiles created by the Pre-Incan ancient Paracas people, who are celebrated for their advanced textile manufacturing skills. Guests can choose from three types of rooms, including bungalows, villas, and chalets. All rooms offer state-of-the-art modern technology, including 37-inch LCD TVs, Wi-Fi and iPod docking stations.
Hotel Paracas features authentic Peruvian cuisine as well as Mediterranean fare. Signature dishes include the Costa Sur, grilled sole and garlic sautéed prawns served with loche pumpkin honey, orange purée and asparagus, as well as the more traditional Peruvian Cebiches and Tiraditos, thin slices of fish marinated in lemon or chili rocoto cream; desserts include Tocinillo del Cielo, coconut crème caramel served in traditional Peruvian colonial style and Grapes Evolution, a Pisco-scented Madeleine cake with flambé grapes and borgoña grape sorbet.
The hotel's bar, lounge and both swimming pools face directly onto the Pacific Ocean. The main pool area also includes private day beds and serves light fare and international cocktails with a special Pisco (Peruvian brandy) menu featuring various twists on Peru's national signature, the Pisco Sour. The property also offers more than 5,000 square feet of event space with state of the art technology and access to its 24-hour business center. Guests can unwind at the hotel's spa, featuring a variety of indigenous treatments, sauna, steam room and fitness center.
Libertador is Peru's largest hotel owner and operator and in collaboration with Starwood will debut the first Westin in South America with the opening of Libertador Westin Lima by the end of 2010. The Luxury Collection is a group of 75 hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit www.luxurycollection.com. For more information about Starwood Hotels, visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
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