Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas

From the atrium-like lobby and private dock to the palm tree-lined outdoor walkways and large windows framing the restaurants, plenty of bright and airy spaces make it easy to enjoy gorgeous bay and garden views at this vast bay front property. Interiors are contemporary and casual, with a reception area featuring outdoor wicker furniture and desks in nature-inspired green and brown shades, plus glass-doored cabinets that display local pottery. Loud poolside music may distract from the overall peaceful setting and the kelp-filled beach isn’t always conducive for swimming, but the laid-back vibe at the hotel makes it a popular choice for families and couples seeking an upscale resort experience. Past guests have noted wildlife sightings, like flamingos, on the grounds.

Surrounded by nature, Hotel Paracas can feel isolated. Even though other hotels are nearby, there isn’t much to see within walking distance outside the grounds. The resort setup, including the connecting beach and private pier, means that most guests tend to spend most of their time on the property, though boats to Ballestas Island can be taken from the hotel’s dock. Reaching other attractions requires a car. The Paracas National Reserve is a 20-minute drive away. The Tambo Colorado Reserve and Nazca Lines are one- and three-hour drives away respectively. Jorge Chavez International Airport is almost four hours away by car. 

Housed in bungalow-style structures and starting with the 517-square-foot Superior category with king or queen beds, rooms here are exceptionally large and warmly lit. All have balconies big enough for seating, with great views of the gardens or, even better, the water. Rooms are outfitted in nature-inspired shades and a combination of wicker patio furniture and refined touches like sleek wood desks and wood floor lamps. Bamboo panels above the beds are lovely accents, and ample closet space is a plus. Larger Suites offer even more space, including the Solarium Suite with two terraces and the Suite Plunge Pool with a small pool and deck on one of its two balconies. All rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, and iPod docks. While some snacks are provided (for extra fees), minibars are meagerly stocked, and coffee-and-tea-making facilities are only available in Suites. There’s a daily fee for Wi-Fi that can be avoided by signing up for Starwood's free loyalty program. Spacious bathrooms have light marble tiles, glass doors, and several windows. Most have double sinks and long and narrow shower/tub combos, as well as walk-in shower areas with both fixed and handheld showerheads. Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Features here are upscale and convenient. Three on-site restaurants offer inventive food: Ballestas, a circular room with marble tiles and large windows overlooking Paracas Bay, offers upscale Peruvian and Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner, with children’s menus available. The extensive breakfast buffet comes with extra fees and can be delivered to rooms. Trattoria offers pizza and wine in a more casual environment, while the outdoor Chalana restaurant serves locally-caught seafood alongside stunning views by the dock. Board games and a fireplace accompany cocktails at the cozy indoor Zarcillo Bar. Cushioned chaise lounges, sweeping views, and bar snacks are found in the partially ope-air Bar Lounge adjacent to the hotel’s Main Pool.The Main Pool is clean and large, with lots of lounging chairs, trendy (albeit loud) music, and butler service; poolside cabins can also be rented. A more family-friendly Activities Pool area features a smaller pool for kids. The Explorer’s Club is another fantastic kid-friendly feature, with activities like treasure hunts, arts and crafts, and playground games organized by the hotel staff. Algae makes the beach difficult to lounge on, but water sports, from kayaking to kite surfing, are popular since the hotel offers equipment for free. A tour desk organizes daytime excursions to local attractions. Bikes are also free to borrow.The gym and spa are both clean and modern. The spa uses indigenous ingredients for its wide range of facial and body treatments, and includes a private whirlpool and sauna. There's a one-computer business center and five meeting rooms that are fully equipped to accommodate either business or personal events. Wi-Fi is free.