Assessment: Cirqa, a Relais & Châteaux Resort, Arequipa (Peru)

Wednesday newsletters at all times function a lodge or flight assessment.

Final summer season, I loved a terrific vacation in Peru. You may learn my journey experiences right here:

Assessment: KLM (previous) Enterprise Class Boeing 777 from Amsterdam to Lima
Assessment: Central, world’s greatest restaurant 2023, Lima
Assessment: Cirqa Resort, Arequipa (right now)
Assessment: Puqio Resort, Colca Canyon
Assessment: Titilaka Resort, Lake Titicaca
Assessment: Titicaca Luxurious Prepare, from Puo to Cusco
Assessment: Explora Valle Sagrado, Sacred Valley
Assessment: Rio Sagrado, a Belmond Resort, Sacred Valley
Assessment: Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Prepare, from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Assessment: Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Resort, Machu Picchu
Assessment: Inca path to Machu Picchu
Assessment: Fausto Resort, Lima
Assessment: KLM (new) Enterprise Class Boeing 777 from Lima to Amsterdam

At present: Resort Cirqa (Arequipa, Peru)

Cirqa – a Relaix & Chateaux Resort – echoes the wonders of 1540 — the 12 months wherein Arequipa was based — and magnificently celebrates town’s immaculate white sheen. This lately restored former monastery embodies Arequipa’s conventional structure by flaunting its authentic sillar volcanic rock partitions, which have been rigorously sculpted by native stonemasons. The charming decor provides a contemporary contact, creating a novel stability between the previous and current. The eleven rooms, some with restored vaulted ceilings, encompass the principle terraza & patio. On the lodge’s Salón, the delicacies is an progressive reinterpretation of the area’s gastronomic soul and iconic picanterías, and may be loved whereas admiring the prodigious lunar landscapes that encompass this delectable haven of peace. Cirqa just isn’t merely a spot to remain; it’s a reminiscence in and of itself.

Cirqa options in my prime 10 checklist of the greatest luxurious resorts in Peru.

Have you ever ever stayed at Cirqa? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.

On this assessment (extra information and images beneath my YouTube video):

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Cirqa Resort is situated within the middle of Peru’s second largest metropolis, Arequipa, sometimes called the ‘White Metropolis’. Arequipa might not get as a lot worldwide consideration as Lima, Cuzco or Machu Picchu, however it’s a beautiful vacation spot in itself. Greater than 500 grand colonial-era homes within the historic middle – a UNESCO World Heritage Website – take guests again to a different time, to the earliest beginnings of the fusion between European and Andean traditions, as expressed within the metropolis’s vaulted roofs and arches of white stone, comprised of the native volcanic rock generally known as “sillar”. The historic middle of Arequipa additionally homes dozens of conventional eating places, or “picanterías”, the place stone mortars and clay pots are used to arrange the best stuffed peppers and shrimp chowder. Cirqa Resort is only one block from Arequipa’s essential sq., Plaza de Armas, so the property is completely situated for sightseeing.

Cirqa is housed in a historic constructing – a former monastery – which was based in the identical 12 months as town of Arequipa, 1940. It was then that Alonso De Luque, a famend scribe, and his spouse Isabel de Vega Sarmiento turned the primary documented house owners of the land on which Cirqa now sits. The pair by no means developed this land, and left it to the Augustinean Order upon their passing, on the situation the Order construct a church with cloisters, patios, orchards and gardens as nicely an altar for Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. The Order did fulfil this request, nonetheless building was fated to change into a centuries-long technique of rebuilding and restyling as successive earthquakes left their marks on the monastery from 1582 by the late 1800’s. Peru’s independence from Spain in 1826 marked a major divergence from the previously-clear path of possession and the property was handed over to the treasury and break up into thirds for separate households and personal possession. At present, two thirds of the unique property correspond to Cirqa.

Tales of grand celebrations, whispered conspiracies, blessed fates and opulent fortunes nonetheless echo by the historic hallways of Cirqa’s sixteenth century constructing. The property – which was among the many first constructed by European settlers within the New World – boasts a novel Arequipenean character that has withstood the check of time. Many of the authentic volcanic rock structure was preserved throughout the renovation and transformation of the previous monastery right into a lodge, whereas native supplies like darkish wooden, iron components, a number of glass and mirrors have been added. The meticulously restored high-vaulted ceilings, highly effective partitions, arches and columns have been additional infused with up to date fixtures and fittings, making up the soul of the lodge. The group behind the lodge’s astounding design & structure are proprietor Ignacio Masias, designer Sandra Masias, and designers Stephanie Chang and Daniel Cisneros. They select the title CIRQA, with a Q, to honor the historical past of the property in tandem with the historical past and chronology of Arequipa itself

Cirqa Resort options 11 beautiful rooms, centered across the lodge’s essential terraza and patio. Every room embodies is a timeless homage to the traditional monastery chambers & options its personal distinctive traits along with subtle fashionable particulars. All rooms embrace a Sensible TV with DirecTV & Netflix, air-conditioning, a wi-fi speaker, natural facilities, & a complimentary snacks-and-drinks hamper. Throughout my go to at Cirqa, I stayed within the Boveda Room, an impressive and spacious bed room, with authentic high-vaulted ceilings that recalled historical Parador occasions. The room was uniquely outfitted with sculptural wood furnishings, linens in earthy hues, up to date fixtures, and a non-public sitting space. The open-plan ensuite toilet featured a stand-alone bathtub, a cabin with a walk-in bathe and a bathroom. The room’s architectural spotlight have been the big glass home windows that had been inserted into the century-old arches, creating an environment of old-world tranquility.

Cirqa is a small boutique property, and it encourages its friends to discover town of Arequipa and its surrounding. Nonetheless, the lodge additionally options some lovely communal areas in case you’d prefer to spend some enjoyable moments on the lodge itself, maybe after a day of exploring town middle. On the coronary heart of the lodge is a stunning patio with a small heated plunge pool (which is open from dawn to sundown). Proper subsequent to the patio is a lovely spa room with a vaulted ceiling, the place remedies may be provided by expert therapists upon request. One of many lodge’s highlights is its rooftop terrace which gives beautiful views of Arequipa’s volcanoes & the encircling neighbourhoods -great for sundowners. Impressed by previous Picanterias, the rooftop terrace’s design resembles the construction of the primary Arequipenean road-stops, the place vacationers from throughout would collect to drink and eat conventional meals earlier than persevering with on to their locations.

Breakfast, lunch, & dinner are served in Cirqa’s sole restaurant, which includes an indoor eating room (referred to as The Salón) and an out of doors shaded terrace (referred to as The Terraza). The up to date Salón combines an informal sitting space with a monastic eating room and a big fire. Its décor is complemented by lengthy tables and punctiliously chosen tableware that create an natural aesthetic and tranquil ambiance. The Terraza gives an open house sitting & eating space with a cushty really feel & fireplace pits. Each can be found for friends or walk-ins who’ve made prior reservations. The restaurant’s chef – Maria Fé García – pays tribute to her grandmother’s recipes whereas intermingling definitive flavors into the dishes. With rocotitos rellenos and adobo de cerdo main the way in which, she gives Arequipenean takes on foodie favorites like squid ink pasta, salmon, and even mille-feuille for dessert.

Cirqa is likely one of the latest members of Relais & Châteaux in South America. Based in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is the premier designation for unbiased luxurious eating places and properties around the globe. At present, the gathering has grown to greater than 580 landmark resorts and eating places operated by unbiased house owners across the globe who share a ardour for offering friends probably the most distinctive and memorable experiences potential. So as to meet the exacting requirements of Relais & Châteaux, every property or restaurant should move a rigorous inspection course of whereas on the identical time categorical distinctive traits that worth the ethos of the group.

Cirqa is managed by Andean, the Peruvian luxurious journey firm who reinvents the artwork of journey I the nation by showcasing the true essence of Peru by inspiring locations, progressive lodging, and genuine experiences. As an business pioneer within the design and growth of owner-managed resorts and carefree journey, Andean takes friends on journeys from the historic vibrancy of town to the timeless serenity of Peru’s unspoiled facet. Every expertise is complemented by seamless serendipity, outstanding native delicacies, nourishment for the soul, and an understated magnificence that’s uniquely Peruvian. Andean manages three different resorts, providing a neat circuit generally known as the Southern Peru Travesia: Lima, Arequipa, the Colca Canyona and Lake Titicaca.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Cirqa is an impressive boutique lodge with solely 18 rooms. No two rooms are alike, as a result of the truth that the architects needed to work throughout the constraint of present buildings within the heritage monastery constructing. Beware that a few of the rooms are small and lack out of doors home windows (aside from a windowed entrance door). However it doesn’t matter what room kind you e-book, all rooms are ancredibly atmospheric, with a shocking fusion of previous and new, of stone, metal and glass.

Cirqa options restricted services, with only one restaurant, a lovely Jacuzzi and one spa room on web site. Nonetheless, all of it suits the boutique character of the lodge as the joy to remain at Cirqa isn’t maybe concerning the services provided by the lodge, however concerning the lodge itself. The principle draw of Cirqa are the delicate reinvention of its previous as a monastery, the fantastically designed rooms, the impeccable service and the calm and serene ambiance, despite the fact that the lodge situated proper within the middle of bustling Arequipa.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 10/10
Pool: n/a
Rooms: 9/10
Meals: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: n/a
Service: 10/10
Wow issue: 9/10
Worth for cash: 10/10
Total expertise: superb 8.8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Get monetary savings: learn right here my suggestions for getting the most effective deal at a luxurious lodge like Cirqa (and/or obtain many free perks).

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BEST TIME TO VISIT

Town of Arequipa enjoys round 300 days of sunshine annually. The most effective time to go to Arequipa is anytime from April to November when the climate is nice. Situations are sunny with blue skies, and daytime temperatures are gentle.

HOW TO GET THERE

Cirqa is situated one block from Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas, inside strolling distance of lots of its most interesting cultural websites. There are every day a number of flights from each Lima and Cusco to Arequipa’s airport. The switch from the airport to the lodge is half-hour by automobile.