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

Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a lodge or flight evaluation.

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

Overview: KLM (previous) Enterprise Class Boeing 777 from Amsterdam to Lima
Overview: Central, world’s finest restaurant 2023, Lima
Overview: Cirqa Resort, Arequippa (at the moment)
Overview: Puqio Resort, Colca Canyon
Overview: Titilaka Resort, Lake Titicaca
Overview: Titicaca Luxurious Practice, from Puo to Cusco
Overview: Explora Valle Sagrado, Sacred Valley
Overview: Rio Sagrado, a Belmond Resort, Sacred Valley
Overview: Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Practice, from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Overview: Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Resort, Machu Picchu
Overview: Inca path to Machu Picchu
Overview: Fausto Resort, Lima
Overview: KLM (new) Enterprise Class Boeing 777 from Lima to Amsterdam

Immediately: Resort Cirqa (Arequipa, Peru)

Cirqa – a Relaix & Chateaux Resort – echoes the wonders of 1540 — the yr wherein Arequipa was based — and magnificently celebrates the town’s immaculate white sheen. This just lately restored former monastery embodies Arequipa’s conventional structure by flaunting its unique sillar volcanic rock partitions, which have been fastidiously sculpted by native stonemasons. The fascinating decor provides a contemporary contact, creating a novel stability between the previous and current. The eleven rooms, some with restored vaulted ceilings, encompass the primary terraza & patio. On the lodge’s Salón, the delicacies is an modern 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 is just not merely a spot to remain; it’s a reminiscence in and of itself.

Cirqa options in my prime 10 checklist of the finest luxurious lodges in Peru.

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

I made a YouTube video with full tour of Cirqa, which you’ll watch right here:

On this evaluation (extra information and pictures beneath my YouTube video):

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Cirqa Resort is situated within the heart 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 heart – 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, produced from the native volcanic rock often known as “sillar”. The historic heart of Arequipa additionally homes dozens of conventional eating places, or “picanterías”, the place stone mortars and clay pots are used to organize the best stuffed peppers and shrimp chowder. Cirqa Resort is only one block from Arequipa’s foremost 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 yr as the 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 homeowners 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 properly an altar for Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. The Order did fulfil this request, nevertheless development was fated to grow to be a centuries-long strategy of rebuilding and restyling as successive earthquakes left their marks on the monastery from 1582 by means of the late 1800’s. Peru’s independence from Spain in 1826 marked a big 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. Immediately, two thirds of the unique property correspond to Cirqa.

Tales of grand celebrations, whispered conspiracies, blessed fates and opulent fortunes nonetheless echo by means of 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 take a look at of time. A lot of the unique volcanic rock structure was preserved in the course of the renovation and transformation of the previous monastery right into a lodge, whereas native supplies like darkish wooden, iron parts, a lot 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 crew behind the lodge’s astounding design & structure are proprietor Ignacio Masias, designer Sandra Masias, and designers Stephanie Chang and Daniel Cisneros. They select the identify 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 foremost terraza and patio. Every room embodies is a timeless homage to the traditional monastery chambers & options its personal distinctive traits along with refined trendy particulars. All rooms embody a Good 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 unique high-vaulted ceilings that recalled historic Parador occasions. The room was uniquely outfitted with sculptural wood furnishings, linens in earthy hues, up to date fixtures, and a personal sitting space. The open-plan ensuite rest room 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 company to discover the town of Arequipa and its surrounding. Nonetheless, the lodge additionally options some lovely communal areas in case you’d wish to spend some enjoyable moments on the lodge itself, maybe after a day of exploring the town heart. 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 wonderful spa room with a vaulted ceiling, the place therapies may be supplied by expert therapists upon request. One of many lodge’s highlights is its rooftop terrace which presents 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 (known as The Salón) and an outside shaded terrace (known as The Terraza). The up to date Salón combines an off-the-cuff sitting space with a monastic eating room and a big hearth. Its décor is complemented by lengthy tables and thoroughly chosen tableware that create an natural aesthetic and tranquil ambiance. The Terraza presents an open area sitting & eating space with a cushty really feel & hearth pits. Each can be found for company 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 best way, she presents Arequipenean takes on foodie favorites like squid ink pasta, salmon, and even mille-feuille for dessert.

Cirqa is without doubt 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 world wide. Immediately, the gathering has grown to greater than 580 landmark lodges and eating places operated by unbiased homeowners across the globe who share a ardour for offering company probably the most distinctive and memorable experiences doable. With a purpose to meet the exacting requirements of Relais & Châteaux, every property or restaurant should move a rigorous inspection course of whereas on the similar time specific 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 means of inspiring locations, modern lodging, and genuine experiences. As an trade pioneer within the design and improvement of owner-managed lodges and carefree journey, Andean takes company on journeys from the historic vibrancy of the town to the timeless serenity of Peru’s unspoiled aspect. Every expertise is complemented by seamless serendipity, exceptional native delicacies, nourishment for the soul, and an understated class that’s uniquely Peruvian. Andean manages three different lodges, providing a neat circuit often 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, on account of the truth that the architects needed to work throughout the constraint of present constructions within the heritage monastery constructing. Beware that a number of the rooms are small and lack outside 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 surprising fusion of previous and new, of stone, metal and glass.

Cirqa options restricted amenities, with only one restaurant, a wonderful Jacuzzi and one spa room on web site. Nonetheless, all of it suits the boutique character of the lodge as the thrill to remain at Cirqa isn’t maybe concerning the amenities supplied 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, regardless that the lodge situated proper within the heart 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
General expertise: superb 8.8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

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BEST TIME TO VISIT

The town of Arequipa enjoys round 300 days of sunshine annually. The very best time to go to Arequipa is anytime from April to November when the climate is nice. Circumstances 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 day by 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.