Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

This stunning eco-friendly, health-conscious spa hotel is perfect for tourists wanting to get away from it all. The sprawling grounds are beautiful, with trees, flowers, and butterflies everywhere, plus several fountains. In fact, the property and grounds are worth an afternoon exploring all on their own, and there are even two resident alpacas roaming the gardens. Guests can take in views of the mountains on both sides of the hotel, plus the Urubamba River to the back of the property. The lobby is impressive, with grand Inca-inspired architecture and soaring high ceilings with polished wood columns that resemble trees. There's a huge stone fireplace surrounded by colorful modern couches and furniture, blended with traditional Peruvian decorations. Communal areas like the restaurant and pool have the same all-wood design, with massive stone walls and a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. Most guests are couples attracted to the romantic atmosphere, on their way to or from Machu Picchu.

Located at the base of Ch'iqua Mountain, Tambo del Inka has beautiful natural surroundings and overlooks the banks of the Urubamba River. The hotel's location is the perfect base for anyone doing tours through the Sacred Valley, Southern Valley, and Macchu Picchu. A private train station has two daily trains taking you back and forth to Aguas Calientes (the main base for Machu Picchu). Situated right off the highway opposite a church and gas station, there's not much activity in the immediate area, but the restaurants and bars of Plaza de Armas are only a five-minute walk away. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is around a 90-minute drive from the hotel. 

The hotel has 128 spacious rooms that are decorated in a cozy rustic-contemporary style. There are four different room types, and all have been cleverly laid out to maximize views with furnished balconies or patios. Interiors are decorated in warm tones, with hardwood floors, patterned furnishings, accent walls, and traditional Peruvian artwork. All rooms have huge beds and walk-in closets, while air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars, safes, phones, fluffy robes and slippers, and free Wi-Fi come standard. Marble-finish bathrooms are modern and luxurious, and all include separate baths and showers, huge light-up mirrors, hairdryers, and free luxury toiletries. Suites are larger, adding extra living space and free butler service. Wheelchair-access rooms are also available. 

The amenities at Tambo del Inka are mostly geared toward relaxing -- which is perfect before or after a big Machu Picchu bucket-list trip. The indoor/outdoor pool has wooden sun loungers on the deck, plus several indoor hot tubs. Hardwood -- found throughout the hotel -- also figures largely in the swish spa and kitted-out gym, with modern cardio and weight equipment. Hawa restaurant serves refined versions of traditional Peruvian dishes using fresh ingredients from the hotel's bio-organic garden, such as quinoa soup and delicious ceviches, but reservations are required and the menu is a tad expensive. There's a chic bar serving light snacks and cocktails, providing a tranquil setting and an outdoor terrace with heaters during the winter. A healthy breakfast buffet is available, consisting of fresh fruit, croissants, cured meats, omelettes, and refreshing smoothies. Gluten-free jams, breads, and pastries are available, and there are separate detox and vegetarian stations. Room service is available around the clock. There's a business center and meeting room for corporate travelers, but the hotel mostly attracts tourists due to its convenient location. A private train station -- one of the only ones in the region -- takes travelers to and from Machu Picchu. The hotel caters well for kids thanks to ample outdoor space, soccer and basketball courts, child-friendly dining menus, and cribs for babies. There's also a cozy lounge and game room with pool tables, board games, and a TV.  Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, tour desk, laundry, free parking, free tea in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi.