Hotel Posada del Puruay

Description:

• An extraordinary country hotel housed in an impeccably restored, elegant 1830 salmon-colored hacienda, this is one of the most refined and relaxing hotels in Peru. Set amid more than 202,350 hectares (500,000 acres) of land, with eucalyptus forest, beautifully landscaped gardens, and views of the verdant, mountainous countryside, the hotel feels light-years removed from any city, yet it's only 7km (4 1/2 miles) from downtown Cajamarca. The lovely house, built around a pretty courtyard, has rooms with names such as La Mansión and La Prisión. The first couldn't be truer: Rooms are gigantic and extremely well equipped, with large, luxurious bathrooms. The second room name, though, is misleading: If this is prison, I want to be thrown in the slammer. The restaurant and public rooms are decorated with well-chosen antiques. Outdoors, horses beckon, as does the trail up the hill to a small structure with stupendous panoramic views. The charming and loquacious owner, Nora, and her husband and daughter live on the premises and couldn't be more gracious. The terrific restaurant and vast video-rental library make this a perfect spot to kick back for several days in the northern highlands.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010