Evaluation: Cirqa, a Relais & Châteaux Lodge, Arequipa (Peru)

By Admin

November 13, 2024

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Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a resort or flight assessment.

Final summer time, I loved a terrific vacation in Peru. You’ll be able to learn my journey reviews right here:

Evaluation: KLM (outdated) Enterprise Class Boeing 777 from Amsterdam to Lima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

As we speak: Lodge Cirqa (Arequipa, Peru)

Cirqa – a Relaix & Chateaux Lodge – echoes the wonders of 1540 — the 12 months by which Arequipa was based — and magnificently celebrates town’s immaculate white sheen. This not too long ago restored former monastery embodies Arequipa’s conventional structure by flaunting its unique sillar volcanic rock partitions, which had been fastidiously sculpted by native stonemasons. The fascinating decor provides a contemporary contact, creating a novel steadiness between the previous and current. The eleven rooms, some with restored vaulted ceilings, encompass the principle terraza & patio. On the resort’s Salón, the delicacies is an modern reinterpretation of the area’s gastronomic soul and iconic picanterías, and could 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 high 10 checklist of the greatest luxurious lodges in Peru.

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

On this assessment (extra data and images under my YouTube video):

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Cirqa Lodge is positioned within the heart of Peru’s second largest metropolis, Arequipa, also known as the ‘White Metropolis’. Arequipa could not get as a lot worldwide consideration as Lima, Cuzco or Machu Picchu, however it’s a gorgeous 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 referred to 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 Lodge is only one block from Arequipa’s primary sq., Plaza de Armas, so the property is completely positioned 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 grew to become 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, nonetheless building was fated to grow to be a centuries-long means 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 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. As we speak, 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. Many of the unique volcanic rock structure was preserved throughout the renovation and transformation of the previous monastery right into a resort, whereas native supplies like darkish wooden, iron parts, plenty of glass and mirrors had been added. The meticulously restored high-vaulted ceilings, highly effective partitions, arches and columns had been additional infused with up to date fixtures and fittings, making up the soul of the resort. The crew behind the resort’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 Lodge options 11 beautiful rooms, centered across the resort’s primary 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 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 unique high-vaulted ceilings that recalled historical Parador instances. 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 had 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 town of Arequipa and its surrounding. Nonetheless, the resort additionally options some stunning communal areas in case you’d wish to spend some stress-free moments on the resort itself, maybe after a day of exploring town heart. On the coronary heart of the resort is a stunning patio with a small heated plunge pool (which is open from dawn to sundown). Proper subsequent to the patio is a gorgeous spa room with a vaulted ceiling, the place remedies could be supplied by expert therapists upon request. One of many resort’s highlights is its rooftop terrace which presents gorgeous views of Arequipa’s volcanoes & the encircling neighbourhoods -great for sundowners. Impressed by outdated 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 fire. 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 snug really feel & fireplace 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 way in which, 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. As we speak, 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 potential. In an effort to meet the exacting requirements of Relais & Châteaux, every property or restaurant should go 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 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 magnificence that’s uniquely Peruvian. Andean manages three different lodges, providing a neat circuit referred to as the Southern Peru Travesia: Lima, Arequipa, the Colca Canyona and Lake Titicaca.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Cirqa is an impressive boutique resort with solely 18 rooms. No two rooms are alike, as a consequence of the truth that the architects needed to work inside the constraint of current constructions within the heritage monastery constructing. Beware that a few 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 outdated and new, of stone, metal and glass.

Cirqa options restricted amenities, with only one restaurant, a gorgeous Jacuzzi and one spa room on web site. Nonetheless, all of it suits the boutique character of the resort as the thrill to remain at Cirqa isn’t maybe in regards to the amenities supplied by the resort, however in regards to the resort itself. The primary 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 resort positioned 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

Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting the very best deal at a luxurious resort like Cirqa (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my suggestions for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The town of Arequipa enjoys round 300 days of sunshine every year. The perfect 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 delicate.

HOW TO GET THERE

Cirqa is positioned one block from Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas, inside strolling distance of lots of its best 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 resort is half-hour by automobile.