Virtuoso Insights - August/September 2008 - (Page 52) Mystical Machu Picchu. Inkaterra Machu picchu (peru) While exploring the Lost City of Machu Picchu, visitors often find a new sense of self while staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu, an ethereal eco-resort situated at the foot of the sacred mountain. Intimate casitas with handcrafted terra cotta roofs lie scattered throughout the lush grounds, providing personal sanctuaries with wood-burning fireplaces, timber-beamed ceilings, tile floors, and thick alpaca blankets. In homage to its hallowed setting, the resort is completely carbon-neutral — there aren’t even cars here — and every excursion is designed to enhance your mystical experience, including sunrise treks to the mountain citadel, guided nature walks, and twilight visits to ancient petroglyphs. The Unu spa with its eucalyptus sauna is equally divine. Two- and three-day packages include reception at the train station; welcome kit; breakfast, lunch, High Tea, and dinner, including cocktails and beverages at mealtime; and all programmed excursions. Virtuoso guests also enjoy a complimentary room upgrade upon arrival, if available; a special upgraded welcome kit, including aromatherapy products; late checkout, if available; and, for suite bookings, a complimentary foot massage. From $208 per person, per night. Eco-chic cabana. blancaneaux lodge (belize) As you emerge from Belize’s dense, pine-covered highlands along a tranquil, palm-lined boulevard, passing a manicured croquet lawn and picturesque river on your way to the grand, vine-covered main house, you may feel as if you’re on a movie set. And you very well might be, considering the surreal Blancaneaux Lodge is owned by director Francis Ford Coppola. Indeed, film memorabilia — including the bar fan retrieved from the set of Apocalypse Now — can be found throughout the self-sustained resort, which produces its own hydro-powered energy as well as fruits and vegetables in its organic garden. Coppola’s own palatial villa is available for rent when he’s not on site, although the other thatched-roof cabanas are equally stylish in their understated elegance. The acclaimed restaurant serves Italian specialties along with plenty of fine wines from Coppola’s vineyard in Napa Valley. Virtuoso guests enjoy a room upgrade upon arrival, if available; continental breakfast daily; choice of either a bottle of Sofia Champagne or a horseback riding excursion to Big Rock Falls; and early check-in and late checkout, if available. From $230 per room, per night. more Wild style on page 54 P 52 Virtuoso insights
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