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

By admin

November 18, 2024

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Wednesday newsletters at all times characteristic a lodge or flight assessment.

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

Assessment: KLM (outdated) Enterprise Class Boeing 777 from Amsterdam to Lima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

Right now: Lodge Cirqa (Arequipa, Peru)

Cirqa – a Relaix & Chateaux Lodge – echoes the wonders of 1540 — the 12 months through which Arequipa was based — and magnificently celebrates the town’s immaculate white sheen. This not too long ago restored former monastery embodies Arequipa’s conventional structure by flaunting its authentic sillar volcanic rock partitions, which had been fastidiously sculpted by native stonemasons. The fascinating decor provides a contemporary contact, creating a singular steadiness 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 revolutionary 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 isn’t merely a spot to remain; it’s a reminiscence in and of itself.

Cirqa options in my prime 10 listing of the finest luxurious motels in Peru.

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

On this assessment (extra information and photographs beneath my YouTube video):

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Cirqa Lodge is situated within the middle 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 middle – a UNESCO World Heritage Web site – 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, constructed from the native volcanic rock generally known as “sillar”. The historic middle 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 principal 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 12 months as the 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 house owners 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 nicely an altar for Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. The Order did fulfil this request, nevertheless development was fated to develop into a centuries-long strategy of rebuilding and restyling as successive earthquakes left their marks on the monastery from 1582 via 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. Right now, two thirds of the unique property correspond to Cirqa.

Tales of grand celebrations, whispered conspiracies, blessed fates and opulent fortunes nonetheless echo via 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 singular Arequipenean character that has withstood the take a look at of time. Many of the authentic 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, 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 modern fixtures and fittings, making up the soul of the lodge. The workforce 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 Lodge options 11 beautiful rooms, centered across the lodge’s principal terraza and patio. Every room embodies is a timeless homage to the traditional monastery chambers & options its personal distinctive traits along with refined fashionable particulars. All rooms embody 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, a powerful and spacious bed room, with authentic high-vaulted ceilings that recalled historical Parador instances. The room was uniquely outfitted with sculptural wood furnishings, linens in earthy hues, modern fixtures, and a non-public sitting space. The open-plan ensuite lavatory featured a stand-alone bathtub, a cabin with a walk-in bathe and a rest room. 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 friends 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 stress-free moments on the lodge itself, maybe after a day of exploring the town middle. On the coronary heart of the lodge is a beautiful patio with a small heated plunge pool (which is open from dawn to sundown). Proper subsequent to the patio is an attractive spa room with a vaulted ceiling, the place therapies may be provided by expert therapists upon request. One of many lodge’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 contains an indoor eating room (known as The Salón) and an outside shaded terrace (known as The Terraza). The modern 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 friends 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 impartial luxurious eating places and properties all over the world. Right now, the gathering has grown to greater than 580 landmark motels and eating places operated by impartial house owners across the globe who share a ardour for offering friends essentially the most distinctive and memorable experiences attainable. As a way 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 within the nation by showcasing the true essence of Peru via inspiring locations, revolutionary lodging, and genuine experiences. As an business pioneer within the design and growth of owner-managed motels and carefree journey, Andean takes friends on journeys from the historic vibrancy of the town to the timeless serenity of Peru’s unspoiled facet. Every expertise is complemented by seamless serendipity, outstanding native delicacies, nourishment for the soul, and an understated magnificence that’s uniquely Peruvian. Andean manages three different motels, providing a neat circuit generally known as the Southern Peru Travesia: Lima, Arequipa, the Colca Canyona and Lake Titicaca.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Cirqa is a powerful boutique lodge with solely 18 rooms. No two rooms are alike, resulting from the truth that the architects needed to work throughout the constraint of current buildings within the heritage monastery constructing. Beware that a few of the rooms are small and lack out of doors home windows (apart from a windowed entrance door). However it doesn’t matter what room sort you e-book, all rooms are ancredibly atmospheric, with a shocking fusion of outdated and new, of stone, metal and glass.

Cirqa options restricted services, with only one restaurant, an attractive 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 in regards to the services provided by the lodge, however in regards to the lodge itself. The principle draw of Cirqa are the delicate reinvention of its previous as a monastery, the superbly designed rooms, the impeccable service and the calm and serene ambiance, despite the fact that the lodge situated proper within the middle 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
Total expertise: excellent 8.8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Lower your expenses: learn right here my ideas for getting the most effective deal at a luxurious lodge like Cirqa (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my ideas for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

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. Situations are sunny with blue skies, and daytime temperatures are delicate.

HOW TO GET THERE

Cirqa is situated one block from Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas, inside strolling distance of a lot 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 lodge is half-hour by automotive.