The food at Sumac Machu Picchu is phenomenal. From the formal dining to the cooking class, from the welcoming drinks and snacks to the treats delivered to my room: I was impressed. My first taste of alpaca, and of ceviché prepared with river, rather than ocean, fish — delicious! And something I’ve never seen before: ground cherries encased in sugar glass. A master pastry chef — Ribelino Algeria — performs magic here!
Sumaq Machu Picchu is the only 5 star hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. The hotel is in a privileged location a short walk from the train station, but along the quiet part of the river so you’ll not be disturbed by the bar and restaurant scene in this touristy town.
The building’s decor is luxurious with beautiful art filling the lobby. Here you’ll be greeted by welcoming staff bearing a refreshing lemongrass towel and a delicious chicha morada, a traditional drink made of purple corn and pineapple juices. Your room is the epitome of comfort, and you’ll likely need the hot jacuzzi bath after spending your day exploring magnificent Machu Picchu.
While Aguas Callientes is just a base for the ruins of Machu Picchu, I’d recommend booking a few nights at Sumaq. You’ll welcome the opportunity to relax pre- and post-ruins, enjoy the exceptional dining, and learn how to make Peru’s national dish and drink, ceviché and the pisco sour, in a cooking class. Sumaq Machu Picchu also offers a curated selection of excursions to bring you a more in-depth understanding of the Inca and the beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls surrounding the area.
Rates include breakfast, afternoon tea, your choice of lunch or dinner, escorted service from the train, and a cooking class.
From US$482 per night
– Traditional Peruvian drinks! You’re welcomed with “chicha morada” (purple corn and pineapple juices), and, later, a pisco sour.
– Cooking lessons, included in rates, to learn how to make ceviché and pisco sours
– Exceptional dining, luxurious facilities, and caring service
– The town of Aguas Calientes has tiny bugs which love to bite ankles, leaving painful red marks and swelling in many people. Wear bug spray at all times!
– I’d suggest raising the rates slightly and not charging for water at dinner
+1 866 682 0645|+44 808 120 3902 
reservations@sumaqhotelperu.com
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
The Witt Istanbul will let you get in touch with your funky side. This minimalist, retro design hotel is set between two of Istanbul’s coolest neighbourhoods of Beyoglu and Taksim, minutes from Istanbul’s premier shopping street, hip cafes and restaurants and the Museum of Modern Art. For history and Ottoman opulence, it’s only a 30 minute walk (or short tram ride) across Galata Bridge to Sultanahmet’s main Old Town sights.
The hotel design fits into the neighbourhood. Funky jazz tunes permeate the lobby and library area. Upstairs, the 18 rooms are large and resemble studio apartments rather than a hotel. They are furnished with organic wooden furniture, hard wooden floors and soft rugs in the bedroom and living areas. You can definitely make yourself at home here, hang your clothes in the full size wardrobe, chill out to watch TV on your sofa or rocking chair, hook your tunes up to the Bluetooth radio system and make yourself a Nespresso coffee. Wi-Fi with some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen in Turkey will keep business travellers happy and stress free.
We also loved the wonderful views of Istanbul’s skyline from Room 32. Stepping out on the French balcony bought me closer to the sights and smells of Istanbul but double glazing kept the noise out at night. The roof terrace garden area also offers spectacular views across the Goldern Horn. You can clearly make out Galata Tower, various Mosques and Topkapi Palace. All that’s missing is a rooftop bar.
There’s a 1:1 employee to room ratio which means things seem to happen almost before you ask. The reception staff have an excellent blend of giving just enough information without being pushy or overwhelming.
Organic and sustainability seems to be important. Herbs and vegetables grow among the flowers on the roof top and the breakfast is made up of organic and chemically free ingredients. There’s plenty of choice, but one of the best things about breakfast is having it served in your room.
The Witt Istanbul doesn’t see many families but couples and friends will love the service, location and space.
From US$220 per night including buffet or bedside breakfast
– Welcome drink brought up to the room – no standing around awkwardly in the lobby guzzling a drink before you can settle in.
– Healthy turn down service – We returned from dinner to find the curtains closed and an apple laid on the pillows.
– Towel hooks in the bathroom are awkwardly placed above a shelf
– Bathroom exhaust fan attached to the main bathroom light
Simone
Review Team
“This is your home, Miss Johanna” says Cesar, when I compliment him on the beauty of Finch Bay Eco Hotel. And I am made to feel so welcome in my temporary home!
This 27-room hotel is located a 3 minute boat ride (free in the hotel’s panga or 60 cents by water taxi) plus a 5 minute walk from the main pier in Puerto Ayora. While it is easy to get back to the main town, there is little need given the resort’s great restaurant, big pool, and pretty beach complete with Galapagos animals.
Finch Bay also has two yachts for day cruises, the Sea Lion and Sea Finch. I had a spectacular day aboard the Sea Lion, visiting the land and marine iguanas and bachelor sea lions of South Plaza Island, and snorkeling with colorful fish and a few rays at Las Bachas, a white beach on the north part of Santa Cruz. The yachts are comfortable, with places to relax in the shade and sun, and serve a delicious buffet lunch.
You’ll be back at the hotel in time for a swim in their gorgeous pool, a drink while the sun sets, dinner in the restaurant, and then a restful sleep in your comfortable bed. Rooms at Finch Bay are not huge, but are well designed and have lots of closet space. And each one has a welcoming hammock on the balcony surrounding the mangroves.
As the name implies, Finch Bay Eco Hotel takes extra effort with its environmental practices. For example, it is the only area hotel that desalinates its own water, it is replenishing the mangrove forests, and was named a World’s Leading Green Hotel at the 2014 World Travel Awards.
From US$401 per night
– Ocean front rooms are gorgeous
– Very welcoming staff, keen to ensure you have the best stay possible
– None of the noise of Puerto Ayora
– At low tide, the beach is great for wading, but not great for swimming
– Not ideal if you have mobility issues, as there is a 5 minute walk (most on a boardwalk) from the pier to the hotel
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
The sun poured through my window, as did the sweet sound of crashing waves. I looked out at the spectacular view of the pale sandy beach, blue blue water, an inviting swimming pool, and yes, an iguana crossing the street.
I’m at Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel on Isabela Island.
Isabela is a much quieter island than Santa Cruz, the “main” Galápagos island. There is just one small town, and the roads are made of packed sand. Speed bumps are lengths of thick rope laid across the sand. And the speed bumps are important. Isabela’s marine iguanas spend much of their day crossing this road, diving in the sea to feast on algae, and crossing back to find a sunny rock to soak up some sun. Iguana Crossing Hotel is very aptly named!
This boutique property with 14 rooms — all decorated differently, of course — is the best property on the island. Some rooms face the sea, and others have a view of a pretty pinkish pond where more iguanas and a few ducks hang out. Rooms are equipped with a TV with DVD (there is no cable or satellite programming), AC (you won’t need it, the breeze is perfect), small fridge, safe, and a large bathroom (though with an eco-shower requiring a button push to keep the flow constant).
The three-story building was constructed by local craftsmen using native materials. Go up to the roof terrace for a cocktail or a dip in the jacuzzi, or lounge by the pool in front of the hotel. You won’t be able to keep your eyes off the view. A delicious breakfast, included in rates, is served either indoors or outdoors.
Lounging all over the port — park benches, sidewalks, on the beach — are sleepy sea lions (and yes, more iguanas). There are almost always a few playing in the shallow water along the pier, and they love to interact with swimmers. You’ll laugh into your snorkel as a sea lion swims circles around you and comes right up to look you in the eye. Penguins, though not quite as playful, also don’t seem to understand the Galápagos rule that humans are to stay 2 meters away from animals.
Isabela Island and Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel are a delight. It is well worth the additional effort to get here.
From US$265 per night
– Spectacular views across a huge sandy beach
– Flamingoes, tortoises, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions and lots and lots of iguanas — all within walking distance
– Isla Isabela is the only place where you’re pretty much guaranteed to be able to swim with sea lions
– The boat ride from Santa Cruz isn’t the most comfortable, but you can fly if you’re prone to seasickness
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor