When it comes to exquisite hotels, you’ll be talking about the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Peru for a lifetime. Much more than culture and fabulous Inca ruins, Peru is a land of legends, wildlife and ancient vows. And at this Machu Picchu Hotel, you’re invited into a storybook world. Set high in the Cloud Forest, in its own intimate Andean village, with terraced hills and waterfalls, be prepared for the most incredible stay.

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The mystical Cloud Forest

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The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is set in 12 acres of natural Cloud Forest beauty.  With their own unique ecosystems, Cloud Forests are both beautiful and bountiful. These tropical forests prominently feature a layer of dense fog at the canopy level. The result is a heavy mist around the treetops at all times, hence the name Cloud Forest.

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Ethereal and mystical, the heavy fog both filters the sunlight and provides the underlying foliage with a source of moisture. This in turn creates an environment attractive to mosses and ferns and tends to be humid and boggy. In Peru especially, a staggering number of species thrive in cloud forests. This includes thousands of orchids, hummingbirds and a wealth of flora and fauna that has yet to be discovered.

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The grounds of the Inkaterra Hotel Machu Picchu are home to 214 bird species, including the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock. The forest is also home to the world’s largest native orchid collection, with 372 registered species.

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An exceptional hotel

Perfectly located for those heading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an exquisite retreat. Step into another world in this rainforest, bursting with terraced hills, waterfalls and stone pathways. The complex features 83 whitewashed “adobe casitas” tucked away in the cloud forest, for an unreal setting you’ve likely never experienced before.

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Feel the outside inside

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Beautiful rooms and suites offer the perfect sanctuary for simple relaxation and here at the hotel, personalized comfort is assured. Decorated with local crafts and eucalyptus beams and a colonial style wardrobe, you will feel at one with your surroundings. Enjoy robes, Andean slippers crafted from recycled materials, plus environmentally friendly toiletries. If treating yourself to a suite you can also enjoy an outdoor shower, plunge pool, day bed and luxurious marble bathrooms.

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The incredible Unu Spa

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The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel’s sumptuous spa combines classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach. Treatments use 100% natural products derived from local botanical extracts, such as mint, eucalyptus and of course the famous orchids. Providing a spiritual, sensual and soothing experience, Unu Spa means water in Quechua. Treat yourselves to a deep tissue exfoliation with sacred coca leaves or rejuvenate with facial hydration, hot stones and foot therapy. Guests can also relax and steam away any cares in the Andean sauna.

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Exceptional dining

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Situated between the Machu Picchu train tracks, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant Café Inkaterra serves delicious fare under a traditional Amazonian palm-thatched roof, surrounded by regional crafts. The restaurant and adjacent terraces were built as a large glass house with an exceptional view of the Vilcanota River and the surrounding green mountains. A creative menu blends Andean cuisine with a contemporary approach, creating innovative fusion-style fare. The perfect place to unwind, far from the crowds, and share the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

The delights of Peruvian cuisine

A magnificent melody of flavors, Peruvian food is often referred to as Criolla or Creole food because of the blend of Spanish, Asian, Incan and other European cuisine influences which are integrated into the recipes. Ingredients are based heavily on potatoes, beans, rice, beef, eggs, lamb, fish, corn, chicken and especially the Aji, or chili. Perhaps most famous (and exquisite) is Peru’s national dish Ceviche. When in Peru we also recommend trying the Lomo Saltado (stir fried beef) and Papas a la Huancaina (potatoes in spicy cheese sauce).

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The perfect base from which to explore Machu Picchu

One of the most sought-after destinations on earth and one of the most mystical, Machu Picchu stands proudly at 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a lush tropical mountain forest. The Lost City of the Incas was rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911 after being forgotten for centuries. Now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, much of its history and purpose remains a mystery even to historians.

Within this sprawling ancient citadel are famous sites including the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Three Windows. Here you’ll also find the Temple of the Condor, the Sun Gate and the Intihuatana rock, believed to be an ancient sun clock. Easily accessed by train, your first-class seats and panoramic windows make for sublime views en route to Machu Picchu village. Arrive before the day trippers and join your expert guide for an exclusive and fascinating journey back in time.

Discover this on: Treasures of the Incas

 Read more: 7 experiences to stir your soul in Latin America

 To enjoy the delights of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel for yourself, take a look at our Treasures of the Incas luxury guided tour.

One of the best ways to embrace la dolce vita is indulging in Tuscan food. From truffles and hearty soups to gelato and Tuscan wine, there’s an abundance of Tuscan delicacies to savor on our Ultimate Italy tour. Get acquainted with the essential guide to Italy for foodies and dive into our seven favorite Tuscan culinary experiences. 

Meet Marchese Mazzei for a private lunch and wine tasting 

Should you travel on a Founder’s Collection of our Ultimate Italy tour, you’re treated to an exclusive lunch and wine tasting with Marchese Mazzei at his centuries-old Tuscan estate, Fonterutoli Winery. Revered for its Chianti Classico, the winery’s Mazzei family has been evolving its winemaking through tradition and innovations to support a low environmental impact since 1435. Begin with a tour of the estate highlighting the history of the Chianti Classico appellation and a visit to the underground Author’s Cellar. You’ll then sit down to sip their complex wine and enjoy a light lunch while you gaze out upon the villa and homes dating back to the 1500s.  

Francesco Mazzei and Fonterutoli Winery

Visit Guardastelle winery for a wine tasting and lunch 

Delve into Tuscan wine on a private tour of the 15th century Guardastelle estate. Your personal oenophile will guide you through the ancient cellars and share their insights on their grape varieties and family-owned estate. Tenuta Guardastelle is one of the smallest wineries in San Gimignano and is the ideal place to sample Tuscan wine. Paired with a lunch of Tuscan specialties, your lunch among rolling green hills and vineyards makes for an idyllic dining experience. 

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Taste award-winning ice cream in San Gimignano   

What better way to embrace Tuscan delicacies than by tasting gelato with World Champion Gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli? Tucked within winding alleyways is the world-renowned artisan ice cream parlor, Gelateria Dondoli. Within this small shop filled with tempting tastes you’ll hear master Dondoli’s story of developing his craft since 1984. All his ice creams feature highly selected, top-quality ingredients of local regions. For example, the saffron and hazelnut have protected designations.

Dondoli also won the prestigious MAM (Master of Art and Craft) award in 2016, the Italian equivalent of the “Living National Treasure” Japanese Prize and the French “Maître d’Art” Award. Only 75 Artistic Masters were awarded this honor in Italy and Sergio is the only Gelato Master to have received this important award. Some of his notable flavors include Crema di Santa Fina® (cream with saffron and pine nuts), Champelmo® (pink grapefruit and sparkling wine), Dolceamaro® (cream with aromatic herbs) and Vernaccia Sorbet. 

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 Forage for aromatic truffles guided by an expert truffle dog 

Known as the “golden mushroom,” the truffle captures the elegance and sumptuous flavors of Tuscan food. Truffles in Tuscany grow around the roots of oak, hazelnut and pine trees across the hilly landscape. Your tour will take you on a fascinating foraging trip through these very regions guided by an expert truffle dog. After your excursion, use a truffle (or gift it along) as soon as you can. Truffles lose both their aroma and weight as time passes. White truffles pair well with simple ingredients such as fresh egg pasta or polenta. Or, dishes with butter, eggs, potatoes or cheese.  

Explore Florence on a culinary walk with a local foodie 

Visit the lively Mercato Centrale to learn about Florentine specialties with a local foodie. This market opened in 2014 in a historic cast iron and glass structure dating back to 1874. The aim was to make local artisans and their produce the heart of the food scene. Sample Florence’s culinary delights in the tucked away market shops offering a selection of gourmet highlights. Try local bread and baked goods, fresh fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes, meat and charcuterie, buffalo mozzarella, cheese, chocolate, gelato, fresh pasta, wine, lampredotto and truffles. 

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Enjoy dinner in an elegant Florentine villa 

A highlight of your Tuscan culinary journey will surely be dinner in Florence feasting on regional dishes, including the famous local specialty ‘bistecca fiorentina.’ This traditional dish is a Tuscan steak made from the region’s Chianina breed of cattle which are prized for their tenderness and flavor. This simple recipe seasons the steak with little more than olive oil, rosemary and salt. It is then grilled it to perfection to highlight the rich flavor of the meat. Savor every bite over this authentic dining experience.    

Tuscan Lunch and Cooking Class with Italian Chef 

What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of Tuscan food than with a hands-on cooking class? We’ll take you inside the former hunting lodge built in the 1200s by the Medici family. Begin by taking a stroll through the olive groves, vineyards and villas before sourcing fresh ingredients from the garden. Then partner with a professional Italian chef to learn how to roll your own fresh tagliatelle and pappardelle pasta.  

With so many decadent and authentic culinary experiences in Tuscany alone, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to fill your plate with Tuscan food and enrich your travels. 

Where will your taste buds take you? 

As prison guard to Nelson Mandela, Christo Brand knows what it is like to spend time with one of history’s great heroic figures. Travel on our Spectacular South Africa luxury guided tour and have the opportunity to meet with him and hear all about if for yourself.

We had the pleasure to talk with Christo, exclusively for Luxury Gold guests. We asked him his standout memories of Nelson Mandela, what he has learned from the experience, as well as his thoughts on South Africa as a destination.

Your journey to Robben Island is one of the highlights of our 9-Day Spectacular South Africa luxury guided tour. Spend the morning at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island, and take an insightful tour with an ex political prisoner as your guide. You will then return to the mainland for an exclusive lunch with Christo Brand, at the Amy Foundation. Here you will hear fascinating stories about South Africa’s first Black President, a heroic figure who stood for freedom and justice throughout the late 20th century.

Meet Christo Brand

In 1978, aged just 19 years old, Christo arrived at Robben Island where Nelson Mandela (then aged 60) was being held, having just completed his training as a prison guard. There he was one of several guards responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela and they developed a close friendship over the course of many years.

In 1982 Christo was transferred along with Nelson Mandela to Pollsmoor Prison on the mainland. He was responsible for guarding Nelson for a further six years, and their relationship of trust and mutual respect continued. Nelson Mandela was sentenced in 1964 to life imprisonment for sabotage. He was finally released on 11 February 1990, aged 72. On his release, Mandela organised a job for Christo as an administrative and logistics manager in the Constitutional Assembly and their relationship continued.

With so many years spent alongside such a great man, we started by asking Christo to sum up what Luxury Gold guests can expect to take away from this lunch. “What guests can expect is to understand how a Black man and a white man could become friends [in those times],” he affectionately tells us. “How we became friends, how we met each other and how we changed each other’s lives.”

For inspiration: South Africa destination guide

How would you describe Nelson Mandela to guests?

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“When describing Nelson Mandela to people I always say he was a down to earth, humble person,” Christo remembers fondly. “He was a person who would go out of his way to make others happy around him and give his last away to people to make them smile. He was also a person who loved to educate.

“I met him as a prison guard, and I met him out of prison, and he was exactly the same. He hadn’t changed. When he retired, he was a still a humble person. He would even stand up for me to greet me with that respect. He treated all people with respect.”

What is your most standout memory of your time together?

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 “There are a lot of standout moments, but one of the biggest was when I handed a baby to him.” Christo recalls of one occasion when Nelson’s wife Winnie came to Robben Island and she brought a baby with her. It was one of his grandchildren and they managed to enable Nelson to see the baby. “He was not allowed to see children,” Christo explains “When he took the baby from me in that moment, he got so emotional he had tears in his eyes. I could not believe someone could be so hungry for a child like that. That emotion, that is something I will never forget.”

Was there a particular moment when you realized he was special?

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 “Nelson Mandela was always a peacemaker,” Christo tells us. “I could see it when there was maybe an argument on the section between two prisoners or a prisoner and a guard. Mandela was the one who walked in and could interact and bring peace and harmony between the two. Immediately when he stared talking, he could calm people down in the heat of the moment, that was something very special.”

How has this experience shaped you as a person?

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 “Nelson Mandela was a person who reached out for people. He always believed that people are more important than yourself, and the more you help people the more you will be blessed with good life.” Christo replies of his learnings as prison guard to Nelson Mandela. “He taught me that even if you don’t see it today or you don’t see it tomorrow, in life good things will come to your side and you won’t know why, but it will be that person. We should focus on respecting each other as human beings on this planet, by reaching out for people. And that has shaped my life to make a better world for people.”

What is so special about South Africa?

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 “South Africa is a beautiful country and is famous for its diversity. From our coastal areas, the dramatic mountains through to the famous Kruger National Park and our many other parks there is something for everyone,” Christo explains. “Also, its people are known for their friendliness and hospitality and our food and wine are exceptional, especially our wine.

“The country has a lot to offer, there is a lot of history in South Africa, a history of change. Through Nelson Mandela’s’ story we can tell that change. He walked out of prison with a changed mindset. He followed the footsteps of Martin Luther King and Mahatma Ghandi in that he was that type of person also.”

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What is the one thing in South Africa everyone should see?

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“Table Mountain. If you are in Cape Town don’t miss out the mountain,” Christo enthuses. This flat-topped mountain, at 1,085 meters high, is Cape Town’s most iconic and photographed landmark “This is the only place on the world from which you can enjoy such a spectacular view, including two World Heritage Sites. Table Mountain National Park being one itself and you can also see Robben Island.”

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Spectacular South Africa

If you would love to meet Christo Brand, former prison guard to Nelson Mandela then take a look at our Spectacular South Africa luxury guided tour. A showcase of beautiful wilderness, eclectic cultures, warm hospitality and rich heritage, this tour will take you from cosmopolitan Cape Town into the heart of Big Five territory. Discover Robben Island, Table Mountain, the finest wineries and view iconic wildlife on a luxury safari.vAnd, why not extend your journey aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail for a timeless journey to the mighty Victoria Falls?