A perfect luxury hotel in Peru The beachfront property Arennas Mancora has recently undergone a combination of renovation and expansion, and Aracari was the very first to hear the details and see the latest photos of the shiny new facilities. We sat down with Yasmine, the hotel’s Asset Manager and an Aracari friend, to get the scoop on this luxury beach resort in northern Peru. Hotel Features Each of the hotel’s 15 original rooms have been completely redesigned, installing new fixtures and furniture and updating its décor. The hotel has also added 7 new rooms to the property, an addition that provides more accommodation options without sacrificing the private, personalized feel. The most coveted of the selections of rooms are the Arennas Suites, which feature private terraces, the choice of Jacuzzi or pool, direct views of the ocean, as well as en suite massage services (at an additional cost). Common areas of the hotel have also received a face-lift, and with many and varied dining and lounging areas, guests are easily able to find a comfortable nook to settle into to spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the refreshing sea air. One of the architectural features of the hotel is the focus on providing guests with a view no matter where they are. The hotel faces 200 meters of palm tree-lined beachfront and has a series of patios that are terraced, each level designed for a different function from padded lounge chairs for sun bathing and casual dining to a more formal dining area. Arennas Mancora also has its own pool and a spacious Jacuzzi, the perfect spot to watch the sun set. For those wanting to sip on a fresh-pressed juice after a morning jog or to have a hand-crafted Pisco Sour, head to the hotel’s
A perfect luxury hotel in Peru The beachfront property Arennas Mancora has recently undergone a combination of renovation and expansion, and Aracari was the very first to hear the details and see the latest photos of the shiny new facilities. We sat down with Yasmine, the hotel’s Asset Manager and…
Hotel B Boutique Art Collection Located directly next door to the country’s most important contemporary art gallery and within walking distance of several other prominent Lima galleries, Arts Boutique Hotel B has a strong connection to Peru’s art scene. The house itself is a piece of art, with its ornate facade, high ceilings, and mosaic tiled floors, all of which have been painstakingly restored. The hotel also boasts its own collection of contemporary and traditional Peruvian and Latin American art, which is tastefully displayed in each and every corner of the historic mansion. In fact, Lucia de la Puente, of the connected namesake gallery next door, handpicked the collection, carefully placing each piece and yielding a layout that is described as “a classic traditional feeling with modern accent.” Private visit to Hotel B's Art collection Following up to our initial sneak peek of Lima’s hottest new hotel, members of the Aracari team visited the hotel for a private viewing of their art collection with Lucia de la Puente as well as Aracari specialist guide John Alfredo Davis. Representing the diversity of the city, the hotel carries the pulse of Lima on its walls and its shelves, in its guest rooms, lining its stairwells, and even in its public bathrooms. The moment you walk into the door, you are greeted by a modern and pronounced sculpture of a woman, the first hint at what to expect throughout the rest of the property. Continue into La Sala, the hotel’s main reception room, with modern works covering the spot-lit walls including a phallic marble sculpture, abstract paintings, and elegant vases. A few steps away and you are sitting at a sumptuous copper bar, sipping your hand-crafted cocktail and gazing at a massive José Tola painting, a piece that fits the grand room perfectly and
Hotel B Boutique Art Collection Located directly next door to the country’s most important contemporary art gallery and within walking distance of several other prominent Lima galleries, Arts Boutique Hotel B has a strong connection to Peru’s art scene. The house itself is a piece of art, with its ornate…
Fruit in Peru guide Blessed with extreme biodiversity and the three vastly different climate zones of the coast, highlands, and jungle, Peru is home to a myriad of fruits, some native, others exotic and rarely known in other regions of the world. A visit to any Peruvian market (perhaps during one of our wonderful culinary tours) is the perfect opportunity to see and try some of these special and unique fruits, and below is a guide to a few of our must-taste favorites. Aguaje Native to the Amazon regions of Peru, these palm fruits have a scaly, purplish and peelable skin that gives way to slightly acidic yellow pulp. We would highly suggest trying this fruit and other jungle fruits such as copoazu, cocona, guanabana and carambola as part of Chef Schiaffino’s innovative cocktails at the highly recommended Amaz restaurant. Aguaymanto A type of gooseberry, this sweet and tangy fruit has its roots in the Andes and is a powerful antioxidant. Perfect for sauces over fish or meat. Chirimoya Also native to the Andes and grown in higher altitude locations throughout Peru, the chirimoya, or custard apple, has delicious, creamy sherbet-like flesh - so tasty that even Mark Twain penned it “the most delicious fruit known to man.” Try this one on its own and slightly chilled or as an ice cream. Tumbo Also known as “banana passionfruit” because of its exterior resemblance to a banana, open up this fruit to reveal a cluster of pulp sacs with black seeds. Found typically in the Andean valleys of Peru, tumbo is very sour and therefore, most enjoyed in juices perhaps mixed with a little sugar. Lucuma Definitely a favorite throughout Peru and found on many dessert menus paired with chocolate, this creamy subtropical fruit is native to the country and was
Fruit in Peru guide Blessed with extreme biodiversity and the three vastly different climate zones of the coast, highlands, and jungle, Peru is home to a myriad of fruits, some native, others exotic and rarely known in other regions of the world. A visit to any Peruvian market (perhaps during…
Although Cusco receives a lot of attention for its rich history and archaeology, the same could not exactly be said for folk art in the city. The exhibition Cusco: Herencia y Tradicion (Cusco: Heritage and Tradition) sets to redress the balance as I found out at last night's inauguration at the Instituto Cultural Norteamericano Peruano. Curated by close friend and collaborator of Aracari Lisy Kuon, the exhibition displays a a wide collection of arte popular - or "folk art" - from the Cusco region over the last 500 years, most of which was produced in the last century. All of the pieces display the rich tradition of art in the region, demonstrating indigenous legacies, syncretism with colonial influences, and how these traditions have been incorporated into the psyche of local people, as expressed through day-to-day arts and craftwork. The pieces have been brought together from museums, universities and private collections - including those of more Aracari friends, notably Mari Solari of Las Pallas and specialist Lima insider John Alfredo Davis. "The exhibition is divided into three central themes," detailed Lisy, "The first, religion, as is seen in religious festivals and processions; the second, regarding objects of a magical character, propitiatory of Andean kindness; and, the third, objects of every day use. "Through the past and up until the present day, the artists of the Cusco region have shown a world of sensibilities, materilised in various forms and expressions as presented through folk art. In this selection we see expressions that have allowed the preservation of fundamental Andean traditions, reinvented throughout the centuries and acquiring new vitality and new meanings in modern times ." The objects on display are a treasure trove of trinkets, adornments and objects hailing from across the Cusco region. I was particularly impressed with the pieces related to the Corpus Christi
Although Cusco receives a lot of attention for its rich history and archaeology, the same could not exactly be said for folk art in the city. The exhibition Cusco: Herencia y Tradicion (Cusco: Heritage and Tradition) sets to redress the balance as I found out at last night’s inauguration at…
We're thrilled to reveal that Marisol Mosquera has today been announced on Condé Nast Traveler's list of the World's Top Travel Specialists, she is listed for both Peru and Bolivia. This is the 5th year in a row that Aracari's founder and director appears on the prestigious publication as a travel specialist for Peru and the third time for Bolivia. The list is very aptly billed as "Wendy Perrin's Annual List of the Pros to Turn to When a Trip Has to Be Perfect". With decades of experience, Perrin screens and selects the finest travel specialists from thousands of aspirants from across the globe, this year whittling the shortlist down to just 146 specialists worldwide. We're all delighted that Marisol has been recognised for her efforts, which so far this year have included specially designing trips for families, extensive coverage in the media and promoting the best of travel in Peru across the world amongst other endeavours. Citing her criteria for selecting specialists, Perrin states "The custom trip designers collected here represent the best blend of destination knowledge, insider connections, consumer advocacy, and value for your dollar that I've found in more than two decades of scrutinizing the travel industry for this magazine. They have the expertise and clout to get you the rooms with the best views and the savviest English-speaking guides, not to mention VIP perks." For a full explanation of criteria used to select specialists, full details of when to use a specialist and to view the full listings for 2013 please visit the following page: The Top Travel Agents and Tour Operators of 2013.
We’re thrilled to reveal that Marisol Mosquera has today been announced on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the World’s Top Travel Specialists, she is listed for both Peru and Bolivia. This is the 5th year in a row that Aracari’s founder and director appears on the prestigious publication as a…
Each year, Summum honors the best restaurants in Peru as well as individuals who have made significant contributions. Their assessment is largely based on a survey conducted among connoisseurs in gastronomy, gourmands, and industry representatives. The ceremony was held last evening at the MAC Museum in Barranco, and for the second year counting, Virgilio Martinez's Central took home the gold, earning the accolade of Peru's Best Restaurant. Also occupying the "pantheon of Peruvian cuisine" was Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino's Amaz, the night's winner in the Best New Restaurant category. Below you will find the complete list of winners by category, featuring several of Aracari's most highly recommended restaurants: Winners by Category: Best Restaurant Central (Santa Isabel 376, Miraflores) Meats and Grills El Hornero (Malecón Grau 983, Chorrillos) Chinese Food Titi (Javier Prado Este 1212, San Isidro) Italian Food Symposium (Santa Luisa 122, San Isidro) Japanese Food Maido (San Martín 399, Miraflores) Nikkei Food Costanera 700 (Manuel Tovar 179, Miraflores) Mediterranean Food Rafael (Calle San Martín 300, Miraflores) Traditional Peruvian Food Fiesta Chiclayo Gourmet (Reducto 1276, Miraflores) Contemporary Peruvian Food Astrid & Gastón (Cantuarias 175, Miraflores) Regional Food Fiesta Chiclayo Gourmet (Reducto 1276, Miraflores) Fish and Seafood Costanera 700 (Manuel Tovar 179, Miraflores) Best Hotel Restaurant Maras (Westin, Amador Merino Reyna s/n, San Isidro) Best Pisco Sour Bar Ingles (Country Club, Los Eucaliptos 590, San Isidro) Best Wine List Central (Santa Isabel 376, Miraflores) Best New Restaurant Amaz (Av. La Paz 1079, Miraflores) Best Café La Bonbonniere (Calle Burgos 415, San Isidro) Best Somelier José Miguel Burga, Central (Santa Isabel 376, Miraflores) Best Host Ronald Rodríguez, Astrid & Gastón (Cantuarias 175, Miraflores) Best Waiter Raul Nicacio, Wa Lok Find out how you can incorporate some of these incredible restaurants in a culinary trip of Peru by contacting Aracari for more information.
Each year, Summum honors the best restaurants in Peru as well as individuals who have made significant contributions. Their assessment is largely based on a survey conducted among connoisseurs in gastronomy, gourmands, and industry representatives. The ceremony was held last evening at the MAC Museum in Barranco, and for the…
