In the old days it was Niagara Falls. More recently honeymooning couples have been taking off for destinations like Florida, the Caribbean or Hawaii. But frankly I’m getting bored to death looking at yet one more set of photos of couples clicking glasses at these cliché destinations. Sure these spots will do for a routine winter getaway, but frankly a honeymoon is (hopefully) a once-in-a lifetime trip for a couple to which they will harken back to for decades.
Casa Andina
Segue to the Casa Andina Collection, a boutique hotel high in the Andes in the town of Ollantaytambo. A couple of hours train trip to Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the Modern World, this hotel is tucked on the slope of an Andean peak, surrounded by immaculate gardens and served by a gourmet restaurant with fine exemplars of both traditional dishes and new Peruvian delights such as the world renowned seafood dish, ceviche. Don’t forget to start your dinner with a traditional Pisco Sour, the Peruvian national drink, made with a tasty grape brandy.
How tasty is this?
The hotel’s Andean cottages are the best choice for newlyweds. On entering my room I noticed a huge living room and bar/kitchenette. The master bedroom sported a king size bed and the bathroom was bigger than some hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. There is a huge tub as well as a separate shower. A small, private, landscaped backyard features a large hot tub (big enough for four, perhaps unnecessary for honeymooners!)
Beautiful rooms at Casa Andina
My first morning at the Casa Andina I looked up and watched as a pearly mist crept across the mountain peaks, tinted orange and rose. This might not have been unexpected except for the fact that I was taking a shower at the time. I guess I didn’t mention the very private garden-like outdoor shower. The warm water cascades down in a mini-waterfall letting a couple enjoy the sunrise and perform their morning ablutions at the same time.
Of course you’ll have to drag yourself away to experience the mysterious 500-year old Inca ruins which dot the mountainous cloud forest in this area. The Inca (or Quechua as they call themselves) say that the sacred energy of Machu Picchu blesses a marriage and to touch the Sacred Stone will ensure fertility. Unfortunately that’s not allowed anymore. I am speculating that it’s because the Peruvian government feels the country already has a high enough birth rate!
If You Go …
Casa Andina Collection Tel: 866-220-4434
Peru Travel Now Tel: 888-357-1185
Photo Credits
Photos by George Burden – All Rights Reserved
Recent Dr. George Burden Articles:
- Grand Prix Weekend in Monte Carlo
- Inside the Big Bang? Literally!
- How The Real Doctor Frankenstein Cured Lead Poisoning
- The Day The Sun Blacked Out
- Hot Times In Varadero At The Sol Caribe Beach Hotel
My only regret was I couldn’t stay a bit longer. Also make sure you do an evening visit to the hotel’s private planetarium and high powered telescope to get an up-close look at the skies of the Southern Hemisphere.
OMG George this place looks fantastic. You have me thinking now.