Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel
One Michelin Key
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Hotel Details
Location
Sacred Valley
Peru, South America
Brand
Belmond
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Expert Review: Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel
Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley: A Michelin One-Key Oasis in the Andes
Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, nestled along the Urubamba River in Peru's Sacred Valley, has earned a prestigious One Michelin Key rating, signifying "a very special stay" with a true gem-like personality and service that consistently goes the extra mile. Guests consistently laud this tranquil Andean retreat for its breathtaking natural beauty, exceptional service, and authentic immersion into local culture.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Rio Sagrado is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "amazing," "sublime," "magical," and "outstanding". The hotel achieves high ratings across various platforms, often exceeding expectations and leaving visitors feeling pampered and rejuvenated. The serene atmosphere and integration with the surrounding landscape contribute significantly to this high sentiment.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make Rio Sagrado a truly memorable experience:
- Location & Scenery: The idyllic setting amidst green fields, mountains, and the rushing Urubamba River is a major draw. Many rooms and common areas offer spectacular river views. The sprawling gardens, complete with resident baby alpacas that guests can feed, add to the charm.
- Exceptional Service: The staff's professionalism, friendliness, and willingness to go "the extra mile" are frequently praised. Personalized touches, such as restorative drinks waiting in rooms after excursions, are noted.
- Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design, resembling a traditional Andean village, seamlessly blends with the landscape, using natural materials. The interiors feature a pared-down contemporary style with elegant Peruvian accents and local fabrics. The tranquil and peaceful ambiance is consistently mentioned.
- Amenities: The Mayu Wilka Spa is a significant highlight, offering treatments with local herbs, an indoor pool, a sauna, and hydromassage tubs. Guests particularly enjoy the option to use the spa privately and the jacuzzi under the stars. The heated outdoor pool with river and mountain views is also a favorite. The convenience of having a train station at the hotel for trips to Machu Picchu (seasonal) is a "huge plus".
- Activities: The hotel offers a wide range of cultural and sporting activities, including shaman ceremonies, horse riding, rafting, and cooking classes.
3. Room Quality
The rooms, suites, and villas at Rio Sagrado are described as luxurious, comfortable, and beautifully designed. They are patterned after a traditional Andean village, with shapes and materials meant to merge with the landscape.
- Comfort & Design: Accommodations feature heated wooden floors, scenic terraces, and spacious layouts. The interiors showcase a luxury territory with a contemporary style seasoned with Peruvian accents and locally woven soft furnishings in vibrant colors. Beds are noted for being extremely comfortable with premium bedding.
- Views & Features: Most rooms and suites have balconies or private garden terraces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that face the Urubamba River and mountains, offering carefully engineered views that encourage connection with the surroundings. Bathrooms are large, often featuring Swiss showers facing the river and heated floors, which are particularly welcome on chilly mornings.
- Unique Touches: While standard comforts are present, televisions are intentionally absent, replaced by the immersive natural views. Some suites come with private garden terraces, and the two multi-bedroom villas (updated in 2023 with more Peruvian designs) sleep up to six and offer living rooms, dining rooms, and full kitchens.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Rio Sagrado, primarily at El Huerto restaurant, receives high praise for its quality and use of local ingredients.
- Restaurant Quality: El Huerto (The Orchard) offers indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views of the river and gardens. The cuisine is described as delicious, featuring an array of excellent and creative Peruvian foods, often made from ingredients grown on-site. The kitchen is noted for doing a great job with dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is lavish when the hotel is sufficiently occupied. During the rainy season, an à la carte breakfast may be offered. Guests generally find the breakfast to be delicious with many items.
- Other Offerings: The bar is celebrated for its excellent Pisco Sours and Chilcanos, along with a bar menu of tapas. The hotel also offers unique dining experiences like traditional South American parrillas and Andean pachamancas (cooked underground). Riverside picnic lunches can also be arranged.
5. Service & Staff
Hospitality at Rio Sagrado is consistently rated as outstanding. The staff is frequently described as fabulous, friendly, helpful, and professional, going "the extra mile" to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests appreciate the personalized attention, with staff members remembering names and engaging in friendly conversations about their plans. The Belmond team is also commended for providing wonderful ground transport and personal guides for excursions. The property manager, Javier, has been specifically acknowledged for warm welcomes and thoughtful gestures.
6. Location & Accessibility
Rio Sagrado boasts a strategic and tranquil location in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, on the banks of the Urubamba River.
- Neighborhood & Surroundings: It's situated near Urubamba, providing a peaceful hideaway away from the main road. The setting is ideal for acclimatization due to its lower altitude compared to Cusco.
- Attractions: The hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring the Sacred Valley, including sites like Ollantaytambo (about a half-hour from a train station). It's also a convenient starting point for trips to Machu Picchu, with the luxury Hiram Bingham train occasionally stopping directly at the hotel (seasonal).
- Transport: The hotel is approximately a 90-minute (48-mile) drive from Cusco City Airport, and transfers can be arranged. A car is recommended for transportation to and from the property.
7. Value & Pricing
While specific price ranges can vary, guests generally perceive Rio Sagrado as offering fair value for the exceptional luxury and service provided. As a Belmond property and a Michelin One-Key hotel, it falls into the luxury segment. For instance, a 1-night stay for two adults can start from around $620, excluding taxes and fees, though prices are subject to change. The "One Key" distinction from Michelin itself suggests that the hotel provides "much more than others in its price range". Virtuoso amenities like complimentary breakfast and a massage can also add to the perceived value.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:
- Restaurant Service Speed: Although the food quality is high, some guests have mentioned that service at the restaurant could occasionally be faster.
- Limited Dinner Menu Creativity: One review suggested that while ingredients and presentation were excellent, the lunch and dinner menu could lack a bit of creativity compared to the signature drinks.
- Room Size (Minor): One guest mentioned a "Deluxe Terrace King" room was "a bit small" but still extremely comfortable. Another perceived their room as small for a 5-star property, also noting a low-level smoking smell in a non-smoking room.
- Pool Closure: In one instance, the pool was closed for maintenance, though the spa was made available as an alternative.
- Lack of Television: While often considered a positive for immersion, the absence of televisions in rooms might be a minor point for some guests.
- VIP Turndown Service: One review noted the odd policy of turndown service only being available for VIP guests, despite generally feeling like a VIP throughout the stay.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
