Surrounded by the spellbinding landscapes of Peru’s Colca Canyon, Las Casitas, a Belmond Hotel, offers the ultimate Andean escape. Meandering pathways lead through lush gardens to 20 individual cottages. Each is a personal sanctuary blending rich Peruvian textures, glowing fireplaces and private plunge pools. Garden and valley views take the breath away. Guests can relax by the freeform swimming pool, built from local stone and designed to blend in with the surroundings. Or visit Samay Spa, a haven of tranquillity nestled among eucalyptus groves. Soothing treatments pay homage to timeless Andean rituals and feature local ingredients, from mineral-rich clays to avocado. A small farm on site is home to a prickly pear orchard, five natural greenhouses and friendly alpacas – which guests are invited to feed – as well as horses, pigs and guinea pigs. Keen anglers can arrange to fish for trout in the hotel’s pond. At Curiña restaurant guests dine on sumptuous Arequipan specialities, such as native stews, purple corn, local cheeses and mountain honey. Fresh vegetables are harvested each day from the organic gardens. Alfresco dining can be enjoyed on the scenic terrace. For pisco-based cocktails and enticingly fresh drinks, Puccq’io bar offers an inviting setting overlooking the verdant landscape. When activity calls, hiking, cycling and horse riding adventures await in the canyon. Rich bird watching opportunities include marvelling at the soaring raptors over Condor’s Cross and spotting woodpeckers, eagles and the world’s largest hummingbirds. Outdoor painting, cookery classes and orchard tea sessions continue guests’ immersion into