Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas

"Amid the ruins of the iconic Hotel Paracas that crumbled during an August 2007 earthquake, famed Peruvian architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia designed this new 120-room resort (part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection) in the coastal desert three hours south of Lima. Two-story white bungalows whose design incorporates some $2 million of bamboo blend into the dune-filled horizon, contrasting the deep-blue waters of the Paracas National Reserve. There’s an earthy feel to the accommodations, with textiles modeled after pre-Columbian designs, wood floors, walls covered in bamboo, and patios that look out onto the Pacific. While the bay is better for windsurfing, the daybeds at the glitzy pool scenes, where roving waiters fetch a steady supply of passion fruit sours and ceviche, have become the new it spot for Lima’s well-to-do. The hotel makes a restful base for a slew of nearby adventures—you can do scenic flights of the Nazca desert geoglyphs in its private jet, yacht rides to spot sea lions and Humboldt penguins on the Islas Ballestas, and pisco tastings at the Viñas de Oro distillery right at the resort."

"There’s plenty to do in Paracas, from sandboarding in Paracas National Reserve to boating around the Ballestas Islands to flying over the nearby Nazca Lines—that is, if you can tear yourself away from the pool at Hotel Paracas. The 120-room resort was all but leveled by the 2007 Peru earthquake, but reopened two years later with a fresh new look, including a blue-taupe-and-white color scheme to reflect the surrounding ocean, desert, and sky. A great choice for families, Hotel Paracas features a children’s club and kids’ pool as well as three restaurants, including a casual seafood spot, an Italian trattoria, and a fine-dining option. Also on-site are two bars serving drinks and light fare, plus a spa and 24-hour fitness center. Guests even have access to complimentary bikes and water-sport equipment. Spread over six levels, rooms feature either terraces or balconies with garden or ocean views as well as spacious bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Suites also include a dining area, and some even have private plunge pools."