Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas

Character and identity

Three hours south of Lima on the edge of the Paracas National Reserve, this 120-room resort by Peruvian architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia sits behind white walls and sliding wood doors, with two-storey bungalows scattered through bougainvillea-filled gardens that open onto the desert coastline. Rooms lean earthy and minimalist: bamboo wall coverings, wood floors, stone bathrooms with Byredo amenities, terraces or balconies, some with plunge pools. Four restaurants and bars include Chalana, an outdoor seafood spot floating at the end of the pier. The 6,000-square-foot Aqu Spa works with Andean ingredients like grape, and service runs polished but unfussy.

Who's it for

Bottom line

This is a wildlife-and-water gateway as much as a resort, and the boat programme out of the private dock is what most justifies the rate. Book an ocean-facing room with a plunge pool, plan two nights minimum to fit in the Ballestas run and a Nazca flight, and eat at Chalana at least once for the rowboat ceviche.