Checking Into JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a special place situated in the heart of Cusco. The property, once a convent from the 16th century, merges luxury, history and culture within its old stone walls, many of which are Incan. Relics of the past proliferate throughout, from the vaulted reception area, where the main chapel once stood between the 1460s to the 1540s, to the three exhibitions of Incan ruins that were discovered on the sublevel when the hotel was being restored. The courtyard, enveloped by colonial arches, is a delightful place to lounge on one of their sofas, take a few photos with a local weaver and her young alpaca and purchase some of their colorful artworks. The hotel offers guests a myriad of additional daily activities and experiences like yoga, cooking classes and nightly walking tours that uncover the property’s history.
The accommodations are spacious with a natural color palette inspired by the Andes Mountains, plus, all are oxygen-enriched to better acquaint visitors with the altitude. The spa, located on the lower level, boasts a relaxation pool with soothing decor that resembles stars in the sky, an array of therapeutic services and a swirling jacuzzi.
Head to Qespi Restaurant and Bar for an inventive drink or a memorable meal. Grab a seat by the bar area for lunch or head to the main dining room for dinner for a menu that includes local dishes like quinoa salad, roasted trout and for dessert, cheesecake with camu camu sorbet. Each morning the hotel offers an elaborate breakfast spread including an omelet and gluten-free station as well as  healthy juices made from local fruits and vegetables.
Be sure to read The Valley of the Sun in ROSE & IVY Journal No.11
The hotel offers the chinchero experience right in the hotel’s courtyard. Here a local maker is with a friendly alpaca named Panchita.
Qespi Restaurant and Bar has a menu that includes local dishes, like Andean cheese tucked into a crispy pocket and garnished with micro greens grown in the courtyard.
A decadent Tres Leches cake dotted with a pansy and tapioca pearls.
The relaxation pool in the hotel’s spa is exactly for that, relaxing.
While the property was being renovated, many Incan ruins were discovered in the sub level section of the building, today it is a small-scale museum that encompasses century-old walls.
The art of weaving. Visitors can purchase locally woven scarves, blankets and small trinkets in the courtyard.
The convent columns are standing in the area that is now the hotel’s courtyard.
Photography by Alison Engstrom
A very special thank you to JW Marriot El Convento Cusco