EXPLORA SACRED VALLEY, PERU

Sitting at 2,900m above sea level in the remote Urubamba Valley, surrounded by swaying crops and the looming Andes mountains, Explora is the ideal jumping-off point to Peru’s Sacred Valley. Complete with expert guides, food from one of the world’s finest chefs and on-trend Scandi-inspired interiors, it reveals itself as a super-luxe base camp and top-notch hub for adventure.

Like the rest of Peru, Explora fuses history with contemporary comforts. Built from local stone and wood, the angular strip of a building blends seamlessly into its surroundings, while a smattering of Inca trails unearthed during the building process encircle the hotel’s entrance. All 50 rooms come with sunken stone bathtubs, knee-weakeningly gorgeous mountain views and all the hiking essentials: boot brushes, lightweight reusable water bottles and coca tea, a natural remedy to combat altitude sickness. It’s a pure case of all the gear plus the right idea.

Although it’s tempting to spend the day flitting between the cinnamon-scented spa and fireside saddle chairs wrapped in hand-woven alpaca wool blankets, the great outdoors beckons. Day trips to Machu Picchu are one of the main draws, and easy to arrange, but venture a little further out for a chance to hike past glittering mountain lakes and villages filled with Quechua women and giggling children dressed in full skirts and Panama-style hats. There are more than 30 off-grid adventures to experience, all far from the well-trodden trail.

You’ll approach popular sites, such as agricultural Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, from little-known trails and stop at unrivalled viewpoints thanks to the knowledge of the Explora guides. Tackle Mount Veronica’s glacier when you’ve adjusted to the altitude.

Taking pride of place in the restaurant is a menu designed by acclaimed Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, along with local potato farmer Manuel Choqque – star of Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Expect the likes of ink-black potatoes topped with algae, slow-cooked beef and spongy corn cake. Finish with plenty of pisco sours. Like the coca tea, this cultural institution of a cocktail is practically doctor’s orders. FRM. Doubles from £137. explora.com