Renovated in 2010, Hotel Paracas has brought a breath of fresh air to Paracas. The hotel is open, airy and contemporary, from its glass walled bar with brightly coloured armchairs, to the more muted tones in the bedrooms.

There are 120 rooms and suites, all of which have terraces with a seating area. The Plunge Pool suites - as the names suggests - have small pools on one of their two terraces. Location and service are the winning formula, and Hotel Paracas has the best of southern Peru at its fingertips

Luxury yacht expeditions can also be organised to the Ballestas Islands, San Gallas and Chinca. Other jaunts for hotel guests only include a trip to Nazca Lines in a private Cessna, a desert adventure in 4x4's ending with supper under the stars, and a Pisco tour of the Hoja Redonda Hacienda in Chincha.

Children are just as welcome and can enjoy many of the activities, and the Explorer's Club will keep them entertained whilst the grown-ups sample the Peruvian piscos. On site facilities include a long dark blue swimming pool flanked by sun beds and day beds, at the end of which is a glass walled bar serving up the local cocktail, pisco sours. A family pool is conveniently located next to the playground; and there is a fantastic spa. Restaurant options include Ballestas Restaurant, which serves classic Peruvian dishes with a contemporary twist; and La Trattoria, an Italian restaurant renowned for its delicious and authentic pizzas.