7 Best Hotels in The Southern Coast, Peru

Now part of Marriott's Luxury Collection, this ultrachic resort was created out of the rubble of the once-famous Hotel Paracas, destroyed in the 2007 earthquake. World-renowned designer Bernardo Fort-Brescia used more than US$2 million in bamboo in the two trendy restaurants and lounge, and the world-class spa ups the resort's swank factor significantly. The two sparkling pools are lined with daybeds, and the hotel has its own pier for trips to the Islas Ballestas, as well as kayaks, catamarans, and sand bikes for rent. The spacious rooms are done in earthy tones and have every amenity imaginable. All feature a private terrace.

Part of the growing Peruvian Aranwa chain, this sprawling upscale resort has a lot going on, making it good for families, active types, spa seekers, and conference delegates alike. Amenities include a spa, a convention center, a 180-meter (590-foot) wharf, two pools, a restaurant, and a pisco bar, plus tennis courts and play areas for children. You’ll never lack for something to do here. The relaxed yet contemporary rooms have marine-inspired accents, and each has a balcony or patio with ocean views.

The first major resort hotel to hit the Paracas coast, this all-suites, family-friendly retreat sits just a few steps down the beach from the more luxurious Hotel Paracas. Here, lazy palms surround more than 8,000 square feet of pool space that shimmer against the white façades of the guest rooms, which feature smallish living rooms and kitchenettes. The hotel abounds with activities: beyond the great pool, there's also access to the beach, as well as a spa and two restaurants.

For a taste of the good life, Peruvian style, head to this top-end resort between Ica and Huacachina, a favorite getaway for Peruvian families. A cluster of whitewashed colonial-style buildings at the foot of the dunes is interspersed with ponds and canals full of fish, and llamas roam freely on the grounds. Spacious rooms have balconies overlooking lush lawns, and suites boast sunny courtyards and whirlpools. You can dine poolside or in a breezy gazebo at the restaurant, as well as rent sandboards, play golf on the dunes, ride horseback, or spend the day in the spa.

This hotel may not be as flashy as the nearby Doubletree or Hotel Paracas, but it's just as nice, and the daily supervised activities for kids are a hit with families. Part of the massive pool area butts right up against several of the rooms, so you can swim right off your porch. The rooms feature clay-tile floors and textiles modeled after Paracas culture designs, many of the same gadgets as the better-known chain hotels, and a private patio. The hotel also has a small museum of pre-Columbian artifacts and a private launch that takes guests to the Ballestas Islands.

This straightforward Paracas resort, one of the more affordable options on the strip, is also one of the most grown-up, with fewer kids running around and, overall, fewer bells and whistles. There's a good range of room types and sizes, all with marble floors and sea views, and those on the second floor have a terrace and balcony. Life is simple here: you can lounge by the pool and have a frosty tropical drink brought to your chair; then, when you're hungry, head to the on-site La Reserva restaurant.

A prior incarnation of this resort-style condo hotel was the first major international property to open on Asia's beaches, and to this day, it’s the most complete option for out-of-towners. The sprawling property includes an oversize swimming pool, a full gym, a restaurant and pool bar, and a wide expanse of beachfront. All the rooms have balconies, not to mention living areas and free Wi-Fi. You can also rent bicycles or Jet Skis and arrange fishing trips. Various meeting and event rooms cater to conferences and weddings.