Manuel Davila studied architecture in the Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria in Lima, working at high-ranking offices in Lima and simultaneously imparting his knowledge in the areas of design and architecture in renowned universities. Founder of Creata, an enterprise with 16 years in the market: a platform for architectural detail, décor, interior design and elaboration of furniture, with wide experience in the national and international markets. In recent years, his focus has been in the hospitality industry, establishing partnerships with prominent hotel consultants. Davila’s work at Aranwa highlights the minimalist design of the lakeside rooms as well as the spacious social areas.

About of the Project
Aranwa Hotel Spa Sacred Valley is the result of a special experience. I have the particular point of view of someone who has been involved in the design process from the initial pre-projects and first enquiries; which is why the end result will be for me not only the end product, without a doubt a first class hotel, but the end of several months of intense work in search of achieving a result, leavig no detail aside, always striving for excellence.

The hotel is, in terms of design, a synthesis of the high expectations of contemporary hotel services combined with inca and colonial patterns amidst the envolving presence of the Apus (mountains) that surround it. We have taken the tectonic force of an architecture with strong local foundations to the final implementation of interior design and equipment in a contemporary solution accented with our own history´s character, our customs and natural environment.

Carlos Rey studied architecture in the Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria. Since then he has aided and been project leader of the design of top restaurants, hotels and offices in Lima and abroad, before relocating to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. His professional experience is focused on large scale hotel projects, environmentally friendly design and the integration of architecture with sensitive landscapes and local materials. He is responsible for the architecture and interior design for over 60 residential and industrial projects across Peru. At Aranwa Hotel Spa Sacred Valley, Rey’s work can be seen in the traditional ambiance, tiled roofs, wooden finishes and stonework columns across the hallways.

About of the Project
The design and construction of the hotel in the ancient hacienda Yaravilca, in the outskirts of the Huayllabamba village in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cuzco was and still remains a challenge. First was the honor of being invited to the contest to define the architect that would design the hotel. Then the satisfaction of winning the private contest, and finally meeting the promoters and defining with more precision the depth of the project. The project has been and is incredibly enriching since it is in constant maturation and it is through this that the hotel takes shape as it is being built. It is really satisfying to see it turn into a tangible reality. The project is full of surprises and walking through it one finds spaces and angles that are difficult to visualize in the plans.

Designing the project was a challenge from the beginning since one had to comply with high expectations from the promoter. The design is a contemporary interpretation of elements found in pre-columbian and colonial architecture always present in Cuzco. One also had to take into account respect for the landscape and surroundings, and have an ecological commitment. In the exteriors we have used stone forms and platings reminiscing pre-columbian architecture complemented with elements of colonial Spanish architecture. One can also see elements traditional of Andean architecture such as the access corridors that resemble balconies in villas in a contemporary version. The interiors are furnished with state-of-the-art elements making the rooms modern and functional. Something that cannot be left out is the clear intention that all rooms have a privileged view, with that in mind beds have been oriented facing the exterior and escaping this way the typical hotel room.

Water is ever-present, creating a special atmosphere conducive to relaxation and the presence of nature. It is worth mentioning that the Spa, the Orchidiary, Convention and Exhibition Centre, Art Gallery, the Church and the restored Hacienda complement the hotel bringing up to the levels of the best in the world

The adventure continues…