Last month, Aranwa Hotels Resorts & Spas opened the doors of its newest hotel – Aranwa Paracas, located on Paracas Bay along Peru’s Southern coast, just three hours from Lima.  Paracas Bay is surrounded by a unique desert ecosystem and abundant wildlife. The new resort sits at the gateway to two of Peru’s most important natural reserves and offers a diverse array of nearby marine adventures.

Each of Aranwa Paracas’ 115-rooms offer private terraces and views of the Pacific Ocean. The sleek yet relaxed contemporary design creates an ideal setting for a beachside retreat with dark wood accents and a marine-inspired color palette. Bathrooms are adorned in soothing white majolica tile with green and blue patterned inlays and granite-topped vanities.

Guests of Aranwa Paracas have three dining options, including the Veranda Restaurant with seascape views and a freshly-prepared local seafood menu that includes Ceviche and Tiradito, strips of marinated fish and deep-fried prawns in a yellow chili sauce. The relaxed poolside atmosphere of Brisas Bar offers al fresco cocktails. Named after the Spanish guitar, Jarana Bar’s design and more informal menu are influenced by the traditional Pisco vineyards which surround the area. The resort crafts its own refreshing signature drinks with a homemade combination of macerated seasonal fruit and Pisco.

While there is plenty to do at Aranwa Paracas with two pools, a tennis court and children’s play area, its location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring some of the country’s most celebrated natural wonders. Bordering the Paracas National Reservation, one of the most important marine reserves in the world, guests can view millions of indigenous sea-birds such as Andean flamingoes, Peruvian Boobies, pelicans and Humboldt Penguins in their natural habitat. Also nearby and accessible by boat are the Ballestas Islands, described as Peru’s “mini-Galapagos,” and home to thousands of colonies of seabirds and hundreds of sea lions, and often schools of dolphins.

In addition to this natural beauty, Peru’s rich history can be discovered at the mysterious pre-Incan Candelabra of Paracas, a well-known prehistoric geoglyph found on the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula. Also nearby, the Ica Wine Vineyards are a wonderful way to learn about Peru’s national beverage, Pisco, still being made in the traditional way dating back to the Colonial era. Within a short drive from the resort are the famous Nazca lines — ancient figures and lines carved into the surface of the Nazca Desert and foot hills of the Andes.

Aranwa Hotel Resorts & Spas, www.aranwahotels.com