From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

Amid the ruins of the iconic Hotel Paracas that crumbled during an August 2007 earthquake, famed Peruvian architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia designed this new 121-room resort (part of Starwood's Luxury Collection) in the coastal desert three hours south of Lima. Two-story white bungalows whose design incorporates some $2 million of bamboo blend into the dune-filled horizon, contrasting the deep-blue waters of the Paracas National Marine Reserve. There's an earthy feel to the accommodations, with textiles modeled after pre-Columbian designs, wood floors, walls covered in bamboo, and patios that look out onto the Pacific. While the bay is better for windsurfing, the daybeds at the glitzy pool scenes, where roving waiters fetch a steady supply of passion fruit sours and seviche, have become the new it spot for Lima's well-to-do. The hotel makes a restful base for a slew of nearby adventures—you can do scenic flights of the Nazca desert geoglyphs in its private jet, yacht rides to spot sea lions and Humboldt penguins on the Islas Ballestas, and pisco tastings at the Viñas de Oro distillery right at the resort. —2010 Hot List

Which room to book: In addition to a small pool, the Plunge Pool Suites have two terraces with chaise longues and an outdoor grill that look out onto Paracas Bay.