— A. Sharma, Toronto
A: Machu Piccu was closed in January after landslides and flooding by heavy rains stranded tourists and made mountain roads hazardous. Rail service to the area was also suspended.
But restoration work has been swift and recently Peru’s Minister of Tourism, Martin Perez, announced the country’s most popular tourist site is once again open to visitors. Rail service won’t be fully restored until June but tourists can take a bus from Cuzco to Pischachuco then transfer to a train for the remainder of the journey.
For up to date developments, check the travel reports issued by our Foreign Affairs department (voyage.gc.ca).
Q: Wearing designer clothes is one of my passions. I buy them whenever the budget permits. I was wondering about the influence of designers and millionaires on new hotels in Europe.
— S. Raza, Mississauga
A: Luxury designers and modern business barons have increasingly been lending their names and trademarks to hip new hotels across Europe. From elegant Edinburgh to medieval towns in the Swiss Alps, there are many new hotel brands to try out.
In Edinburgh, fashion matriarch Rosita Missoni — known for her use of chrome, black and white geometric patterns — is shaking up the historic streets of the Royal Mile at Hotel Missoni. The Italian designer’s boutique hotel (hotelmissoni.com) is steps away from fabled Edinburgh Castle allowing and treats guests like 21st-century royalty.
In Switzerland, check out Sir Richard Branson’s mountain retreat — Lodge Verbier (thelodge.com). The Virgin Atlantic tycoon’s hideaway is a favourite with James Blunt and Hugh Grant types.
The honey-pine lodge offers unlimited Champagne, plasma TVs, an indoor pool, and steam and spa treatment rooms that’ll surely make you forget to ski.
In Italy, Milan’s poshest district is home to the bold Bulgari Hotel (bulgarihotels.com). Luxe black Zimbabwe marble and Vicenza stone compliment the hotel’s mod caramel and dark chocolate tones.
ilona@mycompass.ca
