Take one old mansion (with just two bathrooms), bundles of design brilliance, a whole lot of hard graft, et voila! Welcome to Casa Republica.
Chimu’s very own boutique hotel in the exciting district of Barranco, Lima, Peru. Co-founders Chad Carey and Greg Carter, along with their business partners, seized this opportunity in 2016 and threw the doors wide open in December 2017.
They have been welcoming guests from all over the world ever since. Come on in, let’s take a look around…
Enter this majestic 1920’s mansion, and previous beach escape for a wealthy Lima family, through white pillars fringed by green fronds.
Peruvian interior designer, Gianfranco Loli, was appointed to restore the property into a boutique accommodation whilst maintaining the style of Peru’s Republican glory days.
His fresh vision and knowledge of the Barranco vibe – its current art scene and traditions – has resulted in a hotel of sleek dark wood floors, colourful geometric tiles and bright walls.
Interior design of such quality that Casa Republica was recognised with the Special Prize Interior award at last year’s Prix Versailles ceremony.
Check in takes place below an impressive gold chandelier surrounded by eye catching art work; bedrooms are spacious with traditional features; and the luxurious bathrooms have bespoke locally made, eco-friendly toiletries.
Head up to the roof terrace where a cooling breeze from the South Pacific Ocean sweeps in, tempering the humidity of the city air, and sip sundowners to glimpses of the sea before retiring to your plush suite.
The day dawns and it’s time to step into Barranco. Romantic and bohemian, this district is one of Lima’s most energetic – packed full of art, music, bars, cafes, world-class restaurants, bespoke shops and striking architecture.
Galleries such as MATE (photographer Mario Testino’s gallery), The Pedro de Osma Museum and Galleria Lucia de la Puente are walking distance from Casa Republica, as is Saenz Pena beach.
Lima’s foodie reputation has sky-rocketed over the past couple of decades and two of the world’s top 50 restaurants, Astrid y Gaston and Central, are in Barranco.
Image: Astrid & Gastón
Peru’s largest and capital city, Lima has elevated its status as the culinary and culture capital of South America and this is reflected in growing tourist numbers. Lima, thus, is more than just a stopover.
The journey from Australia is approximately 22 hours via Santiago and arrives the same day due to the hefty time difference (get ready for your very own ‘groundhog day’ when flying between Oz and South America).
Make the most of some down time before exploring the rest of Peru. Chimu’s Discover Lima itinerary, staying at Casa Republica, has been designed to optimise your stay in the city and includes historic highlights, as well as free time in the evenings to experience the prolific restaurant scene.
This four-day exploration can be added to any of Chimu’s Peru itineraries.
Written by Frances Armitage at Chimu Adventures.