The Engage!25 Peru welcome party also marked our debut South American event. With 100 attendees from 12 different countries, we brought the disco to Cusco, and set the stage for an unforgettable week! Inspired by this dynamic city, once capital of the Inca Empire, creative director Arturo De Noriega brought Peru to life with vibrant color, texture, and flavor, creating a dazzling celebration. In the breathtaking courtyard of Monasterio, guests gathered beneath the branches of a 300-year-old cedar tree as the arches around them glowed against the starry Andean sky. From bright illuminations to culinary artistry, the evening embodied everything Engage! stands for: culture, creativity, connection – and fun!
Design Rooted in Place
The setting for the Engage!25 Peru welcome party could not have been more atmospheric. Monasterio’s symmetrical courtyard is famed for its graceful stone arches and ancient cedar tree. As dusk fell, the entire courtyard came alive. Spotlights swept across the sky in crisscrossing beams, flower beds were edged with LEDs, and small lamps scattered the grass like stars. Clusters of pillar candles also cast a warm golden glow. The feeling was both intimate and grand. It was a place to make and renew friendships while surrounded by history, nature, and light.
Instead of a strict theme, Arturo’s vision was to let Peru and Cusco provide the inspiration. Linens reflected Peru’s rich colors, textures, and patterns, creating a modern party aesthetic. Bold displays of native florals were strategically placed, with lounging areas in soft neutral tones offering comfortable spots for guests to linger. Foliage was arranged beneath umbrellas, creating the sensation of sitting beneath a series of small trees within the larger canopy of the cedar. The effect was a space transformed, rooted in Peruvian heritage but elevated with cosmopolitan flair.
A Taste of Peru
No Engage! event is complete without a touch of culinary artistry, and in Cusco the menu was nothing short of extraordinary. Overseen by Monasterio’s renowned Chef Jorge Muñoz, the offerings highlighted his philosophy of decentralized Peruvian cuisine, sourcing seasonal ingredients from the coast, the highlands, and the jungle. A dedicated ceviche station showcased the fresh, zesty flavors of Peru’s most iconic dish. Meanwhile, a skewer station tempted with juicy chicken, tender beef, and vibrant vegetarian options hot off the grill. Dessert displays offered a sweet finish, marrying traditional flavors with playful presentation. Paired with cocktails and local wines, the menu celebrated Peru’s incredible gastronomic heritage, sparking conversation and connection over shared flavors.
Dancing Under the Stars: Entertainment Highlights
Throughout the evening, a DJ’s beats pulsed through the courtyard, keeping energy high. Attendees took to the outdoor dance floor, the cedar tree’s towering branches swaying above like nature’s own disco ball. And once the official celebration wound down in the courtyard, the spirit of the evening carried on. Revellers drifted into the Monasterio’s Lobby Bar, where soft guitar music played, and conversation and laughter flowed as smoothly as the cocktails and mocktails.
Dress Code & Attire
For the Engage!25 Peru welcome party, guests embraced the Peruvian-inspired dress code, showcasing a vibrant mix of color and pattern. Rich earthy tones mixed with geometric motifs, bold block designs, and tactile textures reminiscent of handwoven textiles. Intricate fabrics, angular shapes, and natural palettes reflected the evening’s setting, blurring the boundaries between décor and fashion. It was a true testament to how international style can meet local inspiration in the most striking way.
By rooting the evening in Peru’s own culture, flavors, and artistry, we not only marked our first South American event but also set the tone for everything that followed: an unforgettable few days in one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
To explore more highlights from the Engage!25 Peru welcome party, view the full gallery.
