Sol y Luna – Enjoy This Luxury Peru Lodging

May 20, 2015 | Updated: May 20, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More

The whimsical creations of Peruvian artist Federico Bauer are the hallmark of Sol y Luna.

Sol y Luna was our first luxury hotel experience in Peru and it set a high bar for the rest of our trip. The rustic / chic inn is located in the town of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley – about an hour from Cusco.

I enjoyed the spacious grounds, where winding paths connect 43 adobe casitas surrounded by bountiful gardens. I also fell head over heels for the colorful folk art that enlivens the whole property.

Our casita was large – a welcome feature after a long flight. Cool nights in late April came as a bit of a surprise, but my husband and I warmed ourselves in front of the fireplace and slept well under down comforters and luxurious Peruvian pima cotton linens.

Spacious rooms at Sol y Luna open onto private terraces.

A “funding source” for a school

Sol y Luna Lodge Spa is the creation of Franz Schilter and his wife “Petit” Marie Hélèn Miribel. He’s Swiss and an architect; she’s French and an economist with a specialist in mining issues. Petit is also well known for her high standards for hotel and restaurant management. The pair met in Peru through their mutual passion for paragliding. (He introduced it in the country.) They fell in love – with each other and with Peru, which they soon adopted as their homeland.

They settled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and embraced the community of Urubamba, where – as in much of Peru – public schools are very weak. Having made a lifetime commitment to the community, they founded the Sol y Luna Association in order to provide local children with an education. About 15 years ago, they built Sol y Luna Lodge Spa as a funding source for the school. (More about the school later.)

Some of the finest wines in the world are stored in the cellar a Sol y Luna.

Relais & Chateaux authentic luxury

Are you familiar with Relais & Chateaux? This is a group of about 500 charming boutique hotels, villas, and restaurants around the world. In my years as a travel journalist specializing in authentic luxury, I’ve stayed at quite a few Relais & Chateaux properties and never been disappointed. Sol y Luna, which offers gracious hospitality, gourmet cuisine, and a strong cultural connection to the Sacred Valley, reflects the high standards of this group.

Whimsical musicians seranade diners at Sol y Luna.

Frederico Bauer’s musicians seranade Sol y Luna diners .

Sol y Luna and Federico Bauer

The “vaca loca” (crazy cow) on the fireplace hearth in our room and the large vivid mural over the bed were whimsical and welcoming. At breakfast, I noticed a band of life-size musicians sculpted in the same medium. I soon learned that these are the cheerful creations of Peruvian artist Federico Bauer. I’ll tell you about my wonderful meeting with him near Lima in another article, but suffice it to say that his work is a charming addition to Sol y Luna. (If you’re on Facebook, you can read about our encounter on my timeline.)

Winding paths at Sol y Luna connect casitas with public spaces.

Around the resort

When I went for a wander, I discovered a library well supplied with information on Peru, a gift shop stocked with local handcrafts, and a beautiful spa. I also happened upon a handsome wine cellar with a table set for an upcoming wine dinner. Food at Sol y Luna is “an interpretation of the local gastronomy” and changes seasonally.

Ever ridden a Peruvian Paso? You can at Sol y Luna.

The biggest surprise was Wayra Ranch, an on-site stable of 20 Peruvian Paso horses that are available for guests and non-guests to ride.

Urubamba and the Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley)

Urubamba is sometimes used as a base for visiting Machu Picchu, but as I mentioned in an earlier article, I think that’s a mistake. Instead, I suggest spending a few days at Sol y Luna, enjoying the hotel and surrounding community and then overnighting at Aguas Calientes or – even better – Sanctuary Lodge while exploring Machu Picchu.

My friend Nina Fogelman of Ancient Summit was right when she advised me not to try to cover all of Peru on this first trip. “Once you’ve been to Peru, you’ll want to come back again and again.”

Next time I stay at Sol y Luna I’ll ride the Pasos and get pampered in the spa and sit on the terrace of our casita and watch birds flit about the garden. Doesn’t this sound like the perfect “to-do” list?

I hope you enjoy your travels – wherever they take you.

Elizabeth Hansen