During a recent trip to Cusco, I saw two lines of children walking along, laughing and chattering with their teachers as I rode into the Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa, where I’d be spending my first night in the Sacred Valley during an Aracari inspection trip. I asked why there were children there and learned that they were going to the Colegio Sol y Luna, located on the same property as the hotel. Colegio Sol y Luna opened in 2010 through the Sol y Luna Association, which was founded by creators, Franz and Petit. Since that first class, the school has grown and now has 140 students, coming from various towns in the Urubamba Valley and the surrounding Andean towns and ranging from age 3 in initial to age 12 in the first year of secondary education. In the next year, Sol y Luna expects at least 20 more students and will continue to develop the secondary education as their students age into each new level. Some students who live in remote parts of the Andes and can only arrive to the school by walking are able to stay at the “Niños de Jesús” boarding home from Monday to Friday. There, they receive care and alimentation while they are at the school for the week away from their homes. There are about twenty teachers at the school, and all have been trained at universities in Lima and are highly qualified for their positions. The curriculum at Sol y Luna, though it complies with the requirements of the Peruvian Ministry of Education, focuses on developing the self-esteem of its students, as well as encouraging them to read for fun. The students take classes in the arts and humanities, sciences and math and also spend ten hours a week learning English. During various
During a recent trip to Cusco, I saw two lines of children walking along, laughing and chattering with their teachers as I rode into the Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa, where I’d be spending my first night in the Sacred Valley during an Aracari inspection trip. I asked why there were…
Luxury hotel in Peru Beach bliss in Peru is an increasingly tempting prospect with a number of new properties opening on the country’s northern shores. We recently had the opportunity to preview the latest beachfront venue in Mancora, KiChic, before its public debut. Mancora already counts with several beachfront resorts, a handful of which have surpassed our expectations for example the recently revamped Arennas Mancora, so the bar for accommodations has been set pretty high in the area. KiChic certainly does not disappoint, targeting visitors who are looking for relaxation and bliss with a “Zen” atmosphere exemplified by ample space for yoga and a vegan kitchen. It is a property for adults because of its menu and focus on meditation and relaxation. When I visited, I was immediately struck by the tranquility of KiChic that can be felt just as you enter the reception area. The decorations are tasteful and understated with many original sculptures and pottery and a neutral, earthy color palette that soothes the eyes. What especially impressed me was the incorporation of nature into the property, which has created many open air spaces, including open air showers/bathtubs in the suites. This way, you can fully immerse in the beautiful landscape of the Mancora beaches and the lush gardens of KiChic. There are six suites in total, each one has a unique name as well as distinct features and personality. There is one spacious master suite (Suite), which is the only room on the second floor with incredible ocean views; two junior suites (Ki and Elephante), also with ocean views and two terraces, one open air, the other covered with netting; and three superior rooms (Barro, Piedra and Hualtaco) that are smaller but also lovely. All of the rooms have ceiling fans but only the Suite currently has air conditioning,
Luxury hotel in Peru Beach bliss in Peru is an increasingly tempting prospect with a number of new properties opening on the country’s northern shores. We recently had the opportunity to preview the latest beachfront venue in Mancora, KiChic, before its public debut. Mancora already counts with several beachfront resorts,…
Our Operations Manager Vicky has recently returned from Cusco after meeting with Aracari’s top guides in the region, one of several meetings that we organise throughout the year.
Our Operations Manager Vicky has recently returned from Cusco after meeting with Aracari’s top guides in the region, one of several meetings that we organise throughout the year.
