Description
Sol Y Luna is one of the nicest options in the Sacred Valley. This enchanting property is owned and operated by a Swiss woman and her German husband, who live on the premise. Marie-Helene has a knack for the unique and this is apparent throughout the property.

The property is located on the outskirts of Urubamba at the end of a long road that leads off the main road to Ollantaytambo. As you approach you will see a large red wall that is fitting for a colonial estate, surrounded by eucalyptus trees. This is Sol Y Luna. Despite a security ensemble that could safeguard the White House, the staff on the other side of the wall are quite friendly.

Passing through reception you will start to feel the magic of Sol Y Luna. Enveloped on all sides by the mystical Urubamba mountains and spotted with cypress trees, the sprawling grounds contain a maze of circular ‘bungalows’. Following the cobblestoned path past the bar / restaurant you will find a beautiful outdoor pool (rare in this area) and a spa. At the edge of the property is a tennis court and just below that is a large ranch area with stables and horses.

Sol Y Luna successfully combines the comforts of a high-class hotel with the intrigue of Peruvian culture. Andean theatre, cooking demonstrations, Pachamanca, and trail rides by horseback can all be experienced here (for an additional cost). Those who want to pamper themselves can take advantage of the first-rate spa which offers facial and body treatments (wraps & scrubs) as well as massage, Jacuzzi, wet & dry saunas and a modest workout room. There is also a souvenir shop that reflects Marie-Helene’s tastes – unique and exquisite!

Insider Tips
- Peruvian women host their dream weddings here. Not to worry, they are not allowed to have their receptions here, so you won’t be displaced by the sound of partying Peruvians!
- High end tour groups such as Abercrombie & Kent stay here. Generally these tours are fairly exclusive and kept to a small number so it doesn’t have much of an impact on the atmosphere.

Benefits
- The nicest option you will find in the Sacred Valley
- The staff will organize all of your activities throughout the Sacred Valley
- Tennis courts, outdoor pool, spa, horse stables
- Wireless Internet
- Good water pressure (which is unusual in the area)

Drawbacks
- The hotel is not walking distance from town so you will be somewhat ‘stuck’ here, which is not a bad thing given all the amenities at your disposal! Taxis can be arranged by the hotel
- There are no TVs here (which may be a benefit for some)

Rooms
There are 28 circular-shaped bungalows, all of similar style and layout. Each bungalow has its own veranda where guests can sit outside and enjoy the views. Inside, they are open-concept with high ceilings making them seem large and airy. The rooms are very tastefully decorated, and although not in an Andean style, have a very sophisticated, yet ‘country’ feeling. Stained glass windows add some colour to the relatively muted tones of the décor. Double rooms (there are 24) have a comfortable bed with a table and chairs. Suites and family rooms have a spiral staircase that leads to the second floor where you will find twin beds or a sitting area overlooking the master bedroom below (king sized bed). The bathrooms are exquisite by local standards with large tubs and all the amenities you would expect from a high-end hotel.

Food
Sol Y Luna’s restaurant, Killa Wasi, is one of the best ‘hotel restaurants’ in the area. This lovely lodge-style building sits atop the property overlooking the bungalows. The dining area is located on the ground floor while a cozy bar area with a fireplace is on the second floor. As you would imagine, the menu is fairly pricey but the restaurant produces high quality Novo-Andino cuisine with eclectic dishes such as Curry de Alpaca.

Children
Children are welcome here. There are 4 ‘family’ rooms which have a master bed and twin beds on a separate floor to accommodate families. The owners are very active working in the local communities and bring children from these communities to the hotel for ‘summer school’.

Rates
Singles: US$132; Doubles: US$154; Suites: US$245; prices include breakfast and tax

	Information:
	Location Urubamba - Located just off the main road about 3km west of town