A brand new purpose-built eco-resort named Las Qolqas has launched in The Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru.
Situated in the ancient Andean town of Ollantaytambo, halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Las Qolqas is described as a sustainable haven for exploration and self-discovery.
Its founders, Herman van den Wall Bake and Carlos Gonzalez, have created the destination as a testament to their commitment to the preservation of the environment, local community and culture, as well as harnessing travel as a way to promote sustainable development.
Set along the banks of the Patacancha River, Las Qolqas is home to a holistic spa facility designed as a refuge for guests to recharge their souls through traditional Andean medicine.
Treatments are powered by bespoke mixtures made by therapists using local ingredients such as coffee, quinoa, honey and coca leaf.
Ranging from Andean massages and hot stone massages to facials and scrubs, the spa menu offers a snapshot of Peruvian healing culture.
Los Qolqas’ Andean Spa features outdoor showers, a sauna, and a large rustic hot tub that overlooks the bubbling river running through the property.
Guest accommodation consists of a group of luxurious safari-style tents that gaze across the resort’s Andean botanical garden bursting with native fruit trees, herbs and flowers.
Available in three different sizes, all tents are equipped with locally-sourced amenities from bedsheets to shampoos.
The tents have been designed to enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings through simple design and open flow. From the wooden furniture to the cushions, every detail is handcrafted and intentionally created for Los Qolqas.
The eco-resort has been designed to showcase the area’s vibrant local culture and has been completed with Pututu, a greenhouse-style bar and restaurant where guests can explore traditional Peruvian Andean cuisine. For those who want to go the extra mile, guided cooking lessons are also available with the chef.
In line with the property’s sustainable philosophy, each handpicked ingredient used is organic, seasonal and locally cultivated by the community or in the property’s orchard.
Additional activities include hiking Inca trails near the property, horseback riding, rafting, or optional guided walks with locals from the neighbouring community that provide a glimpse into natural history from a native perspective.
Guests also have the opportunity to take part in activities that acquaint them with the local culture, such as listening to a concert from a local shaman or taking part in ancient celebrations that honour the seasonal solstices and equinoxes.
