The Skylodge Adventure Suites offer a unique hotel experience unlike any other. It is the adult version of sleeping under the stars. Four large glass are pods bolted 1,200ft up the side of a mountain in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Three of them are dedicated to sleeping with enough space for a family of four and extremely comfortable beds. The fourth is the kitchen/dining pod, where the guides will prepare a farm to table meal for dinner and breakfast. All the necessary equipment to begin the adventure is provided along with transportation. This unique experience starts with a 400m guided rock climb up the face of the mountain and ends with zip lining down 7 separate lines.
Between my family and I we have travelled to over 80 countries and have stayed in countless different hotels. Nothing has come close to the unique experience of sleeping on the side of a mountain in a glass dome under the stars.
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A Unique Hotel Entrance
This adventure will definitely push you outside of your comfort zone. The 400m climb took an about hour to accomplish with breaks to capture pictures of the amazing view of the Sacred Valley. Before the climb the guides will strap on the harnesses and helmets then explain the safety rules. One of the rules is you must always be clipped onto the mountain, regardless of the path you are on. Even though the only way to this unique hotel experience is via rock climbing, it has been designed for the novice climber. Some of the way up is a “flat” hiking path, while others include climbing up the built in “ladder”. However, one part consists of a thick two wire suspension bridge and the side of the mountain for support.
Although terrifying, it is extremely exhilarating and part of an adventure of a lifetime.
Dining in the Sky
The climb leads directly to the communal kitchen/dining pod. Although the climb is part of the unique experience of the hotel it isn’t until you arrive into the first pod that you truly see it. In this pod you will have a fresh farm to table meal for dinner and breakfast. There are two large round tables and seats placed against the glass wall, perfect for watching the sunset. Opposite the glass walls this pod uses the side of the mountain as the back wall of the kitchen. Incorporating nature into the already unique space. From here you will have an excellent view of the Sacred Valley below and all the surrounding mountains. Once you finish admiring the kitchen/dining room there is an exit on the other side that will lead you to a short climb to the other three pods.
Sleeping Under the Stars
The pods provided for sleeping are out of this world. Most hotels stop at a 5 star rating, but this place deserves so much more. The domes are glass all the way around with curtains for privacy while sleeping, changing or using the restroom. There are three very comfortable beds in each pod; one queen and two twins. All come with a couple nice pillows, soft sheets and a warm down comforter. The restrooms (one provided to each pod) are interesting to say the least. They run off a dry system because there is no water available to flush. Although the view is gorgeous and probably one of the prettiest you’ll see while on a toilet, the system takes some getting used to.
Before going to bed use the provided cushions and extra blankets to sit on the deck above your pod and stargaze. It is truly incredible how many shooting stars you will see. Once it’s time to sleep, leaving the curtains open is the “adult” version of sleeping under the stars. Not only will you fall asleep under the stars, you will wake up to the most beautiful sunrise. The wake up call for breakfast is 7am and breakfast isn’t until 8am. Use some of that time to sit on the deck and take in the view, it’s one of the most beautiful you will see.
Farm to Table Meals
Forget everything you know about camping food and now imagine the best meal you’ve ever had. The guides will cook a delicious four course meal with produce provided fresh from farms in the Sacred Valley. Since the food is farm to table what the guides cook for dinner and breakfast is dependent on what produce is in season. But trust me, you will not be disappointed. Two mini bottles of wine is provided during dinner to everyone over the age of 18. If you don’t drink wine, there are other beverage options as well.
The Unique Hotel Descent
Despite not having brought a lot up for the night under the stars, make sure not to leave anything behind. The descent begins at 9am and involves 7 zip lines and a little hiking in between. The zip lines range from from 150m to 700m in length. The best part is that you are in control of how fast or slow you go and when you stop. The guides will be at the other end giving you hand gestures on when to speed up and when to slow down. Although it is still up to your hands to do the controlling, make sure to pay attention to the guides. My mom misinterpreted one of the gestures and instead of slowing down she kept going full speed. She crashed into the break at the end of wire and did a flip, thankfully walking away unharmed.
In addition to packing up all your belongings remember to use the restroom before heading down. I have never wished I was a boy more in my life. My brother, who also had to pee, asked the guide if he could “water a dry plant” the guide laughed and said of course. I on the other hand had to hold it and do a weird waddle sprint to the bathroom once I finished the last zip line.
An Experience Unlike Any Other
All in all I will definitely go back to the Skylodge Adventure Suites for the unique hotel experience it offers. It is something I would love to do with my boyfriend. Currently the conversion rate comes out to $432 a person (1,575 Soles) and this is an all inclusive price. However, if you do want professional photos taken during the climb, and a few fun pictures inside the pods, there is an extra charge. My family and I decided to hire the photographer to reduce the risk of dropping our phones. 100% worth it, he took incredible photos.
Book a night at the Skylodge Adventure Suites for the most unique hotel experience. It’s sure to be a Duzey.
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