“They have to find their own path. So maybe they go back home and then they start to be a bit more conscious about where they live. Maybe they realize that, ‘Oh, there's an amazing foundation in my village or in my town,’ and they start to support that foundation. And that's perfect. You know, our seeds of love make them a bit more human.”
We’re in great company with Petit Miribel, the Founder and Owner of Sol y Luna, a luxury hotel nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas at the foothills of Machu Picchu in Peru, where the rich Andean culture and local community impact is authentic in every encounter.
Sol y Luna is much more than its Relais & Châteaux distinction, its profits wholly finance the Sol y Luna Foundation which pursues inclusion and equality through education for the children of the Sacred Valley along with sustainable work opportunities for local families.
In this episode, Petit sheds light on the serendipitous series of events that led her to the Sacred Valley and how once there, she felt it was her responsibility to leave her mark on future generations of children and travelers alike.
Top Takeaways
[2:00] After living a privileged upbringing in France, Petit was quick to recognize that much of the world was not as fortunate. After asking herself why, she recognized she had the resources to change that.
[5:10] The story of how Petit found herself in Peru starts with a friendly reminder to us all, “In life, there is a path that you have to follow and that path leads you to where you belong and you have to be very respectful of not rushing into everything.”
[7:47] Walking around the Sacred Valley of the Inca’s was like taking a step back in time, and not in a nostalgic way, as Petit and her husband uncovered the poverty the local schools and community hospitals were faced with in this tourist town.
[11:30] The Sol y Luna Hotel was not designed with the creature comforts of home…instead Petit intentionally curated and created so much more for travelers to immerse in.
[16:30] To Dine In Good Company at Sol y Luna, one does not have to go far to find the freshest ingredients in the market - gathered from the jungle or caught in the sea, and now even high-altitude craft wine is the talk of the town.
[20:00] At the foothills of Machu Picchu, there are boundless expeditions to enjoy - from tandem paraglides to cycling courses, from horseback rides between remote villages to kayaks under snow capped peaks - but the next generation of Sol y Luna is taking us off the beaten path to experience so much more.
[26:30] As the Sol y Luna foundation celebrates its 25th Anniversary, Petit shares how it has grown over time just as the children it touches, to consist of the Sol y Luna School, Paqari for special needs support, the Sol y Luna Home, and Roots & Wings for further education.
[36:40] As Petit’s son and daughter come of age, they have much in store for the future of both the foundation and the hotel - bringing big hearts, different perspectives and fresh ideas.
Notable Mentions
Petit’s favorite Peruvian dish & drink: Ají de Gallina & Chicha
“Ayni” in the Quechua language means “reciprocity”
