In a notable shift from conventional hotel amenities such as turndown services and bespoke pillow menus, the hospitality industry is embracing a quirky new attraction: llamas. This unique trend, which highlights the charm of these South American natives, seems to have taken the tourism scene by storm, particularly as a charming alternative to the notable goat yoga craze that was all the rage before the pandemic. As hotels and resorts increasingly incorporate llamas and their kin, the alpacas, into their offerings, it is worth examining the motivations behind this trend and its broader implications for guests and the hospitality sector.
Llamas have long been a staple in specific tourism sectors, particularly in their native Andes mountains. However, North American establishments are now seizing on the potential of these resilient creatures to create memorable experiences for guests. During recent travels to The Hythe, a Luxury Collection resort in Vail, Colorado, I experienced firsthand the excitement surrounding the “Take a Llama to Lunch” hiking program organized by Paragon Guides. This activity brilliantly combines an invigorating outdoor hike with the engagement of these fascinating animals, allowing participants to enjoy the companionship of llamas while also relieving themselves of the burdens of carrying supplies.
The interaction with llamas transcends mere entertainment. These creatures carry essential gear while also providing a supportive presence for hikers who may find themselves struggling with the altitude. For those less accustomed to the rigors of high-altitude trekking, like myself, the presence of llamas transforms a challenging outing into a more accessible and enjoyable adventure. This specific combination of utility, engagement, and relaxation has made Paragon’s hiking experiences a popular choice, with prices starting at a whopping $625 for two.
While the Llamas to Lunch experience is energizing tourism in Colorado, the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in New Hampshire can be seen as a pioneer of the llama trend in the U.S. since 2004. The resort has embraced a deeper connection with its guests by allowing them to walk and engage with their four llamas and eight alpacas. Their seasonally offered MVG Llama Experience is an affordable introduction to llama encounters, available for just $30 per person.
Earlier this year, the Mountain View resort expanded its offerings to include the Llama Tee Time Trek, where guests can enjoy rounds of golf accompanied by llamas acting as both playful companions and carriers of golfing necessities. This whimsical combination of sports and animal interaction has proved alluring to many, and with added perks such as unlimited snacks and drinks, the experience has garnered attention from golf enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.
Further west, Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming has recently joined the fray, featuring llamas as part of its adventure offerings. With the welcoming of baby llamas earlier this year, the ranch plans to capitalize on the positive reception of such animal experiences by incorporating unique activities such as full-day llama hikes and the family-friendly “Llamas 101,” focusing on engagement, grooming, and socializing with these charismatic animals. A notable trend among guests appears to be the unexpected affection formed when interacting with the fluffy llamas, which many visitors admit they had never anticipated.
Moreover, llamas possess a practical edge that complements their cuteness; they are capable of comfortably carrying loads between 50 to 90 pounds. This practicality only enhances their appeal, making llama hikes a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Further diversifying their programming, Brush Creek Ranch is even looking to introduce an outdoor “paint and sip” experience featuring llamas, blending creativity with leisure.
Despite their reputation for spitting, experts like Brush Creek’s marketing director, Karli Miller, advocate for a more nuanced understanding of llamas. Many guests are pleasantly surprised to find that the creatures are generally gentle and interactive. This challenges preconceived notions and allows for genuinely fulfilling encounters that enhance overall guest satisfaction.
As the trend of incorporating llamas into hotel experiences continues to grow, it’s clear that the blend of utility, companionship, and engagement forms a compelling reason for hotels to explore unique attractions. In a time when individuality and memorable experiences are at the forefront of travel desires, llamas are proving to be more than just a cute novelty – they’re shaping a new era of hospitality that resonates with both the adventurous spirit and the innate desire for connection with nature. The days of predictable amenities are being replaced by a new frontier of animal-inspired activities that enchant guests and provide unexpected joy.
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