Move over turndown service and pillow menus, there’s a new hotel amenity in town – llamas. These furry creatures have become the latest trend in the hospitality industry, overshadowing the once popular goat yoga craze that reigned supreme before the Covid-19 pandemic. While llamas and their cousins, alpacas, have traditionally been associated with tourism in South America, they are now making a name for themselves in North America as well.
During a press trip to The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort in Vail, Colo., last summer, llamas were an unexpected highlight. Thanks to local tour operator Paragon Guides, guests were treated to a unique experience called Take a Llama to Lunch. This hiking excursion included a guided hike, a picnic lunch, and the delightful company of several llamas. Not only did the llamas make for great Instagram photo opportunities, but they also served a practical purpose by carrying food, water, and gear for the hikers.
The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, N.H., has been a pioneer in llama programming since 2004. With four llamas and eight alpacas on-site, guests can enjoy walking the resort grounds with these charming animals as part of the MVG Llama Experience. For golf enthusiasts, the resort also offers the Llama Tee Time Trek, where llamas act as caddies and companions during rounds of golf at the Mountain View Golf Course. Guests are accompanied by a llama handler and treated to unlimited drinks and snacks during their game.
Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyo., has also embraced the llama trend, introducing these gentle creatures to their property last year. With offerings such as full-day llama hikes, half-day llama hikes, and interactive experiences like Llamas 101, guests have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the llamas. Despite their reputation for spitting, the llamas at Brush Creek Ranch are described as gentle and friendly by the property’s marketing director, Karli Miller. Guests can feed, groom, and even paint pictures of the llamas during their visit.
While llamas are undeniably adorable, they also serve a practical purpose when it comes to hiking and outdoor activities. With the ability to carry loads of 50 to 90 pounds, llamas are ideal companions for treks through rugged terrain. Their gentle nature and interactive demeanor make them popular among guests looking for a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience. Despite misconceptions about their behavior, llamas are charming animals that have won the hearts of many visitors to properties like The Hythe, Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, and Brush Creek Ranch.
The rise of llamas in the hospitality industry is a testament to the desire for unique and immersive experiences among travelers. As more properties introduce llama programming and activities, guests have the opportunity to engage with these fascinating animals in a variety of settings. Whether it’s hiking through the mountains or playing a round of golf, llamas are proving to be versatile and entertaining companions for guests of all ages. So if you’re looking for a memorable and unconventional hotel amenity, why not consider spending some time with a llama on your next trip?