Luxury Hotels & Lodges in Chile & Argentina

Alto Atacama is located just outside the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama in the shadow of a jagged rocky ridge very typical of the region. The 37 room property was opened in November 2007 and has been delivering the highest quality of service since then. Besides the dramatic setting the hotel stands out for its excellent guides, wonderful picnic lunches on the excursions and a well stocked open bar.

Awasi lodge comprises 8 lovely cottages built of stone, adobe and wood in a traditional style. Each cottage has ample space and privacy. Awasi offers a highly personalized service whereby each cottage has a vehicle and driver for tours and excursions. We particularly liked the ornate garden and the outdoor showers.

Hacienda los Andes is a comfortable, rustic property located at the end of the Hurtado Valley in Chile's "norte chico" region. It is a remote and tranquil spot ideal for exploring the arid cactus-covered hills around on horseback. With an average of 310 sunny days per year, the weather is good all year round and the cloudless night sky is thought to be the clearest in the world.

Explora Rapa Nui is a stunning piece of design both from outside and from within. The exclusive use of natural materials and soft curves gives a feel that is completely at ease with the Pacific island setting. Here they have achieved both form and function and created a special place to stay on this very unique island.

Viña has always had a good selection of up-market hotels and the recently opened (2007) Radisson Aqua Hotel & Spa is the best of them all. The hotel is located right on the sea shore in Concon, a beach just 5 minutes from the town of Viña. It has 50 rooms all with an ocean view. The hotel is modern, well run, has first class facilities and a wonderful spa.

Zapallar is an old-money Chilean beach town. Steep wooded hills dotted with impressive mansions lead down to the yellow sandy beach. The Isla Seca hotel is perched on one of the hills with great views through its leafy garden to the ocean. A relaxing place to unwind for a few days and soak up the atmosphere.

The Casa Real Hotel is a magnificent colonial mansion located on the Santa Rita vineyard, about 1hr south of Santiago. The hotel has a beautiful 40 hectare garden shaded by giant cedar trees where the air is rich with the fragrance of the many orange, lemon, walnut and almond trees. The setting is incredibly peaceful and the food outstanding.

Quincho Country Home, as the name suggests, is more of a home than a hotel. It is located by the shores of Lago Llanquhue looking across the water to the imposing snow capped cone of Volcan Osorno. There are four large, comfortable, immaculately furnished rooms. The service at Quinchos is highly personalized and second to none; both professional and friendly in the right measure - the only problem is that you will not want to leave.

Puyuhuapi is a comfortable well run lodge with a rustic feel located in a tranquil, secluded spot in the Aisen region of northern Chilean Patagonia. This privileged place, surrounded by lush rain forest, is only accessible by boat. From the lodge you can kayak on the lake; walk through ancient forests; take a cruise to the San Rafael glacier; and of course relax in the hot pools by the sea.

This attractive hotel is beautifully built with wood and slate from the area, the architecture echoes the sheering houses of the first European immigrants to settle the region. Inside the furnishing is comfortable and in keeping with the building's design. Huge windows all round allow great views over the bay to the distant glaciers in parque O'Higgins. The helpful staff are friendly and there is a very relaxed and sociable atmosphere in the common areas. A wonderful base for exploring not just the famous Torres del Paine national park, but also the wider region of Magallanes.

The Baobao is an extraordinary looking hotel in an extraordinary setting. The hotel is like an inverted wedding cake, each floor wider than the one below, standing in the middle of a dense Valdevian rain forest. Every one of the well appointed rooms looks out through large windows to the forest canopy. The Baobab is located in the Huilo Huilo reserve, recently awarded World Biosphere status, with a wealth of endemic flora and fauna. To top it all the Choshuenco volcano borders the reserve, providing the perfect place for a number of outdoor adventure sports and activities.