&Beyond Vira Vira

You wouldn’t think that the spectacular Patagonian region of Torres del Paine could get any better regarding luxurious design-led hotels, but it has, courtesy of the exclusive sibling hotel to Awasi Atacama, and the only lodge in the area to offer tailor-made excursions for each guest. Adding to that, a portion of the proceeds from each guest’s stay helps to support The Awasi Patagonia Conservation Project, which aims to create a natural corridor for wildlife. Awasi guides also help to monitor the puma populations and keep hunters away, increasing the properties, and its guests, positive impact on the region. 14 wooden-clad, shipping crate-style ‘villas’, which were inspired by the old outpost shelters, lie scattered over the wind-protected private reserve, facing the epic Lake Sarmiento and the famous three-tower peaks. Inside, the warming and minimal Scandinavian cabin decor nicely cushions you from the harsh weather outside, with natural wood interiors, large inviting beds, your own living room with log fireplaces, a hot tub and with every modern amenity to hand. The master villa, which has two bedrooms, is perfect for families. The dispersal of these freestanding villas befits the solitude of your surroundings, giving you a pleasing level of privacy but also a heightened experience of the landscape’s isolation. The main house, just a short walk from the villas, features a Relais & Chateaux restaurant, terrace and living area. Awasi is renowned not only for its style, but for tailoring its tours to each individual guest and for serving delectable gourmet food. Guests can choose whatever excursions they want to do, without having to compromise for the sake of a group.

The extraordinary sophistication and contemporary chic of the Vik Chile is quite simply unparalleled in Chile’s wine region.

The Explora hotels are perhaps Chile’s most famous, meaning Explora Atacama comes with an enviable reputation to live up to and it’s pleasing to say that it doesn’t disappoint. Everything about the hotel exudes understated quality, with tastefully furnished, extremely comfortable rooms. Each has its own jacuzzi in the bathroom and a cut-out floor to ceiling window with panoramic views. There are four interconnected high-design swimming pools and saunas, a stargazing platform (complete with high quality telescopes) and an open bar. The hotel is also home to a superb restaurant. The programmes offered are all inclusive, so all meals, most drinks and all tours are included in this price. Explore this beautiful region either on foot, horseback riding, bike, or 4WD excursions. There are also cultural excursions and high mountain ascents ranging in difficulty and altitude. For safety reasons, high mountain hiking requires a minimum of two-night acclimatization but we’d recommend four nights here simply to get the most out of your time here.

An excellent boutique hotel, Casa Higueras is located in the upmarket Cerro Alegre area with great views out across the harbour and Plaza Sottomayor. The hotel’s a little larger than other hotels of a similar style in the area with twenty rooms and therefore has a more developed infrastructure with larger and more extensive communal areas and facilities. Guests can enjoy a great restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi as well as the large terraces and garden. A 1920s building, the hotel was completely refurbished in 2006 in an elegant style mixing the contemporary with the historical aspect of the building.