Deserts, Wine, Mountains and Moais

Almost imperceptible from its backdrop of baked red rock, emerging as a perfectly placed traditional adobe settlement, it takes an even closer look to discover that this is, in fact, the very conscientiously designed and luxuriously authentic Nayara Alto Atacama. Its beauty is matched by its sustainable ideals, with the resort dedicated to integrating into the environment without causing harm to the immediate landscapes or ecosystems.

In the shadow of the Cordillera de la Sal and with the San Pedro River coursing by its enviably remote and magical position in the Atacama desert means it is well placed to explore the surrounding natural sights of deep, sweeping valleys and canyons, kaleidoscope skies, serene lagoons, ancient ruins and tempestuous geysers.

Yet the location is only part of the hotel’s unique allure; its design both in and out stylishly embraces the aesthetic of the Altiplano and Atacama. Varying textures in the form of colourful earth-tone tiles, Brea lamps, cave paintings, local iconography, sculptures, and coarse Aguayo tapestries and Amerindian textiles, blend to create an inviting, warm and intimate atmosphere to the contrasting wilderness outside. Each comfortable room features its own terrace and is equipped with many modern appliances and luxuries.

What’s more the hotel’s activities and expeditions are expertly planned and personalised to you, with private guiding available. The staff will do their utmost to look after you and there are many facilities to enjoy at the hotel, such as yoga, spa treatments, hot springs, or just sitting under the patio awnings gazing at the spectacle in front of you.

Another luxury addition to San Pedro de Atacama, the Awasi is a truly special option. With outstanding service, the hotel offers an exceptional experience and all activities are completely private and personalised to your needs and requests.

There are 12 suites, circular in shape and made from adobe, stone and wood which help to keep them cool in the day and warm in the evenings. Each suite has its own private patio, indoor and outdoor showers and inside you’ll find armchairs and alpaca blankets to keep you cosy. The hotel is beautifully decorated with wool hangings and hardwood and marble floors that evoke a sense of history and tradition.

The restaurant uses local, seasonal produce to create beautiful looking and tasting dishes that show off some of the more unusual ingredients used in Chilean cooking. Its open-air setting makes for a truly magical and memorable meal.

There is also a lovely outdoor pool which provides welcome relief from the heat, and there is plenty of outdoor space in which to relax.

The hotel operates an all-inclusive programme, with all meals, drinks and excursions (all tailored to your needs) included.

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.

The Tierra Atacama is an excellent boutique hotel option in San Pedro Atacama. The design of the hotel is both comfortable and stylish and facilities include a spa, Jacuzzis, sauna and a pool area.

There are 32 spacious and comfortable rooms, each with a private terrace and views of the Licancabur volcano.

The hotel has been designed to be casually elegant in a neo-minimal style, with rooms intricately decked out with local, carefully sourced, hand-made textiles to add an authentic desert feel.

In keeping with its worldwide siblings for contemporary luxury design and snazzy urban style, it’s no wonder that the W Santiago is now the trendiest hotel in the capital with a phenomenal rooftop pool and bar that boast the best views over the city.

Accompanying a kaleidoscope of colours and ultra-modern sophistication designed by Toni Chi and Sergio Echeverria, W Santiago is a fantastically well-equipped hotel with three restaurants specialising in French, Asian Fusion and Chilean cuisines. There’s a beauty salon, bar lounge, tea library and business centre not to mention its superb location but a few steps away from the best bars, restaurants and shops in Santiago.

The rooms are sleek, modern and spacious and the staff are aplenty and very helpful in fulfilling the ‘Whatever, Whenever’ motto.

A charming boutique hotel set in the heart of the relaxed Providencia district of the city.

The hotel has an elegant, French style to the decoration of the rooms and communal areas combined with modern comforts.

Service is personal and attentive making this a relaxing and enjoyable place to stay and explore the city from.

The Singular Santiago is a luxury hotel in the Lastarria neighbourhood of Santiago.

A sister hotel to The Singular Patagonia, The Singular Santiago is located in one of the artiest areas of the Chilean capital, Lastarria: the Museum of Fine Art, the Museum of Visual Arts, and the Gabriel Mistral Center are all within walking distance of the hotel.

It’s not just the location that’s appealing: the rooftop pool provides a scenic setting in which to both cool down after a day exploring Santiago and take in the view; the spa offers post- or pre-long-haul flight massages; and the Singular Restaurant serves French dishes alongside local specialties, such as Guanaco and Penca, to keep the flavour decidedly Latin. The ninth-floor Sky Bar is the perfect place to polish off a day in Lastarria.

There are 62 rooms: the Patio Rooms and the Classic Rooms overlook the Plaza Mulato Gil, and the Deluxe Balcony Rooms have views across the Parque Forestal. All rooms at The Singular benefit from stylish decor and all the mod-cons you could wish for, including wireless internet, LCD TVs, large and comfortable beds, and well-equipped, spacious marble bathrooms.

Built in the 1920s as a four-storey family house, this now delightful boutique hotel wears its past with renewed pride and modern panache. Sympathetically restored and furnished to the tastes of the era yet fitted with, the few but necessary, contemporary amenities and an eccentric luxury polish, Castillo Rojo is a unique piece of Santiago history and style.

Located in the city’s bohemian Bellavista quarter, but a block from Pablo Neruda’s house, you have your pick of fine restaurants, museums, art galleries and more. It’s award-winning French brasserie restaurant La Petanque completes the quaint vintage feel of the hotel, along with some very fine tasting pastries. A new restaurant specialising in Chilean cuisine, Cabildo, is due to open in August.

A further credit to its sense of individuality, none of Castillo Rojo’s nineteen bedrooms are alike. A mix of standard and superior, plus four suites, the en suite bathrooms are sparse and chic with checkerboard tiles and brass fixings.

Folded into the bohemian heart of one of Santiago’s prettiest neighbourhoods, the Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel (formerly known as the Lastarria Boutique Hotel), really reflects its stylish environs and is a superb little place to stay or stopover in the capital.

Housed in a restored mansion dating back to 1927, the 14 spacious bedrooms reflect a more contemporary era for more modern tastes and demands. Divided into four separate categories, each is beautifully decorated and well equipped, while some feature terraces and two interconnecting rooms for families.

A lovely garden terrace and outdoor swimming pool give a sanctuary sort of feel away from the bustle of the city, but the immediate district is such a pleasant one, filled with galleries, antique stores, restaurants and shops, that you might be tempted to do some local exploration (being so well placed for it).

It’s this hotel’s bizarrely beautiful shape, designed to imitate that of a sun-bleached fossil on the ruggedly wild shores of Lake Sarmiento, which makes Tierra Patagonia such a striking place to stay. In fact, this sustainable lodge is known worldwide for its innovative architecture, which blends naturally into the landscape. The revitalised pampa, where the complex is based, has benefited from great conservation efforts, as well as focus on minimising footprint in this beautiful area.

This impressive blonde-wooded, design-led ‘shell’ houses 40 simple yet sophisticated Scandinavian-style rooms. Their exposed timber interiors create a tangible Sauna-like warmth that contrasts well with the views of the desolate pampas outside. There are family apartments of two adjoining rooms available, as well as the extensive Uma Spa, which is particularly welcomed after a hard day hiking the Torres del Paine National Park, which is simple given the hotel’s superb team of guides and the varied activities on offer here. From horse riding to climbing, this great range of opportunities means you really can take full advantage of your truly magnificent surrounds.

Housed in the restored, post-Victorian cold-storage factory “Frigorifico Puerto Bories” first built in 1915, the Singular is in fact a National Monument and has been sympathetically and stylishly converted into one of Patagonia’s most elegant exploration hotels. By this we mean its remoteness has in no way inhibited its refinement.

Located on the shores of the Señoret Channel, at the end of the Ultima Esperanza Sound, Singular is ideally placed for expeditions to some of Patagonia’s most inaccessible parts and sights. With two of their own boats to explore the intricate fjords, channels and islands, as well as a wealth of other land-based activities, you really are in the best hands.

The hotel’s décor has been expertly and creatively designed to a high but understated level of luxury, blended with regional character and the building’s unique history all for a contemporary industrial chic fused with a warm, old-style comfort. All of its 57 rooms command steely Patagonian views over the channel water or rugged plains, and soft carpets, cosy beds and traditional pieces of furniture add a warmth to their contemporary, bunker-style design of bare concrete walls and seamless glass windows.

In-between these lie rooms displaying much of the factory’s restored machinery and galleries detailing its history, so Singular acts as much as an offering to the region’s past as it does a hotel.

The service and food are both excellent, and apart from the simple task of deciding on whether to go for the Magellenic Lamb or conger eel for dinner, or perhaps what spa treatment you’ll go for to end your day, the bigger challenge is choosing from over 20 different well-thought-out and extraordinary expeditions on offer by Singular.

We also highly recommend Pisco Sours at sunset.

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.

Remota’s bold architecture and interior references its Patagonian setting in a very modern way. Slanting lines, grass covered rooftops and native woods all help to create this effect. The large windows make for an extremely light indoor area with stunning views out across the bay.

Remota is located just outside of Puerto Natales, so it’s just over an hours drive from the Torres del Paine national park. However, this does also have the advantage of allowing excursions around the Puerto Natales area,

The excursions here are excellent with very knowledgeable local guides, and they are all included in the price.

Rooms are very comfortable and offer great views out across the bay. The hotel also has a stunning black marble swimming pool, sauna and open air Jacuzzi for relaxing in after a day’s exploring.

All excursions, meals, soft drinks and house wines included.

A charming boutique hotel set in the heart of the relaxed Providencia district of the city.

The hotel has an elegant, French style to the decoration of the rooms and communal areas combined with modern comforts.

Service is personal and attentive making this a relaxing and enjoyable place to stay and explore the city from.

The Singular Santiago is a luxury hotel in the Lastarria neighbourhood of Santiago.

A sister hotel to The Singular Patagonia, The Singular Santiago is located in one of the artiest areas of the Chilean capital, Lastarria: the Museum of Fine Art, the Museum of Visual Arts, and the Gabriel Mistral Center are all within walking distance of the hotel.

It’s not just the location that’s appealing: the rooftop pool provides a scenic setting in which to both cool down after a day exploring Santiago and take in the view; the spa offers post- or pre-long-haul flight massages; and the Singular Restaurant serves French dishes alongside local specialties, such as Guanaco and Penca, to keep the flavour decidedly Latin. The ninth-floor Sky Bar is the perfect place to polish off a day in Lastarria.

There are 62 rooms: the Patio Rooms and the Classic Rooms overlook the Plaza Mulato Gil, and the Deluxe Balcony Rooms have views across the Parque Forestal. All rooms at The Singular benefit from stylish decor and all the mod-cons you could wish for, including wireless internet, LCD TVs, large and comfortable beds, and well-equipped, spacious marble bathrooms.

Built in the 1920s as a four-storey family house, this now delightful boutique hotel wears its past with renewed pride and modern panache. Sympathetically restored and furnished to the tastes of the era yet fitted with, the few but necessary, contemporary amenities and an eccentric luxury polish, Castillo Rojo is a unique piece of Santiago history and style.

Located in the city’s bohemian Bellavista quarter, but a block from Pablo Neruda’s house, you have your pick of fine restaurants, museums, art galleries and more. It’s award-winning French brasserie restaurant La Petanque completes the quaint vintage feel of the hotel, along with some very fine tasting pastries. A new restaurant specialising in Chilean cuisine, Cabildo, is due to open in August.

A further credit to its sense of individuality, none of Castillo Rojo’s nineteen bedrooms are alike. A mix of standard and superior, plus four suites, the en suite bathrooms are sparse and chic with checkerboard tiles and brass fixings.

Folded into the bohemian heart of one of Santiago’s prettiest neighbourhoods, the Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel (formerly known as the Lastarria Boutique Hotel), really reflects its stylish environs and is a superb little place to stay or stopover in the capital.

Housed in a restored mansion dating back to 1927, the 14 spacious bedrooms reflect a more contemporary era for more modern tastes and demands. Divided into four separate categories, each is beautifully decorated and well equipped, while some feature terraces and two interconnecting rooms for families.

A lovely garden terrace and outdoor swimming pool give a sanctuary sort of feel away from the bustle of the city, but the immediate district is such a pleasant one, filled with galleries, antique stores, restaurants and shops, that you might be tempted to do some local exploration (being so well placed for it).

Another luxurious addition to the Explora hotel range. The Rapa Nui hotel doesn’t disappoint, very much in the concept of the other Explora properties with stunning architecture, beautiful curving wooden interiors, exemplary service and activities.

Set on a hill in a quiet area away from the more populated Hanga Roa. The 30 well-appointed rooms each have a sea view and are tastefully decorated in keeping with the surrounds. Rooms are equipped with hydro-massage baths to relax in after a day exploring.

Hotel facilities include an outdoor pool and jacuzzi as well as a spa area to relax in. All meals and full program of activities are included in the cost.

The hotel is also renowned for its innovative educational scheme, the Explora Rapa Nui Terevaka Outreach Programme, aimed at allowing students to gain knowledge in enriching the island’s scientific and touristic potential.

Boasting fine sea-views and an ancient aura, you’ll find the Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa on the main coastal road less than a kilometre from the airport and just a few short steps from the centre of the town. This holistic resort has been been designed to reflect Easter Island’s fascinating ancient culture and constructed using local materials such as volcanic rock, cypress woods, and natural clay.

Although modelled on the ancient Orongo ceremonial village and built with sustainable practices in mind such as natural lighting, the hotel’s 75 rooms and suites have been luxuriously appointed with oversized tubs and all the modern conveniences. The hotel’s reception itself is a marvel, built to resemble an ancestral “boat house” and care has been taken to ensure that there’s a harmonic interrelation between all spaces.

When you’re not exploring the ancient ruins at the Rano Kau volcano or uncovering the mysteries of the past at the Hanga Roa Anthropological Museum, relax at the outdoor pool and terrace and enjoy gastronomic delights at the hotel’s restaurant, bistro or snack bar.

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

Fresh from an extensive refurbishment, this 22-room (with seven Puro Vik glass pods) avant garde luxury boutique hotel is set within the 4,400-hectare Millahue Valley and Vik vineyard, just two hours south of Santiago in the Colchagua Valley area. Each suite is individually themed and decorated, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows which allow guests to take in the majestic views of the region. A newer addition to the hotel, guests can now choose to stay in one of the separate Puro Vik glass pods, providing an incredible vantage point for overlooking the valley.

The lodge is decorated in keeping with the vineyard’s holistic and ecological principles and it’s almost as if the exterior’s inconspicuous minimalism was intended to touch the hillside on which it perches. This spectacular sense of floating is further emphasised by seamless glass windows-for-walls in the rooms. Yet the insightful use of dark heavy woods, rough natural materials, functional furniture and a minimal elegance also makes the lodge feel contrastingly very solid, grounded and stylishly real.

The lodge enjoys uninterrupted views of the vineyards and lake and there is a cosy sitting area with a fireplace, patios with sofas, and a well-equipped and elegant dining room where excellent traditional Chilean cuisine is served.

Plenty of activities and expeditions can be arranged to suit guests according to their time and preferences, especially with immediate if not exclusive access to the vineyard and winery.

Clos Apalta Residence is one of the most luxurious (and modern) wine lodges in Chile. The accommodation here is really first class. There are just four private ‘casitas’ as well as lodging within the guesthouse itself. The rooms are beautifully decorated in a modern style and the casitas have an added element of privacy as well as verandas with stunning views out across the valley.

The Clos Apalta Winery itself is also constructed in a very modern style and produces some fantastic wines, which you’ll have a chance to sample.

There is also a large infinity pool and spa area to make the residence an extremely comfortable and relaxing place to stay.

Las Majadas de Colchuaga is set in the long established and family run Vina Bisquertt Winery. The lodging is based in a recently renovated old colonial hacienda.

There are twenty rooms looking out onto the well kept gardens of the property. The rooms are decorated in keeping with the historic nature of the building and communal areas are decorated with period antiques.

Set around 50 miles from Santiago in the Casablanca region, this boutique vineyard produces entirely organic wine. This is a traditional wine ‘Estancia’ and was originally built at the beginning of the 20th Century set in it’s own San Antonio Valley of around 27,000 acres. The main building housing the accommodation blends traditional style with plush furnishings and was entirely refurbished in 2004. Rooms are spacious and have their own private terrace.

The winery itself is an advanced gravity-flow facility producing excellent Syrah (judged to be among one of the world’s best). There is an excellent restaurant on site and a good number of activities to keep guests occupied including horseback riding and harvesting, as well as relaxing in the beautiful gardens.