Northern Chile and Bolivia Luxury Adventure

Overview

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.

Overview

As one might expect from the Ritz-Carlton, this is one of the best luxury hotels in South America, with impeccable service. The hotel is well located, near some excellent restaurants.

The rooms are very luxurious, and the crowning feature of the hotel is the stunning, glass-covered rooftop pool and spa. Which, on a clear day, offers fantastic views to the Andes.

Overview

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.

Overview

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.

Overview

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.

Overview

Seated on the banks of the Salar de Uyuni, the highest salt pan in the world, the Luna Salada or Salt Moon hotel commands extraordinary panoramic views over this expanse of surreal white desert.

Built using salt blocks and designed in the style of Bolivia’s indigenous homes with brightly woven rugs, artisanal furniture and glowing fireplaces, Luna Salada retains a wonderfully authentic feel of life in the Bolivian high plains.

The rooms are spacious with private bathrooms, heating and hot water at any time of day. The hotel’s restaurant, Mirador Tanupa, is the place to watch the blue, purple and pink tie-dye sunsets disappear behind the silvery horizon in simple yet cosy surroundings.

At 3658 meters above sea level, located thirty minutes from Uyuni town and ten minutes from Colchani, Luna Salada enjoys a unique location and offers guests a very immersive experience as well as various treks, hikes and tours in the prehistoric salt flats.

Overview

With an exceptionally distinctive location on the banks of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, this unique residence, constructed mainly from salt blocks, is sure to impress.

Guests can experience a salt-infused stay, as the airy 42 rooms are created from the white crystalline substance, with domed salt-brick ceilings and walls. Even the beds and some of the furniture has been carved from regional salt, and natural elements, such as stone and wood, creating soothing spaces.

El Mesón, the on-site restaurant, serves buffet-style meals, with a special emphasis on local delicacies made with salt, like llama. Post-dining, you can retire to one of the many communal spaces, scattered with comfortable seating, a pool table and colourful rugs to sip on Bolivian wine or beer while looking out across the pans.

Presenting an equally enchanting vista, the tranquil spa, with an indoor heated pool, fitness centre and sauna calls for unwinding on a lounger and indulging in a salt-inspired treatment or two.

Overview

Travesia is a journey across the desert, mountains and salt flats; from Chile to Bolivia, or in reverse. A private 4×4 vehicle with an expert Explora guide and local driver lead an immersive exploration of unique landscapes, thrilling activities with evenings spent in mountain homes and isolated lodges.

The exceptional Explora situated on the outskirts of San Pedro de Atacama is a wonderfully placed lodge to explore the Atacama desert and all it has to offer from breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, exciting activities and enthralling history and culture. From the orange, pink and yellow desert of the Atacama to explorations across the border into Bolivia across the jaw-dropping Altiplano. This epic journey is designed to discover the staggering natural beauty of high altitudes with volcanoes, geysers, deserts, lagoons and finally – the world’s largest salt flats.

Throughout the Travesia journey (which will be either 8 or 11 nights), along with scenic transfers between each lodge, there’s an array of activities available to suit every kind of traveller. Each activity, whether adventurous or reflective, will dive deep into local nature, geography, history and local myth and legend.

There are four lodges stretched across the Travesia route, for weary travellers to rest and restore: Explora in Chile and Chituca, Ramaditas and Lodge Uyuni, all in Bolivia. Each property is designed to take full advantage of the silence, privacy and spaciousness of the surrounding landscapes, ensuring deep rest after a long day of exploration. The architecture of each lodge highlights the natural beauty with a low environmental impact approach to the construction and daily operations.

Overview

You’ll find the Casa Grande Nuevo surrounded by majestic mountains, in a peaceful residential district of La Paz.

The hotel is composed of 65 chic rooms, all featuring air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. After a busy day out exploring La Paz, enjoy a meal in the on-site restaurant which features both international and local dishes, and relax with a cocktail in the bar afterwards. There’s also a spa, an indoor pool, and a gym for you to use.

When you’re not enjoying the facilities of this modern hotel, step outside and you’ll find that you are well placed to explore La Paz with the San Miguel commercial area and the Megacenter Shopping Centre just a five-minute drive away.

Overview

One of La Paz’s best hotels is the Camino Real Suites providing friendly service and contemporary high-rise, western comfort to its guests.

Just outside the capital of Bolivia’s city centre, this hotel is in the quieter but well-connected suburbs with seventy suites and a very well-equipped health club where you can take a swim, get a massage or visit the beauty salon.

Moreover at 3,300m above sea level, the outskirts of La Paz make for an easier introduction to the altitude than say uptown districts that can reach 4,100m.

Whether just beginning your Bolivian holiday or on your way out this is a good hotel where you can unwind or from which to explore La Paz.

Overview

Located in the Zona Sur district in the vibrant Calacoto neighbourhood, Atix Hotel is a masterpiece of modern design. It takes its name from the Quenchua word meaning ‘the one who thrives’ and it is one of the city’s most impressive landmarks and best hotels.

The hotel, which is shaped like a parallelogram, is clad in native Bolivian wood and Comanche stone from a village of the same name 70km outside the city. Inside is no less impressive with photography and artwork from Bolivian artist, Gastón Ugalde, throughout. There are 53 modern, spacious rooms that look out over the mountains that surround the city,  that are simple and sophisticated in design.

Ona meaning ‘gift’ in the ancient Pukina language, is the hotel’s restaurant and is headed up by a team of young Bolivian chefs and offers a creative, inspiring menu. Head to the rooftop bar +591, named after the area code, and enjoy cocktails while taking in the incredible view. There is also a small cafe and shop opening in September which will sell coffee, bread and pastries.