Grand Chile & Antarctica Luxury Explorer

Overview

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.

Overview

Set in the picturesque Colchagua Valley in Chile’s verdant wine region, a half-day’s drive from Santiago, Clos Apalta is a family-owned estate owned by a seventh-generation winemaker. A boutique hotel and winery with a blend of French and Chilean expertise and design, resulting in exquisite wines and an exceptional stay. The property features ten luxurious accommodations, four casitas and six larger villas, all with spacious bedrooms, living areas, spa-like bathrooms and private sundecks. The villas also include their own plunge pools.

Clos Apalta is committed to sustainability, for example its compost and water treatment plants are 100%  organic and energy saving. The vineyard is also completely organic and their wine exports are carbon neutral.

There’s plenty of activities to enjoy while staying in Clos Apalta including visiting the winery, wine tastings, cooking lessons with the head chef and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding where foxes, peregrine falcons, and eagles call this stunning landscape home.

Overview

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.

Overview

Set in a beautiful area of woodland, fresh water and traditional farmland that is so characteristic of the Pucon Valley, &Beyond Vira Vira provides a delightful selection of comfortable accommodation with the intimate feel of a Chilean hacienda in its own 23-acre estate.

The design is both modern and at one with the wild surroundings, with large windows and a warming use of wood. Just 21 beautifully crafted rooms are spread between the guest house and the main hotel building’s junior suites, with a handful of villa suites on the banks of the Liucura river, and the opulent Ruca Suite set in the middle of the forest. The latter two options offer their own living room and fireplace, with a private terrace and an outdoor tub to watch the clear Chilean night skies.

The restaurant offers food created from homegrown produce, a blend of local, indigenous recipes coupled with the best and truly fresh ingredients, accompanied, of course, by well-paired wines.

The area around Pucon and the neighbouring Villarrica volcano is famed for its range of activities, from hiking and hot springs to a plethora of adventure activities. Several beautiful wilderness areas are nearby, including Huerquehue National Park, and horseback riding, mounting biking, river rafting, varied hiking tours, ascents to the active volcano and even skiing on Villarrica’s slopes can be arranged. Each day, guests can meet with Vira Vira’s excursion manager to discuss and plan excursions, or simply choose to explore the area around the estate, including the artisanal cheese factory.

Overview

Set deep within the wilderness of Northern Patagonia, surrounded by the nature reserve of Parque Futangue, and in close quarters to the enchanting Lake Ranco, this thoughtfully designed hotel was inspired by its environment. Native woods combine with expansive glass windows, allowing guests to feel constantly immersed in nature throughout their stay.

The architecture of the hotel was created with the traditional barns and stables of southern Chile in mind, and the 16 rooms, each inundated with natural light, feature soft furnishings, colourful textiles, and timber beams. Unparalleled vistas of the Patagonian Andes or the gardens can be enjoyed from the rooms, as well as from the sweeping terrace, built off the main area of the hotel. A snug communal living room, centred around a grand stone fireplace, can also be found here, along with the on-site restaurant, El Mesón del Caulle, serving Patagonian classics and a hearty breakfast spread each morning.

With direct access to the park, a myriad of walking trails, and a vast array of outdoor activities, including horse riding, fishing, and cycling, this blissful haven offers more than enough options to keep guests busy. After a day of adventuring, the state-of-the-art spa, with an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, and menu of therapeutic treatments promises to alleviate any aches, ensuring that you’re back on your feet for further exploration.

Overview

This is Chiloé’s most famed and architecturally unique hotel that has been built in the beautiful, picturesque surroundings of the Rilan Peninsula. With a hilltop position it offers splendid views overlooking the ocean.

The hotel has been designed using native materials such as wood, sheep’s wool, weaving’s and basketry, all of which have been hand crafted by local islanders to offer guests the highest level of comfort. Each of the rooms offers breath-taking views overlooking the sea and the wooden furnishings give off a cosy and naturally authentic feel to the hotel. The welcoming lounge offers an open fireplace, a great place to relax while looking out over wonderful views of the rolling hills and the wild open ocean.

Overview

The Magellan Explorer is an expedition vessel custom built for Antarctic cruises. For Antartica21’s air-cruises, the Magellan Explorer has capacity for 73 passengers, but for maximum comfort only 38 cabins are occupied. There are seven categories of accommodation, all with individually controlled heating systems, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower, and all categories except Porthole cabins have private balconies. Elegant modern interiors are the work of a renowned interior design studio based in Santiago.

The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, a great place from which to spot marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching in small guided groups.

Overview

Antarctica21’s Ocean Nova is a unique set-up allowing you to make the very most of your precious time and maximise exploration at Antarctica itself. Flights depart from Punta Arenas in the South of Chile (the program includes a night in Punta Arenas before the flight where you will have a welcome meal and presentation before your adventure the next day.

Arriving into the Southern Continent you board the Ocean Nova, a modern passenger vessel (rather than a converted scientific vessel as many other cruises). All 38 cabins are outdoor, with private facilities.

A relatively small vessel, the Ocean Nova is able to reach areas other larger cruises cannot, it also allows more exploration as the smaller number of guests means that no time has to be spent waiting for groups to ‘take their turn’ in the visit. Guiding is excellent and there is high guide to guest ratio. As well as zodiac boat trips ashore, you can opt add kayaking or snowshoeing packages to your adventure.

Overview

Featuring six tiers of deluxe accommodation, the refined and comfortable World Explorer makes your personal space a priority. Each of the suites offers a private walk-out or French balcony, where you can breathe in the fresh ocean air and enjoy spectacular views. There are also plenty of public areas were you can sit back and recount the day’s adventures with your fellow travellers. Find a spot to contemplate your experiences in the glass-domed Observation Lounge, or enjoy a drink and a friendly conversation in the Explorer Lounge. The on-board library boasts a range of field guides and reference and picture books for your perusal. Head to the dedicated lecture theatre for a variety of presentations and discussions.

If it’s an active cruise you’re looking for, then kayaking, camping and stand-up paddleboarding can also be arranged. Otherwise, get your steps in on the outdoor track, keep to your exercise programme in the small gym, and unwind with a treatment or two at the spa.

Overview

The Hebridean Sky is one of the most sophisticated ships to venture to the White Continent. The luxury expedition vessel can accommodate up to 71 people, with 57 suites spread across five decks. All suites feature windows with exterior views so you can admire the beauty of Antarctica from the comfort of your room, as well as a sitting area and en-suite marble bathroom.

During your voyage, you’ll be treated to world-class cuisine with daily changing menus and live entertainment. The spacious public areas include a wraparound deck and panoramic top deck observation platform to spot wildlife from, a library with computers, and a lounge which serves afternoon tea after expeditions.

The ship comes with its own photographer to help guests and document your adventures in the White continent which include Zodiac cruising, hiking, camping and kayaking excursions.

Overview

Housed in the restored, post-Victorian cold-storage factory ‘Frigorifico Puerto Bories’, the Singular Patagonia is part of a National Monument that has been sympathetically and stylishly converted into one of Patagonia’s most elegant hotels.

Located on the shores of the Señoret Channel, at the end of the Ultima Esperanza Sound, the Singular Patagonia 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 will have the entirety of the Torres del Paine at your disposal.

The hotel’s décor blends regional character with the building’s unique history 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, whilst soft carpets, cosy beds and traditional pieces of furniture add a warmth to their  bunker-style design of bare concrete walls and seamless glass windows.

For dining the Singular Restaurant celebrates the mountain ridges of Seno Última Esperanza, presenting locally-sourced ingredients fused with French trends. Indulge in traditional Chilean dishes in a delightful historic and rustic atmosphere of the property’s 100-year-old former blacksmith’s forge at El Asador. We also highly recommend Pisco Sours at sunset.

The main highlight of the Singular Patagonia, however, is certainly its experiences. Enjoy everything Chilean Patagonia has to offer: visit local estancias, explore the Milodon Caves or head out to the town of  Puerto Natales and wander through its mountainous national park.

Overview

Perhaps the most famous hotel in all of Chile, the Explora Patagonia one of the most stunning settings in the world.

Simple and cool from the exterior, things could not be more different once inside. There are large picture windows everywhere (even in the bathrooms) to make the most of the stunning vistas surrounding the hotel. Much of the furniture is hand crafted from local wood and slate, and there are many little design touches to make things more comfortable. The hotel also has a large indoor swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzis.

All activities are included in the programme as are all meals and drinks.

Overview

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.

Overview

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.

Overview

Experience the outdoor feel of camping in this beautiful area of Torres del Paine, whilst spending your nights in the geodisic domes of Ecocamp Patagonia. Inspired by the traditional constructions of the native Kawesqar people, these domes allow plenty of light and space during your stay; choose from standard, superior or suite domes, the latter two of which include heating and private bathrooms.

There is also the suite dome loft, which is just as spacious as a suite dome but has an added loft that makes it an ideal accommodation for families and large groups. The lodge hosts a maximum of 76 guests ensuring a more personal feel as well as minimising the impact on the local environment.

Other domes include the community domes, which provide a meeting place for breakfast and again at the end of the day where you can share an evening cocktail and tasty Chilean dinner at communal tables in the dining room. Check out the library or browse through EcoCamp’s store stocked with locally-made products. There is also a yoga dome, which overlooks the Patagonian pampas and hosts two classes a day. Give your muscles a break and head to the massage room situated beside the mountains to experience Man Keokén.

Ecocamp Patagonia hosts many tours of Patagonia‘s majestic landscape, which include activities such as hiking, kayaking and horseback-riding.

Overview

Patagonia Camp is one of the only true luxury camping experiences of its kind in South America. Set on a bluff overlooking one of the stunning lakes in the region each of the spacious ‘yurts’ is heated, has a private terrace and bathroom with shower and hot water.

Service is excellent and a full programme of activities is included as well as all meals.

Overview

Hotel Magnolia offers you an oasis where the art of hospitality and comfort are celebrated. The 42 rooms are inspired by history and each highlights remarkable details, like the stained glass windows of the heritage building. The decor is elegant, with a focus on being a home away from home.

Overview

Mandarin Oriental Santiago enjoys a reputation for style, service and outstanding facilities. You’ll find it in the exclusive neighbourhood of Las Condes making it the perfect place to call home while you’re in this part of South America. There are 310 spacious and calm rooms to choose from, with incredible views of the Andes Mountains, city or garden.

The hotel’s collection of restaurants and bar offer a unique fusion of flavours from around the globe. Enjoy the art of Nikkei cuisine at Matsuri. Taste outstanding wines coupled with unforgettable Italian dishes at Senso, or unwind in the Atrium Lobby Lounge.

When you’re not out discovering everything the city has to offer, while away the hours beside the pool, or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment.

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.