Etched into the southwestern edge of the South American continent, Chile is a phenomenal all-in-one travel destination. Offering a treasure trove of remote natural beauty, vibrant cultural traditions, captivating historical sites, thrilling outdoor activities and extraordinary wildlife sightings, it is no wonder that billionaires make a beeline for this sliver of paradise to experience the extremes. Then add Chile’s spectacular ultra-high-end properties with jaw-dropping locations, world-class convenience and comfort, and tailored activities and excursions. Splurging here seizes the best. When touring the country, from the arid Atacama Desert to the icy Andes massif of Patagonia, well-heeled travellers are in a tough spot to choose the finest amongst top hospitality brands or trusted family-run luxury outfits. And that’s where we come in. With our digital legwork and firsthand experiences in the country, we have handpicked three sumptuous resorts that will leave you speechless with their offerings. Read on.
Awasi Patagonia, Chilean Patagonia
© Awasi Patagonia
If solitude is what you seek and privacy is what you prioritise, the minimal yet luxurious Awasi Patagonia will sweep you off your feet! This southernmost property of the luxury-hotel association Relais & Châteaux is situated in a private reserve overlooking the pristine scenery of Torres del Paine National Park. Fourteen stilted wooden lodges, modelled after old gaucho outposts, are positioned quite far apart, with the in-between spaces planted with lenga trees providing privacy and protection from the notorious Patagonian winds. Each resembles a world of its own, where guests wake up to the massive ice-topped granite walls of the Torres, the Patagonian steppes’ flora and fauna and the pristine Sarmiento Lake sparkling in the sun.
© Awasi Patagonia
The lodgings are divided into 13 private villas measuring 80 square metres each and the two-bedroom, 120-square-metre Master Villa. Each lodge is decked out with a sumptuous-sized living area equipped with a wood-burning stove, a coffee corner and a direct view of Torres del Paine. The decor sports an element of rustic chic with plenty of natural materials and pops of colour in the form of throws, rugs and knickknacks. If the wind conditions are not perilous, luxuriating in the outdoor hot tub provided with each unit is a blessing. Both food and drink menus feature local ingredients, world-class wines and fresh produce from the kitchen gardens.
© Awasi Patagonia
Founded on the philosophy of personalisation, all experiences are designed around the guests’ paces and preferences. No two excursions are the same. Every lodge is allotted a personal guide and a four-wheel-drive vehicle right from the onset. Ditch the crowd and the cacophony and visit nature in private, as it should be. Reconnect with your creative and spiritual senses. Locals working as guides can lead you to hidden gems and secret spots where you can unleash all your whims and wishes.
Tierra Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama
© Tierra Atacama
Perched on the periphery of the ancient oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, right at the doorstep of the world’s highest and driest desert, Tierra Atacama, at a glance, is an extension of the landscape it is built on. With a blend of “earth-first” and “guest-first” hospitality, this family-owned and -run all-inclusive hotel and spa thrives on weaving the local culture and environment into various elements of the hotel. The architecture strikes a beautiful balance between understated elegance and luxurious spaces, with abundant use of local materials such as stone, mud brick (adobe) and rammed earth.
© Tierra Atacama
Tierra’s 32 rooms, divided into the cozy Oriente, generous Poniente and duplex Family Room accommodating six, provide lovely and spacious spaces to relax at the end of a day’s excursion. All rooms enjoy a sweeping view of the Atacama Desert and Licancabur volcano from their private terraces. Their decor is dotted with traditional Atacameño weavings and vicuña animal skins that add warmth against the coolness of the upholstery. Guests can enjoy the luxury of both indoor and outdoor showers in every room. The common areas are gorgeous, with an award-winning pool with enchanting views and a dining area with floor-to-ceiling glass panels inviting the outdoors in.
© Tierra Atacama
What sets it apart from its peers is Tierra’s attention to detail. On full-day excursions, excellent picnic lunches are provided, set out in style on tables with tablecloths, in locations far from civilisation. The hotel’s on-site services include fine-dining meals with a modern take on high Andean cuisine crafted from seasonal produce handpicked in the organic garden. Evenings are ushered around the inviting bar, with daily cocktail specials highlighting local herbs and exceptional Chilean wines. The on-site spa offers massages and traditional treatments with indigenous ingredients. What tops everything else off are the customised experiences and excursions crafted around guests’ preferences. The hotel is excellent at catering to everyone with every adventure, from a high-octane adrenaline fest to a slow cultural immersion available. Tierra embodies a profound love and respect for the delicate Atacama landscape. The management’s commitment to sustainability is evident with 100-percent solar power, water treatment and firm rejection of single-use plastics.
Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island
© Explora Rapa Nui
When a property aligns with the unrivalled hospitality gold standard of the premier travel company &Beyond, pursuing luxury experiences with a strong sustainability focus extends to the ends of the Earth. This commitment is evident through its partnership with Explora Rapa Nui, an exceptional resort with award-winning architecture on Easter Island. Strategically located eight kilometres from the island’s main town, Hanga Roa, this all-inclusive resort sits on one edge of the Pacific Ocean. The view reveals a calm spread of blue ocean waters and gorgeous green farmlands. Striking seclusion is a prized possession here, especially revered after the exertions of a day’s excursion.
© Explora Rapa Nui
The stylish and spacious accommodations are categorised into 26 Varúa standard rooms and 4 Raa suites, measuring 32 square metres and 44 square metres, respectively. Each room offers a sea view, soft beds, plush linens and bathrooms with hydro-massage bathtubs. There are no televisions or refrigerators in the guest rooms. The kitchen prides itself on dishing out locally grown vegetables and freshly caught fish. The cuisine is native Chilean with a contemporary twist, and the bar serves exquisite, premium Chilean wines. The property also boasts a delightful boutique store showcasing a curated collection of artisanal treasures and insightful books about the region.
© Explora Rapa Nui
Known for providing adventurous activities, the resort’s guests can embark on any type they choose—by foot, bicycle or boat—as Explora Rapa Nui offers more than 20 meticulously crafted explorations, each unveiling the island’s extraordinary history and undeniable charm. Renowned for their expertise and deep connection to Easter Island, the hotel’s local guides possess intimate understandings of the island’s myriad attractions, ensuring each guest a wealth of information and an unforgettable journey of discovery.
Conclusion
To experience indulgence in the remote reaches of the world is not a distant dream while visiting Chile. Whether you want to soak in a pool with a view, track wildlife with experts or scale a volcanic mountain, you don’t have to compromise your comfort to enjoy these rare treats. We hope that with our recommendations, your next Chile escapade is imbued with unforgettable opulence and unparalleled adventure.