Outdoor Adventure Meets Unparalleled Luxury At This Chilean Hotel

While the South American nation of Chile is renowned worldwide for its spectacular natural features, the country also comes equipped with its fair share of scenic cities, with Puerto Varas offering the perfect blend of both luxury and outdoor adventure experiences. Officially established in the 1850s, this historic settlement is best known for its German heritage, with traditional Central European architecture and landmarks found all across the city—and in the modern era, Puerto Varas also offers particularly lavish accommodations in the form of Hotel AWA.

Perched on the edge of Lake Llanquihue, this polished property officially made its debut in 2016, providing visitors with an idyllic escape found just a half hour east of downtown Puerto Varas. While the hotel’s Superior rooms come equipped with a fireplace, bathtub and locally-inspired design flourishes, each space also showcases the tranquil beauty of Chile’s Los Lagos region, with floor-to-ceiling windows that accentuate both the lake and the nearby Osorno volcano—but for a truly marvelous experience, be sure to book the Private Villa. Measuring in at 400 square kilometers, this elegant space is perfect for an intimate getaway, with four bedrooms, a full kitchen and multiple terraces that offer magnificent sunset views.

While the accommodations at Hotel AWA are impressive all on their own, the property also comes complete with its fair share of upscale amenities. During a stay, guests are welcome to kick back in the 300-square-meter spa and make use of the jacuzzi and steam room, while available treatments span from revitalizing facials to hot stone massages. After a relaxing afternoon, guests can make their way to the lobby bar to sip on refined spirits like Träkál (a fragrant blend of Patagonian apples, pears and indigenous botanicals) and gin from Last Hope Distillery in Puerto Natales—but for those in search of elevated Chilean cuisine, the on-property restaurant is a must-visit.

Dedicated to showcasing the natural bounty of Los Lagos, this charming venue sources the bulk of their produce and protein from both local purveyors and Hotel AWA’s own garden, providing guests with an opportunity to sample hearty fare that’s packed full of fresh ingredients. During the early morning, the breakfast buffet brims with fresh fruit and yogurt as well as eggs sourced from the property’s 40 chickens, while evening hours offer a chance to sample a diverse blend of both international and regional dishes—and to sweeten the deal, Hotel AWA also comes equipped with a lengthy wine list that’s perfect for a deep dive into the many varietals crafted all across the Chilean countryside.

Of course, no trip to Puerto Varas is complete without exploring the rich beauty of Los Lagos—and fortunately, Hotel AWA offers a wealth of fascinating outdoor adventure opportunities. For a thorough immersion into the unique flora of the region, a trip to Alerce Andino National Park allows guests to hike beneath towering Patagonian cypress trees, all while keeping an eye out for native mammals like the southern pudú, a tiny, forest-dwelling deer. Meanwhile, visiting birdwatchers should be sure to enroll in a kayaking excursion along the Reloncaví Estuary. This tranquil activity shines a spotlight on native birds like the chimango caracara and imperial cormorant as you bask in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, and as an added bonus, the excursion includes a home-cooked lunch at one of the region’s most idyllic shoreside farms.

While Chile’s extreme south draws visitors thanks to pristine parks like Torres del Paine and Bernardo O’Higgins, Puerto Varas serves as a shining example of central Chile’s prowess within the realm of tourism. While the city’s downtown district offers cozy restaurants and unique architecture, the region’s many mountains, lakes and volcanoes serve as a major draw for even the most rugged of outdoor adventurers—and for some much-needed relaxation in between activities, Hotel AWA is the perfect base. Whether you’re hoping to conquer a volcano or just kick back by the pool with a glass of wine, this palatial property is certain to leave you with fond memories of the timeless beauty of Puerto Varas and the Los Lagos region as a whole.