Relais and Châteaux in South America

Relais & Châteaux in South America

Titilaka sunset, Titicaca Peru

There are a growing number of excellent properties in South America that are now part of Relais & Châteaux. We thought we’d tell you a little about some of the properties our guests regularly experience and thoroughly enjoy. These properties are also an excellent example of the ‘changing face of South America’; a South America that is safe, sophisticated, and offer excellent customer service, modern infrastructure and gourmet cuisine.
To be part of this prestigious group properties need the following characteristics:

A local anchor – Our properties are the living expression of a place, its history, environment and culture. – 

The human aspect – The Relais & Châteaux spirit lies not only in the respect shown toward one’s hosts and colleagues, but also toward the men and women who evolve around our properties and embody the places and cultures they are part of.

Sharing – Every Maître de Maison conveys his or her passion to our customers.

Commitment – Relais & Châteaux Members help to enrich the history of cuisine and hospitality.

The experiences you have at a Relais and Châteaux property will give you a feeling of total immersion in the place and its culture, allowing them to be discovered from up close with all that they have to offer. The attentiveness and sincerity of the teams give you a sense of enjoyment that comes paired with respect for every person’s privacy, all through a warm and privileged relationship.

Below are some of the Relais and Châteaux we recommend:

Chile

Viravira
Vira Vira – Pucón

Location: Pucon, Lakes District, Chile. Deep within Chile’s renowned ‘Seven Lakes’ district, Pucon is a centre for Chile’s recreational adventure activities. And Vira Vira, set in 23 hectares of native park along the shores of the Liucura River, is the culmination of the on-site Swiss owners’ dream to introduce guests to a true hacienda experience of this beautiful region.

The hotel is made up of 21 rooms and suites, designed to be spacious, luxurious and, above all, very cosy and comfortable. They are set in different parts of the property, either in the middle of the woods, with a view to the park, the lagoon or the river, and all are traditionally decorated with Chilean rugs and whimsical local furnishings, and wood-clad to reflect the natural surroundings. Larger Villa suites have their own living room and fireplace, with a private terrace that overlooks the river and an outdoor tub to enjoy the clear Chilean skies at night. On special request there are a small number of rooms, each with its own bathroom, offered in the original hacienda along with the owners.

Fully inclusive packages at this carefully eco-conscious property allow you to choose from hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, kayaking, and sailing. There are also city tours, thermal pool visits, and the full day challenge of climbing nearby Villarica Volcano.

Awasi Patagonia
Awasi – Patagonia

Location: Torres del Paine – Chile. Awasi Patagonia is spread out like a classic estancia, with just 12 deluxe villas dotted throughout native forest, Awasi’s lodge is set in a private nature reserve just outside the national park. It has a rustic vibe but with all modern comforts, and each villa is carefully positioned to ensure the utmost privacy while also offering the best views.

The villas are very spacious, with a king bed, large bathroom, a cosy wood-burning stove and capacious sofas in front of a panoramic window – and a private hot tub under the stars! The main building, with the restaurant and comfortable lounge, is no more than a 5-minute stroll or short golf-buggy ride from the furthest villa.

chile Awasi Atacama Desert
Awasi – Atacama

Location: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Awasi Atacama, situated in the historic desert town of San Pedro de Atacama, is an intimate luxury retreat that truly lives up to its name, a Quechua word meaning home. Constructed in a circular layout and designed using native materials, the resort comprises eight enchanting cottages.

Each cottage is assigned a 4WD vehicle and a private guide who will arrange customised excursions for guests, selected from an extensive menu of wonderful experiences. The cuisine is as impressive as the hotel. The professional chef has designed a sophisticated menu that is a fusion of Altiplano and international food, providing you with a taste of new flavours and aromas obtained from typical ingredients of the area.

The Atacama is the most desolate and arid desert in the world and the Andean Altiplano will surprise you with its dramatic, exotic, awe-inspiring beauty. Awasi Atacma is perfectly placed to explore this stunning region.

Peru

Hotel B Lima
Hotel B – Lima

Location: Barranco, Lima, Peru. The Hotel B was built in 1914 as a private residence. This gleaming white house has undergone a 2-year restoration that preserves the original opulence and reflects the glamour of the Belle Époque – with a modern twist in its use of vintage and designer furniture.

It is located in the heart of Barranco, a bohemian-revival neighbourhood filled with historic houses and surrounded by galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and only minutes from the Pacific Ocean. After the lavish conversion, the mansion reopened as an ‘arts-boutique’ hotel, featuring a unique art collection curated by an adjacent renowned gallery. A 3-level contemporary annexe has been added and houses seven of the 17 guestrooms, along with the hotel’s signature restaurant.

Inkaterra La Casona Cuzco Peru Relais & Châteaux
Inkaterra La Casona – Cusco

Location: Cusco, Peru. Inkaterra La Casona is a sumptuous yet sensitive conversion of a 16thC colonial manor house to a boutique hotel. This exquisite property on Las Nazarenas Square is an oasis between the San Blas artist district and Cuzco’s vibrant main plaza.

Thought to be the first Spanish construction built over an Inca complex, and later occupied by conquistadors and their descendants, La Casona operates like a private residence with all areas exclusive to its small number of guests. Amenities include ornate sitting and dining rooms, a private spa, reading lounge and outdoor terraces. The luxury suites feature stone fireplaces, original Inca wall hangings, Spanish icons and plush Baroque furnishings, discreetly blended with contemporary touches everywhere.

Sol Y Luna, Peru, Relais & Châteaux
Sol y Luna – Sacred Valley

Location: Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Peru. The Sol y Luna, meaning “Sun & Moon” in English, is named for its yellow Andean adobe casitas (little houses). This charming lodge lies in a tranquil setting 1km outside Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. It is enclosed in a red-walled courtyard, encircled by eucalypts and green mountains, while gardens of white margaritas, purple salvia and red fuchsias crowd around each bungalow.

The casitas feature high beamed ceilings, ceramic-tiled floors, and a rustic décor of colourful woven rugs, hand–painted frescoes and Peruvian folk art. The lodge’s restaurant is the best in the valley, renowned for its Novo-Andino fusion cuisine. Add a spa and massage centre and a small outdoor pool and you won’t want to leave!

Titilaka
Titilaka Lodge – Lake Titicaca

Location: Lake Titicaca, Peru. Luxury on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Situated on a secluded private peninsula overlooking Lake Titicaca, Titilaka Lodge is an all-inclusive retreat, relaxed yet elegant, its contemporary design created to harmonise with the stunning landscape.

Don’t be misled by the minimalist exterior and remote location – this divine boutique lodge is unquestionably luxury. Its 18 Dawn and Dusk suites feature heated floors and spa bathrooms, with large oversize tubs and massage showers and each has an exceptional view of either the sunrise or sunset over the lake. And Titilaka offers its guests superb dining while wrap-around terraces provide the perfect vantage to enjoy sunset cocktails.

Colombia

Casa Pestagua Cartagena Colombia, Relais and Châteaux
Casa Pestagua – Cartagena

Location: Casa Pestagua is located in the heart of Cartagena, 30 metres from Santo Domingo Square renowned for its beautiful colonial church and terraces. Casa Pestagua is within the walled city and is close to many fantastic restaurants. Originally Casa Pestagua was constructed as an aristocrat’s palace for use in the 16th century and oozes impressive majesty.  Now there are 11 spacious rooms available and each feature personalised décor. High ceilings and large rooms are notable and each room has its own unique colonial charm. A feature of the hotels is the centrally located swimming pool, surrounded by tropical plants within the high walls of the hotels private garden.

Argentina

Algodon Mansion Buenos Aires Argentina, Relais and Châteaux
Algodon Mansion – Buenos Aires

Location: Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina. A French-Classical mansion of 10 suites, Algodon defines the word ‘boutique’. Over 4 years, the 1912 building was impeccably and sumptuously restored, while also discreetly installing modern amenities.

All suites have a private 24-hour butler and are equipped with high tech electronics, while lavish bathrooms of marble and limestone offer oversized steam showers and free-standing bathtubs. There is an intimate on-site restaurant, a club-style Cognac Bar, small rooftop pool and a full service spa.

La Bamba De Areco Buenos Aires, Argentina, Algodon Mansion Buenos Aires Argentina, Relais and Châteaux
La Bamba de Areco – Buenos Aires

Location: San Antonio de Areco, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Estancia La Bamba de Areco is a beautifully renovated estancia located 120km north-west of Buenos Aires. It lies in the heart of the ‘Pampa’ and is one of the oldest estancias in Argentina. Renovated with great care, this boutique property combines luxurious comfort with colonial elegance.The feeling of being welcomed into a private home that is steeped in history and tradition makes this estancia a very special place. Exquisite cuisine, refined service, gaucho traditions and equestrian sports all add to the unique magic of Estancia La Bamba de Areco.

cavas wine lodge-Relais and Chateaux
Cavas Wine Lodge – Mendoza

Location: Mendoza, Argentina.  A half-hour drive south of Mendoza, this heavenly lodge, set amid 14 hectares of vines against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is designed for pleasure and is the perfect getaway for wine lovers and anyone seeking seclusion, understated elegance and discreet service.Accommodation at Cavas Wine Lodge is in spacious adobe-walled apartments set independently among the vines.  Each has a sitting room and bedroom that open onto a private, Andes-facing patio with its own plunge pool.  Outside steps lead to a roof terrace with a fireplace and 360° views. From the wine cellar in the main building, a circular staircase leads directly to the library, the gourmet restaurant, and the spa.

House of Jasmines Argentina Cavas Wine Lodge, Argentina, Relais and Châteaux
House of Jasmines – Salta

Location: Salta, Argentina. House of Jasmines – On a century-old estancia lying among the foothills of the Andes and just 20km outside Salta, Estancia de Charme is a charming and intimate, white adobe-walled property with colonnaded terraces, set among 16 hectares of beautiful gardens. Here the Fenestraz family has created a unique atmosphere that combines the traditions of the north with the comfort of the best boutique hotels.
In the main house are 7 romantic guestrooms filled with antique furniture and fresh flowers, while a little distance away are a smaller house with 3 spacious suites, each with their own private terrace facing the mountains, and a new villa of 4 bedrooms. While no longer a working estancia, this is a great place to unwind and be pampered, with gorgeous décor, gourmet meals, full spa services, and comparative privacy. This boutique hotel is a perfect alternative if you want to stay in the countryside but would like to be close to all the attractions of Salta, Argentina’s most enchanting colonial city.

Uruguay

Narbona Wine Lodge Uruguay, Relais and Châteaux
Narbona Wine Lodge – Carmelo

The hotel offers 5 rooms that are unique and beautifully decorated with antiques along with modern amenities. 2 of the rooms overlook the vineyard and 3 overlook the winery. Each room has a private terrace which is ideal to enjoy a glass of wine and cheese platter.

The Antique cellar, originally built in 1909, is equipped with an old wood stove along with a large wooden table and comfortable seating where tastings and private dinners are conducted. It is decorated with maturing cheeses, hams and barrels where developing wines lie.

The new cellar is suitable for modern wine making but and is a wonderful place to dine. An infinite amount of wine bottles line the walls inviting you to have a taste. The colonial courtyard shaded by grapevines has magnificent views of the 15 hectares of vineyards and is the perfect place to relax and absorb your surroundings.

To book your holiday in South America contact us on 1300 784 794 or email: contact@satc.com.au.

Subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about our latest news, new experiences and all things Latin America.