Five thumb hotels by region
Take a look at the hotels that have consistently delivered to the highest levels. These hotel are not necessarily selected for their star rating but more for "getting it right"!
Argentina
Awasi Iguazu
Awasi Iguazu is a new, luxury option, in and around the Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side of the border. Owned and operated by the Awasi chain (who operate a couple of the best properties in Chile, the Awasi Atacama and the Awasi Patagonia) this is a very classy new option and has shaken up the... More... Our rating:
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Chile
Explora Rapa Nui
For a number of years, Explora Rapa Nui stood head and shoulders above the competition on Rapa Nui, almost like one of the giant Moai statues to which visitors flock to see. More recently, other luxury hotels have opened on the island; yet Explora arguably remains the top pick. We believe that... More... Our rating:
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Hotel AWA
Hotel Awa is an architectural marvel with breathtaking view of the Osorno volcano from its secluded position on the shoreline of Lake Llanquihue. After 2 ½ years of construction, Awa opened its doors in November 2016 and has become the place to stay for those looking to treat themselves whilst... More... Our rating:
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Tierra Patagonia
First off we must emphasise that we are big fans of Tierra properties. They seem to know intuitively what their customer needs and provide service that is first class. This property is a relatively recent arrival to the area surrounding the Torres del Paine National Park and we were very exited to... More... Our rating:
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Tierra Chiloé
This is the newest of the three Tierra hotels and the only luxury hotel on the enchanting island of Chiloé; an archipelago just off the coast of Chile’s Lake District in Northern Patagonia with its own unique culture and traditions. Unlike at the other two hotels in Patagonia and the Atacama, the... More... Our rating:
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Awasi Patagonia
Awasi is one of a kind in this remote area and we think they got it right. First of all, you do get the impression from the management team that nothing is out of reach to make their guests happy. At the same time, the service and interaction is very informal. Staying somewhere like Awasi, means... More... Our rating:
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Nayara Alto Atacama
Nayara Alto Atacama has fast become one of the most sought-after all-inclusive luxury hotels in San Pedro de Atacama and for good reason. Combining modern accommodation with traditional design, the hotel’s terracotta building blends seamlessly into its surroundings and boasts some of the best views... More... Our rating:
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Hotel Casa Higueras
Definitely our choice of the hotels in the Valparaiso region, the Casa Higueras is a wonderful property that commands outstanding views out across the port. Located on Cerro Alegre, in one of the best parts of the city, the Casa Higueras is a cleverly designed and beautifully decorated place to... More... Our rating:
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andBeyond Vira Vira
andBeyond Vira Vira is a secluded property in Chile’s Northern Lake District. Situated on a working farm and surrounded by native parkland the hotel brings the style of luxury adventure lodge found in the Atacama and Torres del Paine to the Lake District, with delicious home-grown food, luxurious... More... Our rating:
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Awasi Atacama
Many would argue that the Awasi is the best property in and around San Pedro de Atacama…and for good reason. This small and very private property is made entirely in the local adobe fashion and so merges with its surroundings perfectly. Located a little closer to town than its competitors it is... More... Our rating:
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Explora Atacama
The Explora Atacama has long been setting the standard for top end accommodation in and around San Pedro. With its stark and bold design, it stands out from the simple adobe buildings of the town and the rugged beauty of the desert. Today, we are still big fans of the place, but would argue that... More... Our rating:
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Lapostolle Residence
The Lapostolle Residence is, arguably, one of the most exclusive and interesting of the properties in the Colchagua Valley, approximately two and a half hours out of Santiago. With only 4 suites, nestling into the side of the hillside, and all looking out over the Apalta vineyards, there is nothing... More... Our rating:
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The Singular Patagonia
One of the more recent additions to the list of luxury adventure lodges in Chilean Patagonia, the Singular Puerto Bories has fast become one of Chile's top hotels and a firm favourite for travellers to the region. Housed within a former cold-storage plant on the banks of the Ultima Esperanza Fjord... More... Our rating:
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Cumbres Puerto Varas
Opened in June 2009, the Cumbres Puerto Varas has really set new standards for the accommodation in and around Puerto Varas. One of the four Cumbres hotels in Chile, hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas is certainly one of the most stylish and upmarket properties with 90 rooms and a whole swathe of... More... Our rating:
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Hotel Antumalal
Built in the 1950s Hotel Antumalal was one of the first hotels to be established in Chile’s Northern Lake District. Having hosted a number of famous of names and faces over the years, including the Queen and Neil Armstrong, its appeal lies in its sense of history and strong ties to the local area... More... Our rating:
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La Casona at Matetic
Similar in concept to that of the nearby Casa Real, the La Casona at Matetic offers superb accommodation in an absolutely delightful setting, while also being a stone’s throw from one of Chile’s finest vineyards. Located just of the main road through to Valparaiso, the Matetic vineyard has become... More... Our rating:
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The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel
Following in the success of the Singular Patagonia, the Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel has quickly become one of Santiago’s most popular hotels. Situated in the historic and touristic neighbourhood of Lastarria in the heart of the city, the Singular wins our vote over other 5-star luxury hotels... More... Our rating:
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Tierra Atacama
With so many great hotels up in this region of Chile, it is difficult to pick an out and out winner as each offer something different. In our view, however, if you are after views, great food, great service, facilities and value for money then the Tierra Atacama is where we pick! Wonderfully... More... Our rating:
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The Aubrey
Located in the chic Bellavista region on the capital, the Aubrey is a relatively new venture from the owners of the superb Pasta e Vino restaurant in the nearby Valparaiso. Definitely one of the most designed of the city’s hotels, the hotel features a second of the award winning restaurant, but for... More... Our rating:
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Indigo Patagonia
Far and away our pick of the hotels in Puerto Natales…if not this entire region of Chile! Designed in a contemporary and simplistic manner, the hotel has cleverly combined natural wood with industrial, blackened iron, beams that create a three dimensional interior framework. The rooms, by contrast... More... Our rating:
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Ecuador
Hotel del Parque
This opulent hotel resides in Guayaquil’s Parque Histórico (Historic Park). Built on the bank of the Rio Daule and surrounded by the botanical gardens of the park, Hotel del Parque is a tranquil haven in Ecuador’s most populous city. The hotel has a fascinating history: Originally built in 1890,... More... Our rating:
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Sacha Lodge
Located in the largest private reserve in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Sacha Lodge now owns nearly 5,000 acres of pristine rainforest. Not only does this provide a vast conservation area, free from mining, drilling, hunting and logging; it offers guests an incredible and authentic Amazon experience.... More... Our rating:
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Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi lodge must be seen to be believed. Built on the site of a former timber mill, this architectural marvel is surrounded by 2,500 acres of pristine Cloud forest reserve. Incredibly, not a single tree was felled in creating the property or the single access road. The visionary owner – former... More... Our rating:
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Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge
Napo Wildlife Ecolodge offers a luxurious stay in the privileged, Amazonian setting of the Yasuni National Park – Ecuador’s largest protected area. Since 2003, the property has been run by and for the local Kichwa Añangu inhabitants; balancing an authentic, exclusive experience for guests and... More... Our rating:
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Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel
Our pick of the hotels on Isla Isabela. The Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel is the newest property in Puerto Villamil and, for us, delivers on all fronts. Located on a beautiful beach, you really can sit and watch iguanas crossing the golden sand dunes; all from the comfort of the picturesque... More... Our rating:
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Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
The luxurious Finch Bay Hotel is rightfully listed on the prestigious National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, and is certainly one of our favourite properties found in the Galapagos. There are countless reasons choose this hotel for your stay in the Enchanted Islands, especially for... More... Our rating:
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Illa Experience Hotel
A beautifully restored 10-bedroom property that dates back over 300 years, the Illa Experience Hotel flawlessly blends colonial history and contemporary design. The hotel embraces its San Marcos neighbourhood location, famous for the artistic community that has thrived in this part of the city’s... More... Our rating:
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Casa Gangotena
This lavish hotel have prime location on Plaza de San Francisco, overlooking the bustling square and imposing Baroque church of the same name. Whilst most the original colonial mansion was destroyed in a fire in 1914, the property was gloriously rebuilt over the next decade by Quito’s esteemed... More... Our rating:
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M/C Endemic
What sets this luxury yacht apart from its competitors is the staggeringly size of the cabins – over 340sq. ft. of your own space. At times, it is easy to forget you are on a boat! The best way to remind yourself that you are, is to step out onto the cabin’s equally roomy, private balcony and take... More... Our rating:
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Galapagos Safari Camp
The Galapagos Safari Camp goes far beyond just impressive tents to deliver an extraordinary experience. Set in the heart of Santa Cruz’s highlands on a 120-acre former farm, the property excels in responsible luxury and responsible travel. The camp is respectfully designed to have a minimal... More... Our rating:
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Hotel Plaza Grande
This majestic, opulent hotel surely wins the ‘best location’ accolade, sitting, as it does, on one corner of Quito’s main square – Plaza de la Independencia (also known as Plaza Grande). Sharing the square is the Presidential palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Archbishop’s palace and City Hall; very... More... Our rating:
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Pikaia Lodge
The location, design and execution of Pikaia Lodge is nothing short of spectacular. Set atop an extinct volcano crater, carpeted in lush vegetation, the views over Santa Cruz island and across to Santa Fe Island really are captivating…especially from the comfort of the infinity pool! With two... More... Our rating:
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The M/C Elite
Since its maiden voyage in June 2019, the Elite has set the bar for luxury travel with eco-credentials in the Galapagos. Like her sister ship – the Endemic – the Elite is owned, operated and built by an Ecuadorian team boasting decades of experience in the tourism, conservation and maritime... More... Our rating:
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Golden Bay Galapagos Hotel
Apart from the risk of losing your sunlounger to a sea lion, the Golden Bay Galapagos hotel is the ideal place to stay and enjoy the charms of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The property overlooks Playa de Oro (Golden Beach); and it is hard to find a more enjoyable experience in town than sitting in the... More... Our rating:
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The M/Y Grace
The Grace is steeped in history and offers Old World charm combined with modern-day technology. The yacht was built back in the 1920’s and boasts a remarkable sequence of chapters in her life; from a party-boat for the super wealthy to being utilised by the British Navy during WWII (Churchill’s... More... Our rating:
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M/V Origin
The Origin and her identical sister ship (The Theory) are the only luxury yachts operating in the Galapagos with the famed Relais & Châteaux affiliation. Therefore passengers are assured a high standard of comfort and service, with exceptional cuisine to boot. All the social areas, as well as... More... Our rating:
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M/V Theory
The Theory and her identical sister ship (The Origin) are the only luxury yachts operating in the Galapagos with the famed Relais & Châteaux affiliation. Therefore passengers are assured a high standard of comfort and service, with exceptional cuisine to boot. All the social areas, as well as... More... Our rating:
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Colombia
Hacienda Bambusa
When it comes to immersing oneself in Colombia’s premium coffee region, Hacienda Bambusa really does have it all. This beautiful, 8-bedroom property’s tranquil setting is a private estate bursting with cacao, banana, plantain & lemon trees and an abundance of birdlife. There are plenty of... More... Our rating:
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Hotel de la Opera
Hotel de la Opera consists of two separates houses: One from the Colonial period of the 1800s; and the other built during the Art Deco movement in the 1940s. The result is a fascinating hybrid with centuries of history. Indeed, it is claimed that the original colonial house accommodated the... More... Our rating:
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Four Seasons Casa Medina
The Four Seasons Casa Medina offers the perfect blend of historic architecture with contemporary design. Built in 1945 and converted into a hotel in 1988, Casa Medina has the distinction of being declared a monument of culture by the Colombian Ministry of Culture. From the imposing façade that... More... Our rating:
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Casa Legado
Casa Legado feels like home. Not your actual home, but the home you wish you had! Tucked away in the peaceful, quirky district of Quinta Camacho, Casa Legado offers 7 uniquely luxurious rooms (the owner Helena, is an interior designer) all inspired by the core theme of the property – family.... More... Our rating:
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Hotel Cosmos Ananda
Hotel Cosmos Ananda is a beautifully restored 16th-century townhouse in the heart of Cartagena’s picturesque walled city. Featuring just 23 spacious rooms and suites, the property is a peaceful sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Cartagena’s mesmerising cobbled streets. With a spa and two... More... Our rating:
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Hotel Las Islas
Hotel Las Islas is an enchanting, beachfront property in the forest of Isla Baru, which can only be accessed via boat or helicopter. This oasis of Caribbean serenity can leave you somewhat speechless – an incredible design where you can chose to live and dine in the treetops or down at beach... More... Our rating:
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Tierra del Fuego
Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa
There is no doubt that when the Arakur Hotel was conceived, it was to ruffle the feathers of the other high end properties of the region and to try and challenge the Alpine style of the competition. The imposing granite and copper structure sits atop the hills at the edge of town, looking down... More... Our rating:
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