&Beyond Vira Vira
Set in 23 acres of Native Park along the shores of the Liucura River, &Beyond Vira Vira offers a true hacienda experience in the region. It exposes aspects of regional cuisine and traditions, immersing travellers in the surrounding scenery and adventurous pursuits of Pucón.
The hotel is made up of 20 rooms and suites which are traditionally decorated with Chilean rugs and whimsical local furnishings to create a cool and comfortable vibe. The wood cladded rooms reflect the natural surroundings on the banks of the Liucura River to lend a true sense of belonging to the region. The Hotel Suites come complete with a terrace for unparalleled views, ideal for unwinding with a glass of locally produced wine after a day of exploration, but the real highlights are the extremely spacious Villa Suites which each have an exterior jacuzzi overlooking the river.
The local Mapuche culture is one of the most historically rich cultures of Chile, whose descendants still inhabit the Araucanía zone. Among their beliefs is the respect for mother earth and nature. In keeping with this heritage, the hotel will be a wonderland for the new-age eco-pioneer. It operates as a fully-fledged farm managed by ecological standards and the up most respect for the environment. Every day the local Chef will carefully tailor two menus full of fresh farmhouse cuisine to each guest before serving in the restaurant that overlooks the lagoon. Guests can also be actively involved themselves. The hotel has built a state of the art milk and cheese dairy and their locally trained Cheese Maker will knowledgeably introduce travelling foodies to the skilful art of cheese making. They may also be guided through the sustainable harvest of different types of corn or help breed a selection of animals. In between meals, guests can try the Hacienda's freshly squeezed fruit juices, learn to bake the hotel's delicious bread and home-grown jams or extract delicious honey from the beehives that scatter the hotel's surrounding park.
Activities at &Beyond Vira Vira are infinite in summer or winter. Adventurers will relish whitewater rafting and kayaking down the rapids, climbing the Villarrica Volcano, trekking through untouched natural parks, cycling and riding; while more relaxed guests can enjoy peaceful fly fishing, gently drifting down the river in a boat or bathing in the soothing Volcanic Thermal Springs. Snow sports in the winter include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and winter horse riding in front of a backdrop of Chile's mystical snow-capped volcanoes. To unwind, Claudia Paravicini, co-owner of the hotel is a certified Hatha Yoga teacher (BDY/EYU) and hosts both individual or small group classes in the brand new Mapuche style Ruca, a perfect setting for challenging and meditative classes of Yoga.
Why We Love It
Owners Michael and Claudia live most of the year at the hotel and are the most lovely hosts who often organise a BBQ and mingle with the guests.
Tierra Chiloe
This avant-garde geometric masterpiece is home to five-star boutique hotel Tierra Chiloe; the newest member of the Tierra Hotel family and the pioneer of luxury hotels in Chile's Northern Patagonia.
Amid quaint fishing villages accessed down a eucalyptus-lined avenue, you'll find Tierra Chiloe; bold yet somehow in keeping with the surrounding landscape, clad in native materials and hand-crafted touches. Each of the 12 cosy guest rooms are minimalist in design featuring large windows framing spectacular sea and fjord views. The rather inviting lounge boasts an open fireplace while the reading room and terrace offer alternative places to relax and take in the view. Be sure to try one of their Pisco Sours - some of the strongest and tastiest in Chile and fast-becoming pretty legendary.
Everything is about relaxation and nature in this part of the world and Tierra Chiloe remains in keeping with this, as a no-fuss an all-inclusive hotel. And that starts with the food. Most ingredients are locally sourced and from which the chef daily prepares a fresh set menu -think mussels, merzula ceviche and fillet steak. The wine-tasting room and open-air fire below the hotel are particular favourite after-dinner spots for guests.
There are a variety of excursions on offer for the adventurous traveller including trekking, biking, horse riding, kayaking and bird watching as well as cultural trips to the UNESCO Jesuit churches dotted across the island. After a long day return to Tierra Chiloe to unwind in the spa, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
Why We Love It
It's completely in a league of its own on this hilltop overlooking this inland sea. It's all about its surroundings and the all inclusive nature means you don't have to think about anything once you get there - even the activities are included.
Nomads of the Seas
MV Atmosphere by Nomads of the Seas is a stunning expedition vessel, which comes complete with helicopters and zodiac ribs, enabling guests to explore some of the lesser known areas of the great wilderness that is Chilean Patagonia. This is quite simply the perfect escape for the 21st Century explorer.
Nomads of the Seas enables guests to explore these stunning landscapes by air, land and water, for the ultimate in soft adventure. Cruise coastlines of virgin rainforest, rocky islets, fjords, volcanoes and glaciers, and set foot on land, discovering unexplored territories home to home to ancient native communities, unspoiled national parks, and unique ecology with the expert team of guides on-board. This incredible expedition vessel allows travellers to explore one of the planet's southernmost regions, whilst able to return to the safety and comfort of this state-of-the-art ship.
Patagonian lakes provide the ultimate fly-fishing experience, full to the brim with insects and crustaceans, as well as small fish, drawn by the rich vegetation, and the MV Atmosphere is fully equipped for guests to live out their fly-fishing fantasies on board. For the wildlife aficionados, whale-watching, bird-watching and nature photography are all possible. Fifty percent of the cetacean species on the planet habituate the Chilean coast, and Nomad of the Seas have created the first scientific whale-watching programme in Chile, directed by marine biologists. During February and March, look out for Blue Whales, Humpback Whales and Orcas. Similarly, approximately 450 species of birds can be found in Chile, many of which are endemic to the region, and frequently spotted on voyages.
Nomads of the Seas is also big on adventure - enjoy treks through the Southern jungles, kayaking, jetboating through the fjord channels, and white water rafting - which involves transporting guests to the start point high in the Patagonian mountains by Bell 407 Chopper. And for a real once in a lifetime experience? Elite skiers can be one of the very first in a merry band of skiers to try out the virgin Patagonia slopes on a Heli-Skiing adventure. We told you it was big.
Back on board, a relaxation area including sauna, jacuzzi and tubs ensure guests can unwind after the days adventures, whilst gourmet regional cuisine is served, along with wine tasting experiences. With a crew that outnumbers passengers, service levels are ship-shape too. Cabins are light and comfortable, all ensuite, with both air-conditioning and heat controls, under bed storage and panoramic windows. There's no grandiose design, techy mod cons, or room service - but then you're not here for the cabins.
Why We Love It
As if all the above isn't enough (we're sold) - the Atmosphere was selected by Super Yachts Magazine as among the planet`s top ten Explorer Yachts, as well as being one of the top ten fishing venues of the World, according to Forbes Magazine (and us).
Antumalal Hotel
Set in lush hillside gardens a mile or so outside the town of Pucón, the Antumalal hotel is built in the distinctive Bauhaus architectural style which influenced the design of Chile's famous explora hotels.
The modern building manages to blend into its surroundings thanks to extensive use of local wood and stone.
This boutique property comprises of 13 guest rooms as well as a number of suites and chalets, all comfortable and luxurious with a very distinct character and a warm and friendly atmosphere; the bedrooms don't have numbers on the doors; each room is complete with native wood paneling, a fireplace and great lake views; and the sitting room, bar and restaurant encourage sociable interaction between guests.
In addition to its beautiful gardens, the hotel has its own boat dock, a swimming pool, small spa and offers a wide range of guided excursions into the surrounding area.
Why We Love It
With floor to ceiling glass walls and an open air terrace, views of the beautiful flower-filled terraces, Villarrica lake and volcano beyond can be easily enjoyed.