Hotel Awa
Puerto Varas, Lake District, Chile
Hotel Awa sets the luxury benchmark high for Chilean Lake District sleeps. This swoon-worthy retreat makes the most of its breathtaking location on the sparkling shore of Lake Llanquihue, and while we’re yet to visit, we hear it's fast becoming the region’s chicest holiday address. It’s evident that architect owner Mauricio Fuentes has managed to pull off that rarest of feats: grown-up glamour that also ticks the boxes for kids. There’s a lot to love on the design front, too; expect a flawless use of glittering glass and exposed concrete on the asymmetrical façade, and a uniformly excellent mix of Mapuche fabrics, volcanic rock and cypress woods everywhere else.
Incredible views of the white-topped Osorno Volcano dominate in the 25 spacious and stylish rooms and suites, all with statement-making rustic décor, liberal creature comforts and planet-kind extras. There’s also attentive staff (the owner has a summer home right next door), a superb restaurant for regional dishes paired with Chilean wines, and an atmospheric spa featuring a magnificent glass-walled swimming pool with ravishing views. But the real superstar is the setting - the gateway to Patagonia - and you’d be remiss if you didn’t make the most of seeing and doing as much as possible in this adventurist’s playground.
Incredible views of the white-topped Osorno Volcano dominate in the 25 spacious and stylish rooms and suites, all with statement-making rustic décor, liberal creature comforts and planet-kind extras. There’s also attentive staff (the owner has a summer home right next door), a superb restaurant for regional dishes paired with Chilean wines, and an atmospheric spa featuring a magnificent glass-walled swimming pool with ravishing views. But the real superstar is the setting - the gateway to Patagonia - and you’d be remiss if you didn’t make the most of seeing and doing as much as possible in this adventurist’s playground.
Highs
- A game-changing hotel with astonishing views from every spot - all 25 rooms gaze out over the lake and out towards Osorno Volcano
- An architectural masterpiece - everything is designed by the owner, an architect with a love of glass, stone and volcanic-rock interiors
- The regional menu is extremely impressive and the selection of Chilean wines isn’t bad either
- The smart spa’s glass-walled pool is a true marvel
- Great eco-credentials: organic food, recycled glass and aluminium, a water treatment plant, plus hands-on social responsibility programmes
Lows
- The vibe is resolutely chilled so younger kids will need to be entertained here
- It’s 30 minutes from Puerto Varas so not ideal for those wanting walkable town access
- Interiors are impressive and local materials take centre stage; if you prefer glossy minimalism, look elsewhere
Best time to go
This area of the Chilean Lake District is beautiful all-year-round but is probably at its best from October until March, when the days are warm with clear blue skies and the nights are cool but not especially cold. March to May is also surprisingly pleasant and calls for shorts and t-shirts in the daytime, with perhaps a light jacket at night. Whatever the season, persistent winds and unpredictable (but relatively short) downpours are a given so you’ll need waterproofs and plenty of layers.
Our top tips
Pack walking boots and comfortable footwear for outdoor adventures - and even thermals if you’re considering hiking up Osorno Volcano (or skiing, snowboarding or tubing) during the cold winter months (Jun-Sep).