Kiwi Curated
Country Hopping Across Latin America
by Darren DunneFew places on earth offer the cultural and geographical diversity of Latin America. From Chile’s vineyards and snowy peaks, to the jungles and beaches of Brazil, the continent is chockablock with extraordinary experiences. Spring has sprung in the southern hemisphere, and herein are nine noteworthy places to visit right now.
Country Hopping Across Latin America
Uman Lodge, Chile
Where better to start than an architectural delight nestled deep in the heart of Patagonia – Uman Lodge. This country retreat is perched on a cliff with mountain views and a river below. The interiors are nothing to scoff at either, providing a hideaway that’s both luxurious and cozy. The 16 Superior and Master Suites all count private decks, stylish furnishings and jaw-dropping views among their delights. Outdoor enthusiasts are extremely well catered to here, with activities like hill walking, rafting and horse riding.
Country Hopping Across Latin America
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa, Argentina
A year-round outdoor playground, Llao Llao Hotel & Resort lives in Argentina’s stunning Nahuel Huapi National Park. In summer, guests take to the lake and try their hand at watersports, or grab the clubs and tee off at the 18-hole golf course. In winter, the local ski hills offer all sorts of winter sports, including snowshoeing. These outdoor activities are amazing, but so is the property’s fully featured spa, luxurious lodging and gourmet dining—all tempting one to stay in.
Country Hopping Across Latin America
Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
Country ranch meets Saint Tropez at Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio, an elegant boutique hotel on Uruguay’s picturesque coast. Each of the 12 individually decorated suites feature works by Uruguayan artists, while the brick-barreled dining room sports a one-of-a-kind wood-and-glass floor that’s perched atop the wine cellar. Beyond the tastefully curated walls, guests have a plethora of outdoor opportunities to take in, such as swimming laps in the outdoor granite pool, polo on the private polo field or kayaking one of the local lakes.
Country Hopping Across Latin America
Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, Brazil
Beach resorts don’t come much more dreamy than the eco-friendly Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte. A restful break is guaranteed at this secluded resort, near Salvador on Brazil’s northern coast. Care has been taken to preserve the incredible biodiversity of the area, with simple architecture enhancing the vivid surroundings and a range of waste reducing measures keeping things green. A Thalasso Spa is counted among the hotel’s many conveniences, while three restaurants and two bars provide victuals for hungry guests.
Country Hopping Across Latin America
La Mision Hotel Boutique, Paraguay
Asuncion is one of Latin America’s best kept secrets, and boutique colonial delight La Mision Hotel Boutique is located right in the heart of the city, giving guests walkable access to sights such as the cathedral, Panteon Nacional de los Heroes and Plaza de Armas. A “home away from home” atmosphere permeates the hotel, with just 36 warmly decorated rooms and suites. Guests are granted use of a local cell phone during their stay, which makes getting lost while sightseeing less stressful.
Country Hopping Across Latin America
Titilaka, Peru
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Peru’s lake country with a stay at Titilaka, an all-inclusive hotel ensconced on a secluded peninsula. Each of the 18 suites offers a view of the silver waters of Lake Titikaka. The local area has harbored civilization for thousands of years, and guests are invited to explore several archaeological sites nearby, such as Chullpas de Sillustani or the churches of Juli and Pomata.
Country Hopping Across Latin America
Casa Gangotena, Ecuador
A recent restoration has bestowed all of the trappings of a modern luxury hotel on the magnificent colonial facade of Casa Gangotena. Antiques, iPod docking stations and fine furnishings intermingle across the 31 stylish rooms, while a range of classic Ecuadorian dishes are served up in the artfully-decorated dining room. It’s easy to spend the lion’s share of one’s time in such pleasing surrounds, but the neighborhood of San Roque, one of Quito’s most storied ’burbs must be explored. A range of walking tours are available to guests.
Country Hopping Across Latin America
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Colombia
A 17th-century monastery used to occupy the site of Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, but now instead of monks, guests are more likely to cross paths with the hotel’s family of toucans and cocktails under the tropical sun. The interior courtyard of this historic hotel resembles a small, well-manicured jungle with exotic birds going to and fro amid the historic arches and columns. The 119 accommodations here look out over the Caribbean or the bustling city of Cartagena, with its plentiful supply of museums, theaters and restaurants.
Country Hopping Across Latin America
El Mangroove, Costa Rica
Life is good at El Mangroove, a trendy eco-friendly resort on Costa Rica’s stunning Papagayo Peninsula. A native mangrove forest provides a leafy backdrop to the understated look of the resort, with its 85 bohemian-chic suites. A generous ratio of one member of staff per three guests ensures all needs and whims are catered to promptly, whether that be paddle boarding or lounging at the pool. Come evening, spectacular locally-sourced dishes are served at both of the resort’s two restaurants, and the beach club inspires dancing.