Thinking about taking a trip of a lifetime to South America? A stay at any one of these luxurious resorts across the continent is sure to make for a truly unforgettable escape that you’ll be talking about for many years to come.
Fazenda Sao Francisco do Corumbau - Bahia, Brazil
One of the best places to stay in Bahia for whale watching, the Fazenda Sao Francisco do Corumbau sits on a private stretch of pristine beach. It offers outstanding amenities for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and other water sports. This small boutique resorts features private bungalows, scattered among the coconut palm trees near the white sand and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy hiking the treks surrounded by mangrove swamps, biking along the shore and diving right in front of the property among colorful corals and an array of fish. After taking part in activities, you can unwind on your bungalow terrace and savor fantastic seafood dishes, or just relax in your hammock, taking in the magnificent sea view.
The Singular Patagonia - Puerto Natales, Chile
This former Bories Cold-Storage Plant, once used for processing and exporting sheep, was transformed into a sleek, modern 5-star hotel with 21st-century amenities. Located on the waterfront in Puerto Natales, a small town in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, it offers spectacular wildlife and snow-capped mountain views as well as being just steps from Torres del Paine National Park. Expansive rooms boast glass-panel windows overlooking the Patagonian fjords, while brushed-cement ceilings allude to the building’s industrial past. Renowned as one of the top hotels in all of South America, it also features a sophisticated restaurant with views of the tranquil waters of Last Hope Sound and sawtooth ridges in the distance. The luxe spa has floor-to-ceiling windows with more incredible views of the fjord’s deep blue waters and everything you’d expect from a world-class, luxury spa, with treatments that include lotions and oils made with organic, locally grown herbs and fruit extracts.
Tivoli Sao Paulo Mofarrej - Sao Paulo, Brazil
The posh Tivoli Sao Paulo Mofarrej is a luxurious property near Sao Paulo’s top attractions. The five-star hotel raised the standard of lavishness for Sao Paulo hotels, housing the largest presidential suite in Latin America, attracting the likes of the king of Sweden and a number of Hollywood stars. Rooms are decorated in calm, neutral colors and feature 24-hour room service, flat-screen TVs and stocked minibars. Suites and collection rooms offer the added benefit of butler service. Some of the hotel’s highlights include its light-filled lobby with a glass roof, an outdoor pool surrounded by cabanas, an upscale spa and Seen Restaurant with its skyline views.
Santa Teresa Hotel RJ - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Relais & Chateaux Santa Teresa is a historic mansion turned luxurious, 5-star boutique hotel. It is located on a former coffee plantation in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, in the historical and cultural heart of the city. It offers a unique concept of tropical design and panoramic views of the bay along with bright cabanas in the lounge, lots of lush greenery throughout the grounds and near the pool, tiled mosaics and island-themed bed runners in the rooms. Most of the spacious accommodations offer panoramic views, while some deluxe rooms feature a hot tub and balcony. The hotel also features a rooftop pool with sweeping vistas of the city, a spa offering body treatments, massage and other services, and a restaurant serving tasty Brazilian cuisine along with a select list of wines.
Park Hyatt Mendoza - Mendoza, Argentina
Some say this restored Spanish colonial structure with a seven-story modern addition is the place to stay in Mendoza, with its outstanding location on the Plaza de la Independencia and abundance of modern comforts. One of the world’s best wine country resorts, the landmark hotel boasts a well-preserved 19th-century façade, a grand pillared entrance and wide veranda extending to either side of the street. Inside it’s all contemporary, with an interior incorporating granite, stone and wood, with the minimalist bedrooms softened by plump white pillows and duvets that cover simple ebony beds, while bathrooms feature white marble and crystal wash basins. Enjoy use of the gym, spa and an excellent buffet breakfast. After a day of visiting nearby vineyards, unwinding with one of the great vintages at Uvas Lounge & Bar, is a must.
Mine Hotel Boutique - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mine Hotel Boutique is an upscale hotel in Buenos Aires’ hip Palermo Soho neighborhood. It is a modern and minimalist property built of exposed stone and concrete that makes phenomenal use of space. It features a colorful aesthetic with cool common areas, a full bar and restaurant, and a youthful staff. From the outside, it has a futuristic vibe, but inside, the lobby is a Zen-like open area with distinct furnishings made from several different natural materials. Each of its cozy rooms is decorated with a different color scheme, offering a touch of warmth in golden yellows, lime greens and deep pinks. The full-service bistro, open only to guests, serves fantastic local cuisine along with tasty mixed drinks and local wines. Don’t miss the plunge pool, which is surrounded by grass and boasts a waterfall.
Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort - Governador Celso Ramos, Brazil
Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort is situated on a privately-owned peninsula, surrounded by the magnificent waters of southern Brazil’s Emerald Coast. Known as one of the country’s most exclusive beach resorts, the property is located just 25 miles from Florianopolis and a short, direct flight from Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro. Here the cerulean waters meet lush rainforest vegetation in a spectacular display of color, while charming bungalows blend perfectly with the jaw-dropping scenery. Accommodations boast simple, uncluttered décor in soothing shades, with huge beds and fine Egyptian cotton bedding.
Guests can enjoy playing a match on the oceanfront tennis court, strolling nature trails, indulging in a massage at the gazebos and swimming in the heated pool. The resort also features a fitness center, cinema, restaurant, bar and game room, while Arvoredo Island, the best site for scuba diving in the region, is close by. Chef Luis Salvajoli serves up an ideal blend of traditional recipes and Brazilian ingredients with international haute cuisine that’s sure to delight with its delicious flavors and simplicity too.
Explora Patagonia, Chile
Explora Patagonia is renowned for providing some of the most impressive mountain and waterfall views on earth, and a location in a UNESCO biosphere. This all-inclusive resort brings luxury to the wilderness in an ideal base for exploring the Patagonian landscape. Daily excursions ensure that guests fully experience this region’s awe-inspiring beauty, featuring horseback riding and hiking through the majestic Chilean mountains. The television-free rooms have an eco-conscious design featuring native lenga wood details and almond wood floors, designed to take advantage of the tranquility, silence and privacy of the surrounding landscape. At the bathhouse, you can unwind with massages, a swimming pool and a spectacular view of Lago Pehoe.
Iguazu Grand Resort Spa & Casino - Iguazu Falls, Argentina
The Iguazu Grand Resort Spa & Casino is situated just 10 minutes from the spectacular waterfalls of Iguazu that straddle the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The resort, regarded as the most luxurious at the falls, as well as being the only full-service resort and casino on either side, also boasts its own cascades, as well as multi-level swimming pools, a semi-Olympic-size Roman bath, live shows, a theater, spa and casino. Families will love Playland, a recreation center for kids and adolescents. The air-conditioned rooms contain French-style furnishings and elegantly draped curtains as well as balconies with uninterrupted garden views. Enjoy a full buffet breakfast complete with tropical fruits in the lounge overlooking the pool, and in the evening, chef-designed specialties in the on-site restaurant.
Country Club Lima Hotel - Lima, Peru
The historic Country Club Lima Hotel combines classic elegance with modern comforts in an upscale property featuring hi-tech amenities like iPod docks and flat-screen TVs. Set on a sprawling lawn with palm trees dotted throughout, as well as featuring a dramatically lit private outdoor garden, this regal property occupies one of the finest buildings in Lima, a massive 1927 structure built in Spanish tradition. Its signature feature is a round, stained-glass atrium where guests enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruits and eggs. Rooms boast palatial bathrooms, many of which feature separate soaking tubs. Facilities include an intimate outdoor pool, fitness room and guest privileges at the 18-hole Lima Country Club golf course. The on-site Perroquet Restaurant offers outstanding international dishes using local ingredients, while the English Bar serves up some of the best cocktails in the city.
Algodon Wine Estates - Mendoza, Argentina
Algodon Wine Estates is a tranquil refuge that offers wine tastings from their on-site boutique bodega. It also boasts access to golf courses, world-class tennis courts and an excellent restaurant. Stay in one of the elegant bedrooms within the lodge or in a remodeled villa built in 1920. Each room features either a fireplace or a wood stove, and all include their own patio with lovely garden views. Enjoy indulging in siestas underneath ancient olive trees, or unwinding with a glass of wine by the pool. The friendly staff can help you plan a bicycle, rafting and other wine tours as well as excursions into the nearby Andes. The on-site restaurant serves a wide range of local dishes.
Awasi Resort - San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Hidden away in the Atacama Desert, Awasi Resort is surrounded by a historic wall that once provided shelter to herders and shepherds just a short stroll from the historic town of San Pedro. It offers an ideal base for exploring nearby archaeological sites, going on 4×4 adventures in one of the driest deserts on earth, or even trying out sandboarding on salt flats. Afterward, you can look forward to returning to the ultimate in luxurious surroundings, sleeping and relaxing amid plenty of creature comforts. You’ll stay in one of the stone, adobe and wood cottages, which are all equipped with lush fabrics and incredibly soft furnishings. They also feature a private patio and an outdoor shower. Each cottage has its own assigned, off-road jeep and guide, allowing guests to choose from a wide array of things to do, including floating in a salt lake, visiting local villages and hot springs.
Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado - Urubamba, Peru
This remote, romantic getaway in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, among verdant fields and soaring mountains, is just a five-minute drive from Urubamba or a 15-minute drive from the Ollantaytambo Train Station. Less than two hours from Macchu Picchu by train, staff will also help guests plan a trip to this ancient wonder. The 5-star property was built using natural materials, resembling an Aldean village, and features stylish accommodation that blends European and regional influences. You’ll find fabulous touches like heated wooden floors, a Swiss shower that faces the river and a scenic terrace. Activities include everything from rafting and fishing to cycling and horseback riding, cultural programs and cooking classes. After a day of play, treat yourself to a massage with local herbs at Spa Mayu Wilka and enjoy dining at El Huerto restaurant, which features gourmet Peruvian meals made with organic ingredients.
Hotel Fasano - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Set along Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Ipanema Beach, this lavish property tends to attract celebrities and the uber-wealthy with its numerous luxurious features, including a rooftop pool set eight stories above the beach offering amazing sea and mountain views. Paying homage to the golden age of bossa nova and channeling the heyday of Jobin and Gilberto, the staff dons Ocimar Versolato-inspired uniforms. A key theme is the use of Amazonian wood, with the reception desk carved from a huge tree trunk, as well as modern glass and chrome. Elsewhere, specially commissioned furnishings re-create the style of the 1950s and 1960s, with guest rooms that feature Sergio Rodrigues furnishings and Starckian ear-shaped mirrors, along with private balconies providing sweeping views. Al Mare restaurant serves gourmet Mediterranean cuisine, while the Spa Fasano treats guests a menu of pampering body treatments.
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa - Sacred Valley, Peru
Tambo del Inka is a luxury resort that blends perfectly with the topography. Setting the bar high in the Sacred Valley as the second Luxury Collection property from Peruvian chain Libertador, its accommodations face either the Urubamba River or the cordillera and the Chicón glacier. The creative interiors weave ancient motifs into contemporary décor, including towering fireplaces that were sculpted from Inca-style stone walls, pre-Incan textile design reimagined as wallpaper, drapes and oversized regional pottery. Guests enjoy pampering in the massive spa as well as dining on amazing dishes like lamb loin crusted with aji amarillo and pecans over a quinoa soufflé at the Hawa Restaurant where organic, homegrown ingredients are featured in every dish. You can even become an active participant in creating your meal by joining a specialized greenhouse tour where guests handpick ingredients used to craft dishes served that evening.
Carmelo Resort & Spa - Carmelo, Uruguay
Carmelo Resort & Spa sets the standard of luxury in Uruguay. Nestled on the banks of the Rio de la Plata River, it offers a perfect spot for guests to enjoy southwest Uruguay’s natural surroundings. Blending Asian and Latin elements, the resort is set across more than 110 acres, bordered by eucalyptus and pine trees. Suites boast a large open space with exposed-beam ceilings, colorful local rugs and tapestries, and handmade furniture that includes a four-poster Lapacho bed. Step out onto the private terrace to watch the river, lounge by the pool with a cold drink, or get more active by taking a horseback ride along the water. There are multiple outstanding restaurants onsite, including Pura, specializing in local specialties and traditional Uruguayan barbeque.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort - San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
This Canadian-style resort is situated in a jaw-dropping setting in Nahuel Huapi National Park, one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Sitting on a grassy knoll, surrounded by three gorgeous lakes with a backdrop of cliffs and snow-capped mountains, some have called it Argentina’s most iconic hotel. Spacious and elegantly appointed rooms in the historic main building include locally crafted, one-of-a-kind furniture, while rooms in the Lake Moreno wing feature a more modern aesthetic. Local wood was used for the walls along a 300-foot hallway where paintings by local artists are displayed. A variety of dining options await including everything from gourmet versions of Patagonia specialties to a family-friendly breakfast buffet.
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas - Cusco, Peru
Once a convent and a palace, the Palacio Nazarenas somehow manages to feel like both. It’s timeless and tranquil as a spiritual retreat, yet still relentlessly upscale in every detail, including heated flooring in the Peruvian marble bathrooms. Even the more modestly named Chica Junior Suites boast intricately carved antique furnishings and on-call butler service. Upon request, due to the high altitude, oxygen-enriched air conditioning can be supplied to your room, and you can also choose to have it delicately scented with the aromas of Andean herbs and flowers. The property’s poolside, candlelit restaurant serves modern Peruvian fare utilizing its edible flowers and herbs grown onsite too. The Hypnoze Spa, surrounded by a peaceful, private patio and inspired by Inca and Andean culture, offers treatments aimed to improve mental, physical and emotional well-being with its own brand of organic products using indigenous Peruvian ingredients like coca leaves and Andean salts. Some treatment rooms also feature glass floors that expose the Inca wall underneath.
