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.
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).
- Boutique Hotel
- 25 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pools
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
- Laundry service
Rooms
The smart design style extends to the immaculate rooms and suites. All have floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise views of snow-topped Osorno Volcano and the dazzling lake. There are kingsize or twin beds (perfectly positioned to gaze out through the windows), decorative fireplaces, earthy colour palettes, eco-friendly LED lighting and meticulous use of Mapuche fabrics. The sleek ensuite bathrooms have power showers, roomy Jacuzzi bathtubs, fluffy bathrobes and organic bath products.
Measuring 75 sqm, Suites offer the most living space, with most featuring balconies. Each also has a separate living area with a small bar, sofabed, coffee table and enough room for an additional bed if needed. The comfortable Superior Rooms are smaller at 45 sqm, and are best suited to couples. Both room types have all the mod cons you’ll want and need.
A further set of rooms are located in a separate villa, 20 metres from the hotel. These are split into Standard, Superior and Suite, according to their size. All have those all-imporant lake views. Opt for a Superior or a Suite if you want a bathtub. The villa can also be booked in its entirety, for groups of up to 8 people.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
The hotel’s all-day restaurant places a huge emphasis on dishes made with fresh, wholesome and organic ingredients - most of which are locally-sourced or grown in the hotel’s garden. Expect an exquisite and ever-changing seasonal menu that pays homage to the region’s culinary heritage (roast Patagonian lamb, succulent seafood, meat pies, empanadas) as well as seriously impressive Chilean wines picked by the trusted sommelier.
Breakfast is a high-end buffet affair of made-to-order eggs, fruit, fresh breads and pastries, cereals, juices and coffee. There’s also a bar for anytime cocktails as well as a smattering of places to relax with a glass of wine - by the fireplace in winter or outdoors when it’s nice and sunny.
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
Activities
- Take advantage of heaps of exciting excursions on offer, including birdwatching trips, seaplane flights, rafting, diving, trekking, mountain biking and visiting the region’s craft markets to learn about Mapuche culture.
- Explore the impossibly pretty town of Puerto Varas. Wander along the sweeping lakeside promenade, admire the remarkable Germanic architecture and take selfies outside the red-and-white Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.
- Borrow a bike from the hotel and hit the cycling trails around Lake Llanquihue, Chile’s second-largest lake famed for its calm waters and black-sand shores. You can also enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and beach picnics.
- Hike up the green slopes (or cheat and take the chairlift) leading to the snow-covered summit of Osorno Volcano. The ascent takes roughly six hours on foot, but the views are stupendous.
- Prepare to be dazzled by roaring turquoise waters tumbling over dark volcanic rock at Petrohué Waterfalls, one of the most photographed falls in the world.
- If you have nature-loving kids in tow, little beats a guided horseback ride through the forested mountains, flower-filled meadows and remote valleys.
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Cycling
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Scuba diving
- SUP
- Trekking
- Waterfalls
Kids
Kids of all ages are welcome at Hotel Awa - and there’s little chance of them getting bored if you take full advantage of the fun-filled activities on offer. While limited child-friendly facilities are available on-site, the semi-Olympic size indoor pool is a delight and the gardens are glorious. The hotel’s 75KW photovoltaic power plant may also satisfy curious minds. There’s also highchairs for babies and reliable WiFi for older kids and teens.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
There's a Family Room that sleeps 5, which is made up of an interconnecting Superior room and an annexe. Suites are also good for families as they have separate living areas with sofabeds. Most rooms can accommodate additional beds for kids if needed. Cots are free; simply ask at reception.
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming pool
- Gardens to play in
Distances:
- Airport: 50 minutes
- Hospital: 25 minutes
- Supermarket: 25 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Hotel Awa is located on the edge of Lake Llanquihue, in Chile’s Lake District. It's a 25-minute drive from the city of Puerto Varas. The Petrohué Waterfalls, Osorno Volcano and Alerce Andino National Park are all nearby. Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park is 90 minutes away by car.
By Air:
El Tepual in Puerto Montt is the closest airport (48km). Regular domestic flights operate from Santiago and Buenos Aires airports.
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange a transfer, or you could rent a car and self-drive. There’s ample on-site parking space for guests.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- El Tepual airport 48.0 km PMC
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 27.0 km
- Restaurant 15.0 km