Top 10 best luxury hotels in South America

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (March 19, 2018): Top 10 most amazing luxury hotels in South America.

South America and its patchwork of legendary landscapes and iconic historic sites does not disappoint. The continent delights travelers and its spirit is infectious. No matter where you go, the awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains, treacherous jungles, surreal deserts and spectacular mountain ranges will sweep you away. Here are the top 10 most spectacular hotels in South America that should be on your bucket list.

There is more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite property in South America in the comments section, or take my poll below!

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10. BELMOND MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY LODGE, PERU

Belmond Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only lodge that is in the National Park for which it is named. Waking up at this hotel is probably the best part of staying here because you’re amongst a privileged few who can be in this spectacular setting before the tour buses begin to arrive. Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is located steps from the entrance gate to the Machu Picchu ruins. The famous Inca trail is also at its doorstep. Rooms are essentially the same, and all have a pleasant view of mountains or gardens, but guests pay a hefty premium for the dozen rooms with the coveted panoramic Andes views from outdoor terraces. Although the location is remote, service here ranks among the best in the country. Rates include all meals and bookings far in advance are recommended. The property is frequently sold out from May through September.

• Hotel website: Belmond Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when you book this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).

9. FASANO RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

The Fasano Rio de Janeiro is undoubtingly the best hotel in the Ipanema area of Rio. Famed designer Philippe Starck is responsible for the design and although it may not appeal to all tastes it is certainly unique. In his first hotel architecture project, Philippe Starck chose to reflect the heyday of the Bossa Nova era in the 50’s and 60‘s, when Ipanema blossomed into the city’s most charming neighborhood. An ocean front room (they all have furnished balconies) are well worth the extra you will pay. Even these are not large but do have spectacular views of Ipanema beach and “two brothers” mountain. It’s from the privacy of these rooms that you can also view the largest concentration of beautiful bodies in the world passing by 24/7. Located on the 8th floor, the chic rooftop infinity pool offers an unparalleled view of world-famous Ipanema beach from an angle that captures Arpoador, the Morro Dois Irmãos and the Corcovado.

• Hotel website: Fasano Rio De Janeiro
• Other top 10 accolades: Fasano Rio De Janeiro also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Rio De Janeiro, the world’s most beautiful rooftop pools, the world’s most spectacular hotel rooftops, and swimming pools with the world’s most spectacular views.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).

8. PALACIO DUHAU – PARK HYATT BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

The legendary five-star hotel Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is breathtaking inside and out, and the finest hotel in Buenos Aires. The hotel perfectly blends the 1930’s charm of the French Palacio Duhau with contemporary design, décor, and modern day comfort and amenities. Much of the hotel overlooks beautiful gardens that are like a secret green oasis in the centre of bustling Buenos Aires. The artistic nature of this city is reflected throughout the hotel and its guestrooms with works of art adorning many of the walls and the hotel even boasts its own art gallery for you to while away the hours. Offering standard and deluxe rooms or suites, outstanding restaurants, the atmospheric Oak Bar, the luxury Ahín Wellness & Spa as well as an art gallery, pool, Tango classes and fitness studio, there is very little you are left wanting for.

• Hotel website: Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
• Other accolades: Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires features in my top 10 list of the world’s best urban resorts.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when you book this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, wine and cheese tasting at Palacio Duhau Vinoteca, early check-in and late check-out.
• Review: read my review of Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires here.

7. TIERRA PATAGONIA, CHILE

Tierra Patagonia is a friendly, welcoming hotel with a sublime location in the uttermost south of Chile. Tierra Patagonia is surrounded by nature, in splendid isolation, overlooking lake Sarmiento and the towering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park which was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. Interior architects Alexandra Edwards and Carolina diPlano aimed to bring the outside in at the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, with interiors radiating an ambiance of Patagonian warmth and comfort. Large windows provide the same excellent mountain and lake views from shared spaces as well as from the 37 double rooms and 3 suites, which envelop guests in warmth amidst the wilderness. A distinctive feature of the hotel is the Uma Spa, a relaxing space that offers steam baths, sauna, heated indoor pool, hydro massage, outdoor Jacuzzi and locker rooms with lush towels and robes. 

• Hotel website: Tierra Patagonia
• Other accolades: Tierra Patagonia also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most amazing hotel lobbies, the world’s most amazing indoor hotel pools, and swimming pools with stunning views.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when you book this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).

6. KENOA – EXCLUSIVE BEACH SPA & RESORT, BARRA DE SAO MIGUEL, BRAZIL

Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort is located in Barra de Sao Miguel, one of the most tranquil and beautiful locations on Brazil’s northeast coast. Merely 9 degrees south of the equator, the region is privileged with a single season year-round and presents a tropical climate and a sea water temperature that is invariably pleasant – indeed, summer all year round. Embraced on the north by the resplendent panorama of miles of virgin Atlantic outback and on the east by the turquoise enchantment of the open sea, Kenoa Resort is as wondrous as it is very private, a place where luxury is defined by its earth-given beauty. Interconnection with nature is also present in the 23 accommodations, including suites and villas. The suites offer a traditional Japanese ofuro on their balcony and the villas also offer a private, infinity-edged border heated pool and an external deck.

• Hotel website: Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when you book this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, per room, once during stay).

5. BELMOND HOTEL DAS CATARATAS, BRAZIL

The only hotel located within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas enjoys an unrivalled location in the jungle, just a short stroll from Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. Due to its location, guests have exclusive access to the magnificent surroundings in the evening and at dawn, when the park is closed to other visitors. A Portuguese-colonial residence, this classic luxury hotel is redolent with the atmosphere of lazy days lounging on a veranda or beneath sub-tropical palms. Rooms have been meticulously renovated by the designer responsible for the décor of its famous sister hotel, the Copacabana Palace in Rio. The hotel offers thrills and excitement in abundance: helicopter trips over the falls and jungle treks to view amazing wildlife including colourful toucans and giant butterflies.

• Hotel website: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas
• Other accolades: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas also features in my top 10 list of the most luxurious rainforest hotels in the world.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and complimentary one-way private airport transfers private sedan transfer for up to two people per room).

4. THE LLAO LLAO HOTEL & RESORT GOLF SPA, BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA

Located in a national park in the Argentine Patagonia, Llao Llao is perched on a small hill between lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno, framed by lakes, woods and the Andean peaks. This magnificent hotel is considered an architectural masterpiece for its setting, design and the harmonic integration with its natural surroundings. It was built by architect Alejandro Bustillo in 1938 and fully renewed in 2003. A Canadian-style building with Norman roof tiles and visible cypress logs blending with the region’s green stone, the Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf – Spa is an attraction that should not be missed when visiting Argentina. The 168 double rooms, 32 suites and 1 cabin enjoy spectacular views of Moreno Lake and Mt. Tronador among them. The hotel also features an indoor/outdoor heated infinity swimming pool, a whirlpool, sauna facilities, a spa, and a Health Club & Fitness center.

• Hotel website: The Llao Llao Hotel and Resort Golf Spa
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and complimentary one-way private airport transfers private sedan transfer for up to two people per room).

3. TIERRA ATACAMA, CHILE

Tierra Atacama is a boutique hotel on the edge of San Pedro de Atacama in the world-famous Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Tierra Atacama’s architecture, interior design and gardens were designed by some of Chile’s leading creative talent. Tierra Atacama’s objectives were to be as authentic as possible, using furniture and accessories handmade with local materials. The resulting spaces excite, relax and inspire guests. The hotel has 32 rooms styled with Atacameñan details. 16 “Oriente” rooms have terraces with volcano views as well as bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. 14 “Poniente” rooms have bathrooms with bathtubs and showers as well as terraces with views of the gardens and Salt Mountains. Two family rooms sleep up to six with one master bedroom and two rooms with two twin beds and their own bathrooms. The hotel has many private corners, so guests can seat by one of the terrace fire pits, lounge next to the pool or relax on one of the shady outdoor decks.

• Hotel website: Tierra Atacama
• Other accolades: Tierra Atacama also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most luxurious desert retreats.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when you book this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD spa credit).

2. PONTA DOS GANCHOS, FLORIANOPOLIS, BRAZIL

Located on a private peninsula near Florianopolis on Brazil’s south coast, Ponta dos Ganchos is South America’s most exclusive beach resort. A ridge of Atlantic rainforest runs down to the water, where three tiny islands horseshoe around a sandy bay. A thatched restaurant idles ten feet from the beach, but paddle across to one of the islands and you find a bar that’s illuminated by torches at night. You are in the middle of nowhere here, and Ponta dos Ganchos delivers the dream: idyllic landscapes of emerald sea and forest, contemporary interiors in 20 beautiful cabanas (some with private plunge pools, saunas and jacuzzis) and service that’s second to none (all meals, including breakfast, are served at any hour of the day).  Follow the coast round on either side and you come to tiny fishing villages, but most stay put and bask in luxury. There’s an indoor pool, tennis and volleyball, even a private cinema. Snorkeling, diving (including tuition), canoeing, sailing and boat trips are also on offer.

• Hotel website: Ponta dos Ganchos
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when you book this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

1. EXPLORA PATAGONIA, TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, CHILE

Explora Patagonia is located at the center of the Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The hotel opened in 1993 on the banks of the Salto Chico waterfall. It affords an excellent view of the unique Paine Massif and two of the three impressive torres, or towers, which give the park its name. Situated on a 3-hectare (7.4-acre) site, the design borrows certain organic forms from the landscape itself, adapting to it with simple elegance The 37 Cordillera Paine Room and the 6 Exploradores Suite all have breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and horns. The recreational area is located a short distance from the main building, connected by a sloped wood path, and it is equipped with a heated, covered pool, sauna, and four open-air jacuzzis with spectacular views. Room rates include accommodation, transfers from and to the airport, meals and beverages, and a menu of more than 40 exploration routes designed by the lodge’s outdoors team.

• Hotel website: Explora Patagonia
• Other accolades: Explora Patagonia also features in my top 10 lists of hotel rooms with the best views and the world’s best wilderness lodges.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

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