Hotel Awa
Architectural bobby dazzler
By Lake Llanquihue
Hotel Awa in Chile’s picturesque Zona Sur is a bold visual punchline of glittering glass and stone – no surprise, then, that its accomplished owner is an ambitious architect and designer. The Wallpaper-worthy eye-candy continues inside, courtesy of Mapuche fabrics and looms, local materials such as flagstone, volcanic rock and wood from the endogenous guaitecas cypress tree, plus artworks by Matilde Perez. (The stunning views of Llanquihue Lake and Osorno Volcano will also vie for your attention.) Unwind by the pool, get pampered in the spa and try Chilean cuisine in the restaurant – but don’t forget to set forth for adventures in the local, off-the-radar national parks; they’re right on your doorstep, after all.
Facilities
Rooms
Fifteen, including four suites.
Checkout
Noon, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 3pm.
More Details
Pick from B&B rates, or half- or full-board. All rates include Continental and buffet breakfast: muesli, pastries and just-baked bread, plus items cooked to order, including omelettes starring free-range eggs from Awa’s farm.
Also
Thoughtfully, Hotel Awa provides hair straighteners and sun hats.
Fitness Center
Free Internet Access
Laundry
Pool
On-Site Restaurant
Spa
At the Hotel
Gorgeous gardens; spa; gym; adventure activities and private excursions; on-loan bikes; laundry service, WiFi, on-site parking. In rooms: bluetooth speaker, Jacuzzi, TV, WiFi, shaving mirror, air conditioning, minibar, free bottled water, decorative fireplace.
Our Favourite Rooms
Opt for second- or third-floor sleeping quarters for the best volcano views.
Poolside
The pool is one of the hotel’s architectural magic tricks: it appears to float outside, with a glass wall overlooking the lake.
Spa
Awa’s dazzling spa has a 25-metre-long 28ºC pool, another 38ºC pool with stunning views of the volcano, a steam room, a sauna, a treatment room (we’d opt for the royal jelly facial or a revitalising massage) and a small gym, where Pilates and yoga sessions take place. Breathe in the scent of wood and sweet citrus while you relax and unwind.
Packing Tips
Bring boots and threads fit for outdoors adventures.
Also
Rates also include spa access, WiFi and use of the kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and bikes. The first floor can be accessed by a ramp; the other levels can be reached by the lift.
Children
Accepted, but the hotel is really designed for adults.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
The usual rules apply: outside on the terrace when the sun shines; inside by the fire, if and when it doesn’t.
Dress Code
Awa was designed to be an extension of the owners’ home – they want you to feel at home, so wear whatever you’re comfy in. (We’d opt for a Wallpaper-editor meets Chilean-explorer look: Perspex specs, textured wools, linens and leather accents.)
Hotel Restaurant
The restaurant’s daily-changing menu sings little love songs to the region and its delicious produce, meat and seafood. Try the scallops, the Chilean lamb and the moreish empanadas. As much as possible is sourced from the hotel’s organic garden; the expert sommelier works closely with the kitchen to wine-match the delicious dishes.
Hotel Bar
Just keep your eyes peeled for the floating Chilean boat in the lobby and you’ll find the bar, whose riffing-on-the-region cocktails star home-made spirits and liqueurs. Cool off with a mojito or mint julep; that robust Chilean wine isn’t to be sniffed at, either…
Last Orders
Breakfast is available between 8am and 10am; lunch is served from noon until 3pm; dinner from 8pm until 10pm.
Planes
Fly into Puerto Montt’s El Tepual airport, an hour away (Smith24 can sort your flights). Hotel transfers cost US$80 one way, for up to four people.
Automobiles
The city of Puerto Varas is a half-hour drive from the hotel; there’s plenty of on-site parking space for guests.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Start by exploring the national parks of Chile's picturesque Los Lagos region (Lake District). Then, back at your boutique basecamp, make the most of the organic farm by trying farm-to-table activities such as harvesting, followed by a cookery class. Take to the lake by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, which are free to borrow. You could also hop on bikes and dip into the 90-mile circuit that covers Lake Llanquihue. Go swimming or sign up for pampering treatments at the spa. This adventurous hotel can also arrange seaplane flights, fly fishing, hiking trips, bird-watching, cultural expeditions and rafting. Petrohue Waterfalls and the road up to Osorno Volcano are half an hour away. Alternatively, explore the pretty city of Puerto Varas, which has traditional German-style architecture, reflecting its 19th-century immigrant roots, and the red-and-white, three-towered Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
