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Another high-end option on Easter Island, Hangaroa Eco Village is best for those visitors who like their freedom and easy access to town. Currently going through a “soft opening,” the hotel is working out its kinks and is slated for official opening in August, 2012.

Design touches are chic, including Argentine-imported furniture, free-standing Cyprus tree trunks, driftwood paneling and deep free-standing black ceramic bathtubs. 75 large guest rooms, including 8 suites have views of the sea and town and all have private porches. The architecture of the main buildings as well as the guest rooms is modeled after the ancient structures of the island. The grass roofs and dark stone facades are designed to blend in with the landscape.

Two aims of the hotel are giving back to the community and maintaining an ecologically-sustainable property. The spa and excursions are sub-contracted out to local companies and many areas of the hotel were built to act as meeting spaces for the community. Hangaroa proudly has instituted water filtration systems, recycling programs and serve organic and locally-produced food. The best items on the menu of the two restaurants are the simplest, featuring local seafood (tuna and lobster) and produce (pineapple and sweet potato).

Enclosed within a volcanic rock wall, the spa mimics the protected gardens ancient Rapanui built to shelter vegetables from wind. The interior resembles a Japanese rock garden, with sand-covered ground disturbed by the occasional scattered volcanic rock and wooden walkways connecting six rooms with plunge pools, outdoor showers, a sauna and adjacent individual hot tubs. In addition to massage, a lymphatic treatment is offered, the ideal way to adjust after long travels.