Sitting on a private reserve with view of Torres del Paine's snow-capped mountains, Awasi redefines luxury in Chilean Patagonia.

What once was a humble fly-fishing lodge has been transformed by adventure-lodging powerhouse Eleven into one of Chile's most special lodges.

Tierra Atacama is the perfect retreat for nature lovers seeking both serenity and adventure.

For travelers exploring the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia and Atacama, Vik Chile offers a wow conclusion to a Chilean adventure. Here's our review.

Situated in the lush Catarpe Valley just outside San Pedro de Atacama, Alto Atacama is set against a strikingly remote backdrop; the Salt Mountain Range looms in the distance, blending in with the adobe-walled property and giving a sense of isolation despite being only a mile from town.

The hotel’s forty-two rooms are sprinkled throughout the property, and all are decorated in a harmonious earth palate, with regional touches like hand-woven blankets in vibrant reds and orange hues. Many have private terraces overlooking the meticulously cared-for gardens. Shared spaces include a cozy living room with a fireplace, an outdoor lounge to take in the gorgeous sunsets and the aforementioned gardens, lovingly referred to as the “Andean Park,” constructed as a tribute to the surrounding terrain. And of course, Alto has a roster of over 30 excursions, ranging from horseback-riding on the sand dunes to exploring the nearby Incan ruins.

Located off one of San Pedro de Atacama’s main streets, Awasi Atacama is the area’s most exclusive property with only ten rooms and private excursions.

Explora Atacama opened in San Pedro Atacama in 1998, and it is now known for outstanding adventure excursions. The hotel is set on forty-two acres, and its fifty rooms and common spaces are focused around a central square, giving it the look and feel of an adult summer camp. The property boasts a lovely garden, four pools and a small area for spa treatments.

The luxury resorts in the area, such as Tierra Atacama and Alto, offer more comfortable bedrooms and more on-property, pampering amenities. However, for outdoorsy travelers, the Atacama Desert’s real attraction is its stunning wilderness, and the Explora offers the best excursions and excellent guides. Although they are all group tours, the maximum number of participants for each activity ends up being only around eight (because of the van size). Offerings include serious mountain hikes and multi-day voyages into neighboring countries, so for serious adventure types and climbers, or horseback riders (it has its own stable), this property remains the standout choice.

This famous lodge may not be easy to reach–a 4.5-hour drive from Punta Arenas, which is a four-hour flight from Santiago–but its isolation in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park is what makes a trip here so special. Travelers come to disconnect from civilization and reconnect with nature through the extensive list of excursions offered in one of the world’s most spectacular settings. Like other, newer lodges, Explora offers a range of hikes, from less strenuous half-day walks along Laguna Azul to full-day climbs to the base of the Paine Towers. Explora also has stables with horses for gaucho-led rides. The forty-nine rooms are simple and comfortable, all with wonderful views as well as hydromassage baths - ideal for relieving post-hike soreness. Although most guests spend very little time in their rooms, those who require a bit more space should upgrade to a suite, as the rooms tend to be a bit snug (around 300 square feet). There is also a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and four outdoor Jacuzzis.

Explora Lodge in Patagonia National Park is a soulful, undiscovered gem in the remote mountains of Chilean Patagonia.

The most luxurious option on Easter Island comes from famously all-inclusive Chilean property chain Explora.

Located a mile outside of town, Hotel Antumalal is a 1950s throwback resort. The hydrangea-lined driveway leads to the main building, which can only be described as a study in 20th-century architecture (in fact, the hotel is on many Chilean architecture schools’ syllabi). The owners, a Czech couple who moved to Chile in the 1940s, were attracted to the area as it reminded them of the Swiss Alps, the area they loved and missed. Still family-owned and -run, the lodge exudes an old-world charm, perpetuated by the lovely staff.

The rooms in Antumalal offer panoramic views of Lake Villarrica and boast warming fireplaces. Bed throws and rugs are handmade by the local Mapuche community and rooms are furnished with items made from wood, iron and cord.

The dining room features a large picture window, enforcing the Frank Lloyd Wright concept that nature is the best décor, and fireplaces abound throughout the common areas. Dinner begins with pisco sours and homemade potato chips by the fireplace or on the terrace, and continue with traditional Chilean-meets-Swiss dishes highlighting regional specialties. The hotel, whose name translates to "corridor of sunset," is positioned to offer guests spectacular sunset views.

Located in the tree-lined residential neighborhood of Santiago’s Lastarria, sits a quiet boutique hotel. A narrow lobby, walled with mirrors, leads to a wrought-iron and white marble staircase, which emits a coolness and luxurious sense of opulence. The property is not, however, over-the-top in the least. Built in 1927, the building was a private home until 2011, and the designers have preserved the spacious, well-appointed rooms, high ceilings and creaky hardwood floors. Chic, spacious bathrooms feature rain showers and soaking tubs. The back garden boasts a beautiful swimming pool and the café, on the second floor, offers a delightful breakfast buffet. The sense that I was in someone’s grand but cozy private home was enforced when a strong earthquake hit on a recent visit—it wasn’t until after the quake ended that I realized what had happened; the only effect on the hotel was that a few hung pictures were knocked askew.

With two restaurants, a spa and a pool, the Mandarin Oriental offers the best amenities in the heart of Santiago.

The 205-room Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, the company’s only property in South America, is one of the few big luxury names in Santiago, but it manages to convey an intimate, boutique feeling. In addition to all the dark wood, plush, floral-print and marble sumptuousness you’ve come to expect from the brand, this hotel—located in the tree-lined neighborhood of El Golf, within Las Condes—features a spacious deck under a crystal dome on the rooftop, with a gorgeous pool and a Jacuzzi and breathtaking views of Santiago.

Guest rooms feature classic, traditional décor with full modern-day amenities and many with fabulous views of the city's skyline. There is a 7,500-square-foot fitness center and spa and an indoor pool with windows looking out the Andes mountain range.

An elegant on-site restaurant, Estró, specializes in seafood dishes from the Chilean coast and serves “New Chilean” cuisine.

Many of Patagonia’s most renowned lodges are located either within the Torres del Paine National Park or right outside of it. The Singular sits around an hour and a half’s drive away, outside the coastal town of Puerto Natales. Although this may seem like a drawback, the location has a host of advantages: not only is the lodge more easily reached from the local airports, but it also offers visitors a broad variety of excursions not available within the park. Its coastal location makes adventures on the water some of the most popular, from kayaking through fjords to fly-fishing to sailing through the Last Hope Sound to a private reserve. Full-day hikes through the Park, treks to the ancient Mylodon Caves and cycling are also highly recommended.

The Singular is built within an historic meatpacking facility, and elements of its past - a Victorian engine room, a tannery - are still uniquely on display. The fifty-four rooms and suites sit in a modern wing, each with floor-to-ceiling picture windows overlooking the fjords. While the decor is minimalist, it has traditional Chilean accents such as wooden writing desks, oversized armchairs and historic photos of Patagonia explorers. And, unlike at some of the other lodges, rooms also have satellite TV. There is also a small spa with a steam room, dry sauna and indoor/outdoor pool, as well as a buzzy restaurant with an award-winning chef. Families have flocked to the Singular due to its convenient location as well as its excursions that suit children too young for serious trekking. Although there aren’t interconnecting rooms, rollaway beds can be brought in for smaller kids and adjacent rooms reserved for teens.

With only 15 guest rooms, all furnished differently, and a staff that goes above and beyond expectations, the Aubrey is a quintessential boutique hotel. For those seeking a more personalized experience in Santiago, this property, situated at the base of the beautiful San Cristobel hill, is ideal. The setting in the artistic Bellavista area puts all sightseeing, as well as myriad dining and shopping just steps away; its location at the bottom of the Metropolitan Park, which includes a fantastic zoo, makes The Aubrey the best option for a family trip. The pool boasts spectacular views of the neighborhood and provides a welcome break after a day walking around the pedestrian-friendly city.

Furnishings are eclectic, in keeping with the Victorian-meets-chic-Bohemian look the British owner was going for, and many aspects, such as the rich dark wood paneling in the lounge, remain from the original mansions dating back from the 1920’s. (The two buildings were combined to make the hotel in 2010.)

The outdoor seating available in the restaurant and bar, under stone arches gushing with waterfalls, are delightful spots to enjoy the tasty cocktails and cuisine. Breakfast is fit for royalty, and with purple velvet wingback chairs, guests will feel positively regal. Plus, the restaurant is one of few in Santiago that serve early dinner (6:30pm) and weekend brunch. The only downside is the occasional farm-like scents drifting from the nearby zoo. Tip: Request a Pavilion room or one of the suites.

Opened in 2014, this luxury hotel is an oasis in the heart of Chile’s capital. Its exterior may be unassuming—according to Chilean law, any construction in the area must abide by strict stylistic rules—but whatever the façade lacks is made up for by its elegant, spacious and bright interiors. Blending classic with contemporary design, the 62 guest rooms are warm and inviting, featuring a muted palette of creams and greys. A few of the rooms have balconies, with the higher floor options offering a view.

The rooftop terrace has a large wooden bar, outdoor pool and views over the city and draws a local, post-work crowd. The restaurant has a relaxed vibe despite its sparkling chandeliers and bow-tied servers and serves seasonal Chilean dishes alongside an impressive wine list that features labels from within the country. Breakfast is cooked to order, and, in the summer months, can be enjoyed in the outdoor courtyard space, which acts as a casual dining area. The 3,300-square-foot subterranean spa offers specialty chakra treatments centered on balancing physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.

Most modern-day Patagonian explorers head south, straight to the luxury lodges in the famed Torres del Paine National Park. But when Tierra Chiloé opened on the island of Chiloé in 2012, the coastal adventures became just as appealing. With 24 rooms, this high-design hideaway on the undiscovered island of Chiloé is a unique alternative to the Torres del Paine lodges. A short hop from Puerto Montt (the flights make a quick stop there but passengers from Santiago do not need to change planes), Tierra Chiloé combines contemporary décor with rugged scenery and land and sea excursions. The hotel has its own boat, custom-made by local boat builders, to explore the channels and small villages, and there are also horseback rides that leave from the lodge. For those less interested in active pursuits, the villages of Achao, Chonchi and Quinchao are UNESCO World Heritage sites and have prime examples of Chiloé’s unique architectural style. Each of the 24 rooms has large picture windows framing the views of either the inland sea or wetlands.

Only 25 minutes from Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra Patagonia offers guests stunning views of the Massif from every window.

The first W Hotel property in South America opened in 2009, and is now one of the hottest hotels in the city. Located within one of the office towers in Las Condes neighborhood, the W merges the wow factor of a modern nightclub with the tried-and-true comforts of a top hotel. The design was overseen by Sergio Echaverria and Tony Chi (responsible for Mandarin Oriental in New York among others), so the lighting, the furniture and the art make a major statement but the sense of deep cosseting comes through as well. You have to take an elevator up to the main lobby level, where you find the check-in desk, the W Lounge (probably the coolest living room in town) and various restaurants, from a wine bar, Asian Osaka restaurant and the gourmet French NoSo restaurant to a great outdoor bistro Terraza with views of the mountains and the nearby park. The 196 guestrooms range from large doubles (310 to 450 square feet) to suites that feel like fabulous apartments. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows and balconies to make the most of the city/mountain views, all of the rooms have a modern urban glam aesthetic. Some have dramatic abstract art on the walls; others have bathtubs (some are even sunken) in the same room as the beds so both face a skyline view; all have gorgeous materials and large bathrooms. (Don’t worry you can view them all online to pick what suits you.) On the roof is a stunning pool and a bar that is ground zero for the city’s cool scene. The location is great too, because you are walking distance to some of Santiago’s best shops and restaurants. In fact, some like El Mundo del Vino are right in the same building.