Hotel AWA Located on the southern slope of Lake Llanquihue, with a direct view of the Osorno Volcano, Hotel AWA is a tribute to the nature of the Patagonian region of Chile.
Every mountain lover's bucket list includes Patagonia as one of the must-visit destinations. For most of the world, it means long flights to reach the Southern part of Chile, where nature created one of the most beautiful environments on Earth. What could compensate for such a travel effort apart from the region's sheer beauty? A unique boutique hotel, of course.
Puerto Varas is a quiet town just over a thousand kilometers from Santiago. The green of the forests, the blue of the lakes, and the white of the volcanoes are the perfect setting to spend a few days disconnected from the world.
The best way to do so is at the AWA Hotel, which offers privacy and tranquility. It has a private beach and dock, an exclusive 20-hectare field, and the option of doing water sports.
Arriving at kilometer 27 of Route 225 in Puerto Varas, the hotel's architecture immediately captures your attention.
During the three-year construction of AWA, the architect and hotel owner couple, Mauricio Fuentes and Jimena Hernández, developed the concept of a sustainable luxury hotel.
This desire comes from a romantic story. They both visited Puerto Varas for the first time on their honeymoon, and since then, they have returned to the city every anniversary. That's why the couple decided to buy this land and build the hotel.
Their vision was to create a place where guests could experience relaxation in a natural setting, with the volcano and the lake as the main attractions.
At Awa, water treatment and energy efficiency in the rooms are taken seriously. A garden supplies fresh ingredients for the restaurant. The hotel is committed to reducing plastic usage, utilizing wood-burning heating, and having an effective recycling system to minimize waste pollution.
AWA's building combines traditionalism, modernism, and brutalist styling. Locally sourced materials and elements typical of the region, such as multicolor slate, volcanic stone, and cypress wood, fill the hotel's facilities with life, aromas, and stories. Modern solutions such as reinforced concrete and large windows complete the look.
Hotel AWA is perfectly located in Patagonia, with Osorno Volcano, Lake Llanquihue, and the Alerce Andino National Reserve nearby. This makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the region's natural beauty.
The architectural project and interior design were done by Mauricio's own office, Arquigestión, where his son Mauricio also works. The building interior replicated the concept of simple lines and combined traditional objects with exclusive works of modern art.
Belgian chef Mathieu Michel collaborated with Chilean chef Jorge Diaz to create Awa Restaurant. They focused on using local techniques and ingredients from the area to produce international cuisine while still honoring the identity of Hotel Awa.
This collaboration resulted in a unique fine-dining experience featuring local classics like Ceviche and contemporary interpretations of burgers and pizza with unexpected ingredients.
Each of the hotel's 25 rooms has a floor-to-ceiling window with a postcard view of Lake Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano.
All the rooms feature speakers, a bathroom with a tub and separate shower, and a fireplace.
The hotel's Private Villa is located a few steps from the main building. It has the same view as the hotel and three rooms, and it's targeted at larger groups.
AWA's spa has a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool covered with glass panels on all sides, allowing for a panoramic and sun-kissed swim.
In addition to the large pool, the luxury spa has a sauna, therapy room, steam bath, and hydromassage pool.
The area is packed with adrenaline-pumping activities.
There are amazing hiking routes in the Alerce Andino National Park, birdwatching in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, kayaking in the Reloncaví fjord, rafting on the Petrohué River, fishing, cycling, horseback riding, and diving in places such as Todos los Santos Lake, Cayutue Lagoon, Frutillar or Llanquihue Lake.
