The Top 10 Resort Hotels in South America
This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.
While several countries are represented on this year’s South American resort list, one country — and specifically one region — has the largest representation. Peru’s Sacred Valley — a perennial favorite for its Andean villages and Incan ruins — claims four of the 10 spots, including three out of the top four. The resorts on this list prove that top-notch service, authentic cultural experiences, and superior amenities make the difference in attracting guests.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
Related: The World's Best Awards 2020
Multiple resorts in Chile and Argentina nabbed coveted spots in the top 10. Wine-focused resorts are especially beloved, like No. 10 Vines Resort and Spa and No. 7. Cavas Wine Lodge, both in Mendoza, Argentina. In the eighth spot is Vik Chile, in the remote town of Millahue, Chile. According to one voter, it’s a “wonderful place to be in the mountains and a great winery,” with food that “was amazing, and the wine was the best I had in my life.”
Resorts in Chile’s stunning national parks also nabbed several spots, including sixth-place holder Explora Rapa Nui, located on Easter Island, and the fifth-place Tierra Patagonia Adventure and Spa Hotel, in Torres del Paine National Park. The latter earned travelers’ adoration thanks to its “wonderful setting and excellent service,” as one reader wrote.
Read on to see the full list of this year’s best resort hotels in South America.
1. Awasi Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Score: 98.25
More information: awasipatagonia.com
While it would be easy for this year’s winner to rely on the stunning scenery that surrounds it to attract visitors, this Relais & Châteaux property doesn’t rest on those natural laurels. Minimalist villas with private wood-fired hot tubs tucked into the hillside are the key to its understated luxury, along with intuitive service, excellent food and wine, and exciting excursions. As one reader put it, “Awasi is in a league of its own.” Another gushed, “They curated our experience with a private guide based on our likes and dislikes. After staying with Awasi, I realized there is no other way to experience Patagonia.”
2. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Sacred Valley, Peru
Score: 98.07
More information: marriott.com
3. Explora Valle Sagrado, Sacred Valley, Peru
Score: 96.95
More information: explora.com
4. Sol y Luna – Relais & Châteaux, Sacred Valley, Peru
Score: 96.24
More information: hotelsolyluna.com
5. Tierra Patagonia Adventure and Spa Hotel, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Score: 95.64
More information: tierrahotels.com
6. Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Chile
Score: 95.43
More information: explora.com
7. Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina
Score: 95.40
More information: cavaswinelodge.com
8. Vik Chile, Millahue, Chile
Score: 95.33
More information: vikchile.com
9. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Peru
Score: 95.16
More information: inkaterra.com
10. Vines Resort and Spa, Mendoza, Argentina
Score: 94.78
More information: vinesresortandspa.com
See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2020.