Post-COVID travel will focus on vibrant city escapes to the world’s best outdoor adventure getaways. Well, South America has something for every type of luxury traveler. Right now the Canadian government is advising us to avoid all non-essential travel. Most of us are abiding by that. Some day soon though we’ll all be able to toss off the pandemic shackles. And we’ll get back to exploring some of the wonders the world has to offer.
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So let’s start planning for that inevitability. Forgo your tried-and-true vacation spots. Opt for unique bespoke experiences where you can explore your choice of culture and nature. If you can, look for adventures that delve into history. There will be even more of a hunger for that once we can freely travel again.
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Read on to discover our roundup of six of the most famous luxury hotels and resorts in South America.
CIRQA, Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa is an awe-inspiring ancient city. It is regarded as one of Peru’s most historically significant and architecturally stunning destinations. Arequipa is less than a two-hour flight from Lima. This underrated colonial city is home to beautiful baroque-era buildings. Plus there are three nearby volcanoes.
During your authentic luxurious Peruvian holiday, opt for a stay at CIRQA. The hotel is a magnificently intimate 11-room property set in a 1583 monastery. Walking around the peaceful grounds of CIRQA feels like stepping back in time. This luxury hotel did an incredible job of preserving the property’s original architecture, which is made from volcanic sillar rock.
Each of the 11 tranquil rooms features high-vaulted ceilings, contemporary furniture and modern conveniences like complimentary WIFI. Guests of CIRQA can also enjoy private transfers for nearby excursions to Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca.
Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janerio, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is a destination that truly has it all. It’s home to stunning coastlines, legendary nightlife, beautiful mountains, and world-renowned carnivals. Truly, there’s something for every type of luxury traveler.
During your visit to the Brazilian capital, a great place to stay is the Belmond Copacabana Palace. This stylish and iconic landmark hotel is situated on one of the world’s most iconic beaches. Guests of the Belmond can also pamper themselves with poolside service at Copacabana beach.
You’ll enjoy the best of Rio from your doorstep. Or stay in and enjoy the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant and botanical spa. Although there are limitless things to see and do in the city, be sure to carve out time to enjoy cocktails and tapas by the hotel’s picturesque swimming pools.
Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz Island, Galpagos, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands is one of the most unique places on Earth. Simply, it should be on the top of everyone’s luxury traveller’s bucket list, one of the planet’s true masterpieces. The Galapagos is a volcanic archipelago that lies 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador. Renowned for its friendly wildlife, rich history, and stunning white-sand beaches, it’s impossible not to enjoy this idyllic natural paradise.
A luxury trip to the Ecuadorian archipelago is incomplete without a stay at Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. Pikaia Lodge is a dream getaway for animal lovers and is located in the heart of its own private giant tortoise reserve.
As one of the leading eco-friendly lodges on Earth, Pikaia Lodge is the perfect home base for those seeking to enjoy the natural wonders of the Galapagos. All nearby islands can be reached within a short trip on the lodge’s stunning private yacht. Stays at Pikaia Lodge will include the option to join quality guided land and marine excursions so guests can learn more about the surrounding ecosystems and wildlife.
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure vacation in South America, we’ve got just the place in mind. Located in Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is home to jaw-dropping turquoise waters and incredible glaciers and mountains.
For the ultimate luxurious Patagonian escape, Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa is sure to inspire. Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa is a sustainable all-inclusive hillside hotel located a ten-minute walk from Lake Sarmiento. Each of the 40 rooms is decorated in warm wood tones and offers incredible panoramic views of the pristine national park.
Spend your time enjoying some R&R at the spa or taking part in an endless array of bespoke outdoor excursions. From wilderness bike rides, horseback adventures, or kayak expeditions, there’s something for every type of outdoorsman.
Casa San Agustín, Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena has long been considered a colorful hidden gem along the Caribbean coast. However, it wasn’t until recently that the capital city of Colombia began getting the attention of Canadian travelers it deserves.
For your luxury Cartagena adventure, be sure to stay at Hotel Casa San Agustin. With just 20 rooms and ten suites, guests of the intimate Hotel Casa San Agustin will enjoy impeccable Colombian hospitality.
This authentic boutique hotel is comprised of three beautiful houses and maintains its captivating colonial heritage. Enjoy the hotel’s romantic outdoor terraces. There is a stunning pool, and a divine gastronomic experience at Alma Restaurant.
Saving the best tip for last, guests of Hotel Casa San Agustin also have exclusive access to a private beach on the island of Barú. This island is regarded as one of Colombia’s most beautiful locations on the Caribbean coast and features unrivalled tranquility.
The Vines Resort & Spa, Mendoza, Argentina
Wine enthusiasts from across the globe adore the Argentinan province of Mendoza. This beautiful region accounts for 60 percent of the country’s wine production. Famous for its Malbec, other noteworthy varieties from the area include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
On your next visit to Mendoza, be sure to stay at The Vines Resort & Spa, a luxurious oasis at the base of the majestic Andes Mountains. The entire resort is comprised of 21 modern rustic villas, each with incredible views of the Uco Valley.
Enjoy laid back luxury as you take part in incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences offered within the resort. Our best tip: don’t miss the opportunity to create custom wine at the onsite vineyard with the world-renowned winemaker, Santiago Achával.
TOP IMAGE: CIRQA, PERU
Angela Serednicki is a Toronto-based lifestyle journalist specializing in travel, health and wellness content. She’s written for some of Canada’s top publications, including Best Health, Reader’s Digest Canada, The Globe and Mail, Today’s Parent, The Huffington Post and MSN.com. After working with the largest luxury-focused travel agency in North America, Angela has become even more passionate about the incredible bespoke travel experiences the world has to offer. Angela is a proud graduate of Ryerson University’s School of Journalism.
