Close your eyes and think about Chile. Do you immediately think of Patagonia? Most people do. Patagonia is very well known and for good reason. It is stunningly beautiful, and the glacier’s blue color is otherworldly. The Torres del Paine National Park is well known all over the world, and there is so much to see and do. You can set yourself up for the iconic full-day hike, Mirador Las Torres, which is about 12 miles and 8-10 hours with a steep final boulder climb, ending at the lake beneath the three towers. If that is a bit much, the Salto Grande waterfall and Mirador Cuernos walk, or a hike in the French Valley are top options.
In addition to the active hikes, there are boat rides to view glaciers, and you can see wildlife galore (hello, Puma trekking!) Horseback riding to an Estancia with a gaucho is another awesome activity (we loved the estancia life), and if there is anything else you’re dreaming of, my partners can help.
Most people think about the active time in Patagonia, but they don’t consider what to do after that. Yes, you could go home to real life, but after the miles of hiking in Patagonia, this is where it is time to take a deep breath and exhale. That is why I went down to Chile recently to check out a few different high-end resorts that fit the bill for some post-Patagonia nights.
For the Wine Lovers: Clos Apalta Residence
First up, Clos Apalta Residence, a Relais & Chateaux property. This stunning resort sits on the hillside above the Lapostolle family’s Clos Apalta vineyard in the Colchagua Valley, Chile’s premier red-wine region, about 2.5 hours south of Santiago. You arrive via a winding road through vineyards, up to a building that feels like home. This isn’t your grandmother’s home; think of the home of your chic aunt with modern interior design that also feels cozy. Once you’ve settled in on the couch, the team checks you in and then takes you directly to your home via golf cart. To be clear, I say home, intentionally. There are just 10 private casitas and villas tucked into the hillside, and each has a wraparound veranda, a deep stone soaking tub and a private plunge pool looking over the vines.
If you can peel yourself away from one of the largest suites I’ve seen in a while, there are many wine and food experiences. The Clos Apalta winery is an architectural landmark, a gravity-flow winery built down into the granite hillside. Finish in the cellar, tasting the flagship Clos Apalta blend. The kitchen team did an amazing cooking class with our group, combined with a pisco sour masterclass. In addition to on-site activities, the Colchagua Valley has many well-known vineyards, and I think a day spent winery hopping is a requirement.
For the Wellness Seekers: CasaMolle
While I love a winery ending, if you are craving some wellness, the alternative finale has to be CasaMolle in the Elqui Valley. Here, you’ll experience a touch of the mystical, rather than a wine focus. The valley has long drawn seekers, with local lore about its special energy (our transfer driver shared some VERY interesting stories of orbs following him and magnetic experiences). Whatever you believe, it is undeniably peaceful, sunny almost every day, and home to the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary, which makes it one of the best places on earth to see the stars.
While we were there, we did meditations with quartz circles, sound baths, and music therapy. At night, I had the pleasure of experiencing the open-air amphitheater with a local astronomer pointing everything out. If you have a golfer with you, the opportunity to golf between the cacti can’t be missed. Yes, the mystical aspects are nice, but don’t forget that it is a Relais & Chateaux property, so you know the food and wine are 10/10.
Ready to Experience Chile?
When you’re ready to plan your Chile adventure, don’t forget to add in time to relax and reach out to me to help you decide which route to go.
