Overview
Modernist marvel
The stunning Hotel AWA is located on the banks of Lake Llanquihue close to Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt.
Designed by its architect owners and stands as a contemporary interpretation of the typical style of the area, combining bold modernist design with native Mapuche fabrics and crafts, volcanic rock walls, fur throws, wooden floors and lots of natural light.
Each of its 21 guest rooms as well as its new private villa with 4 more rooms, boast uninterrupted views across Lake Llanquihue to Volcano Osorno through floor-to-ceiling windows.
AWA also has a fine dining restaurant with a gastronomic menu crafted around produce from its organic garden and local growers, as well as a spa with a rather special swimming pool. Surrounded by national parks, it is a wonderful destination in its own right, while also working as a stylish stopover while exploring other remote corners of southern Chile.
Facts
At a glance
-
21 rooms and private four-bedroom villa
-
Restaurant
-
Swimming pool and spa
-
B Corp Certified
Experiences
-
Hiking
There are a number of route in the area, including scenic mountain hikes, parts the trail used by the first Jesuit missionaries in the region, and paths through forests home to the world’s smallest deer, the pudu, and tiny kodkod cat.
-
Kayaking
This activity takes place in seawater, although in an area protected from large waves and tidal swells. Accompanied by a mountain setting, it is a must-do experience.
-
Cycling
The hotel has a selection of bikes to borrow, a great way to explore the area's trails and lakeshore.
Footprint
In 2020 AWA became the first Chilean hotel certified as a B-Corporation. The hotel has strong environmental policies and works actively with the community, always balancing economic interests, people and the environment.
They measure all carbon emissions from the hotel and excursions, with a goal to reduce fossil fuel usage by 80% from 2018’s levels for 2030. AWA has its own renewable energy source, an 110KW photovoltaic plant and uses energy efficient lighting and equipment wherever possible.
AWA actively encourages low impact activities such as kayaking and cycling, offering the free use of kayaks, SUPs and bikes.
Almost all of the fruits and vegetables consumed in Chile today come from the country’s central zone, a journey of 1000km to the hotel, so to ensure freshness, decrease food miles and support local business, AWA seeks to use produce from its own gardens or nearby suppliers who share their ethos.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
-
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
-
Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
-
Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
-
Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.