LASTARRIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL- Santiago, Chile

One of the most charming and memorable aspects about visiting Santiago was how surprisingly easy it was to feel like a local. All along the streets, friendly strangers said hello and smiled. Passersby who may have noticed we were a bit lost kindly offered directions, the food was so comforting at just about every restaurant that it felt we’d been enjoying the dishes for years. And when it comes to hospitality, the boutique hotels in the city have cornered the market on gracious service and one that you’ll certainly be hearing of on your radar is the stunning Lastarria.

Built in 1927, Lastarria maintains the bohemian, classic charm of the era yet modern enough to hold its own in the bohemian quarter, set in its own microcosm of cool, surrounded by the best museums, galleries, trendy shops, antique stores and innovative restaurants. The historic home is so private it feels as if its truly your own residence, complete with a beautifully hidden outdoor pool with manicured greenery, stylish bedrooms and suites all well appointed with the latest technology, and a personal gym and treatment room. There’s even a lift, if the stairs are becoming too much after a ridiculously hearty meal (see The Day I Ate Half A Cow for more on that)

A homemade breakfast served in the lounge along with high tea & wine tasting in the afternoon complete this circle of coziness, not to be outdone by the cultural infusion they can arrange for you ranging from Spanish classes to polo, excursions to wineries or the mountains, to ski resorts and even polo matches. It’s Santiago style at the top of its game.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a Standard Room and receive a complimentary guaranteed upgrade to a Deluxe Room. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

LA VAQUITA ECHA- Maipo Valley, Chile

We think we ate half a cow. Or at least that was what was presented to us at our table atop a small, still-smoldering portable grill about 15 minutes after we had ordered something akin to a mixed grill at La Vaquita Echa, a small country farmhouse-style restaurant in the Chilean winelands. The Maipo Valley is perhaps one of the most well-known in the region, an easy day trip from Santiago, and also where the famed Concha Y Toro winery calls home.

The place is adorable, adorned with all sorts of handicrafts and positively full of folklore. Though welcome signs in multiple languages were strewn across the walls, giving us an "oh no, we just walked into a tourist trap" vibe, the hospitality right from the outset made us feel as though we were walking into someone's private home.

The food is incredibly fresh, but don't be fooled by the sides and the starters- the money is defintiely in the meat here. We ordered a mixed platter, and mixed indeed it was. Enough meat to topple the table including Waygu beef which was more delicious than we could have imagined. As if the food wasn't good enough, the waiters breaking into song, following the folk dancers and guitarist as they wove in and out of the tables was an absolute show. It made everyone smile, and certainly made it easier to linger a bit longer over another bottle of (very affordable) Carmenere.

It's not so much a secret find. We weren't terribly surprised to see how many day tours include lunch at La Vaquita Echa, and we usually try to stay away from these types of places. But, the food, the fun and the charm far outweigh any touristy factor here. Definitely go, and definitely wear your elastic-waistband pants. http://www.lavaquitaecha.cl/

YAN KEE WAY- Eco Sport Adventure complex- Patagonia, Chile
Folks, rest assured- touristic areas in Chile are open for business and this astounding destination is a veritable multi-colored spectrum of culture and adventure not to be left off of your travel to-do list for any reason. Become one with nature (and luxury) at the gorgeous Yan Kee Way. Just an hour’s drive from Puerto Montt, this lakeshore base for adventure expeditions sits in the shadow of a volcano and at the hub of the area’s most exciting outdoor adventures.

Their chalets and bungalows are the best choice if you really want to feel as if you’re in your own home nestled deep in the woods. 1400 square feet of old-world handcrafted local wood structures filled with the most modern, luxe amenities and decorated with local Chilean and Argentinean artwork hand-selected by the founder himself. Rest here after days filled with fly fishing, hiking, climbing, birding, biking, boating, canoeing, rafting and everything else that makes this side of Chile so spectacular. http://www.southernchilexp.com/

And when you’re hungry, no fear- the fabulously unique Latitude 42º Restaurant is at your service, producing dishes from a kitchen that was actually built in the US, disassembled, shipped, and then put back together in this Patagonian paradise.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- 4TH night free! Plus, special Eco Adventure packages starting at just $450 per person per night. Travel by 15 Oct 2010. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

TIERRA ATACAMA- CHILE

Jonesing for an impromptu ski holiday, but looking out your window and realizing that the summer sun is shining? Well, on the flip side of the globe, winter is happily in its robust glory and we've got an amazing Chilean adventure to share with you if you're looking for a last minute deal to quell your yen to ski this very minute. Ski Portillo and the fabulous Tierra Atacama resort have paired up to offer an amazing deal- stay 4 nights in Portillo and 3 nights at Tierra Atacama, and one night is free. Kids under 12 also stay free and the low price point of $1943 per person includes:

-Round trip transfers from Calama Airport

-Accommodations

-Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

-Open bar

-Daily outdoor Atacamenan excursions

-Full use of spa facilities

But- you have got to travel now...the deal is valid up to September 5 in Portillo and September 10 at Tierra Atacama and a Saturday night stay is required. To book, simply call +56-2-263-0606 or visit Ski Portillo and Tierra Atacama online at http://www.skiportillo.com/ or http://www.tierraatacama.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book this amazing deal and get a complimentary sushi dinner and bottle of Chilean wine at the Bar at Ski Portillo for a beautful night out at one of the area's most charming venues. Mention this special offer when booking so they can add it to your package...and be sure to tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

REMOTA- Patagonia, Chile

When we say we'd go to the ends of the earth for an amazing travel experience, we really mean it. We're talking about the seductive allure of Patagonia, where life is simple, where beauty is pure, and where your soul can easily be recharged. Blackberry addicts be forewarned: Remota is really remote, and its purpose is to provide you with the blissful sense of disconnection, to place you as far from your daily routine and from life's hectic pase as possible. No emails, no voice mails, just a simple childlike experience where your senses are left to wander, explore and discover some of nature's most spectacular sights. Typical activities here include taking a leisurely walk to a nearby charming Patagonian village...checking out a glacier...hiking up a mountain...or just simply watching for shooting stars in the sky from the warmth of your own private outdoor jacuzzi. Think you can handle that? We thought so. Remota is located in Puerto Natales, in the heart of Patagonia. Hop a flight to Santiago and connect seamlessly on LAN, and just about any time of year is the right time to visit.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary bottle of wine upon check-in, valid for travel through November 30, 2009. Visit www.remota.cl or call +5623871500 to book, and tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

theExplorateur - A Luxury Travel Advisor designed an Luxury Travel Guide that helps to choose luxury travel destination for more information please visit http://www.theexplorateurportfolio.com

ELQUI DOMOS, CHILE

Did you ever have that feeling where you just need a lifestyle change? Most of us trod through, other brave souls venture out, simply say "I'm done", and head forward to launch their dream. Such is the case with the owners of Elqui Domos, one of the world's only true astronomy-focused hotels, where stargazing from one's bed is simply a standard amenity. Set in the heart of the Elqui Valley, which offers possibly the most clarified view of the constellations in the world, this series of 7 domes all have 2 floors, terraces, a living room, a bedroom, and oh yeah- a detachable roof. Comes in very handy considering you also get your very own telescope too, plus all the astronomy guidebooks plus personally guided viewings by the resident experts, the owners themselves. This is a true dream come true for the proprietors who wish to share their passion for astronomy with each and every one of their esteemed guests. Blend this with a city stopover in Santiago and a jaunt through the winelands and you've got the makings of an inspired and authentic Chilean journey. 
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