Tierra Chiloe

When it comes to running sustainable luxury hotels in the far-flung reaches of Chile — a specialty market, to be sure, but a significant one for adventurous travelers — the Tierra Hotels group reigns supreme. Their lodges in the Atacama Desert and Patagonia, notable for their striking minimalist architecture, are plush refuges in inhospitable landscapes. Following suit, a newer addition to the collection, Tierra Chiloé, is a destination in its own right.

It’s true that the hotel was adopted by the brand, not born into it: they snapped up the two-year-old lodge, an eye-catching geometric structure that’s partly solar-powered and rises high above the land, mimicking the traditional stilted houses of the region. When the doors reopened in 2014, it was a Tierra hotel. And it’s true, perhaps, that Chiloé, the largest island on a northern Patagonian archipelago, surrounded by deep blue water and dotted with colorful fishing villages, doesn’t have the instant name recognition that the Atacama or Torres del Paine do. But the Tierra Chiloé hotel will put it on the map.

And Tierra’s time-tested formula works perfectly here. The aesthetic, characterized by clean lines, natural woods, industrial beams, and huge glass panes, mixes local artisan traditions with cutting-edge modern design. The twelve guest rooms are simple and quiet, outfitted with cozy seating areas and large bathrooms with products by L’Occitane.

It’s all about views of the pristine waters surrounding the island at Tierra Chiloé, whether you’re lying in bed, relaxing with a glass of Carmenère in the glass-encased lobby lounge, or boarding the Williche, the hotel’s very own boat. In typical Tierra fashion, the hotel organizes all excursions in the wilderness around it, including sailing tours of the archipelago. Note the mussel farms as you’re gliding past: their product is likely to end up on your dinner plate, along with world-class ceviche and excellent Chilean wines. With an experience like this, it stands to reason that the Tierra had to expand: the hotel is currently doubling in size, but it will still be tough to get a reservation.