Tucked away in some of South America’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, Awasi redefines what it means to experience the wild—intimately, thoughtfully, and entirely at your own pace.
Awasi Lodges is a collection of handful of lodges located in landscapes of rare beauty across Patagonia, Atacama Desert, Mendoza, Iguazú, and Santa Catarina. Each Awasi property is designed for complete exclusivity: private villas, a personal guide and 4×4 vehicle for every guest, and tailor-made adventures that go far beyond the ordinary. Sustainability and authenticity lie at the heart of the brand, with each lodge a proud member of Relais & Châteaux and committed to protecting the ecosystems and communities that make these regions so special.
A heartfelt thank you to Alvaro Valeriani for taking the time from his busy schedule to share his insights and passion with us—and for helping our readers get to know more about the Awasi lodges and experiences.
Below, you’ll find the full, unedited conversation—part of In Conversation With, a series from Suite Sojourn spotlighting the hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and creative minds shaping the future of luxury travel. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply someone in search of true escape, I hope this inspires you to consider the Awasi experience for your next unforgettable journey.
Suite Sojourn: Alvaro, can you share your journey in hospitality with our audience—how did you get started? How has your diverse international experience shaped your approach, and what ultimately brought you to Awasi?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: I started in hospitality at the age of 19, working as a bellboy in a hotel in Uruguay — and I immediately fell in love with it. To me, hospitality felt like having a big home and welcoming guests from all over the world; it was about creating warmth and connection.
Very early on, I realized I wanted to understand how different cultures see the world, so I began pursuing international opportunities. My journey took me from Chile, where I joined Hyatt, to Brazil, then back to Chile with Explora Lodges — a turning point where I deepened my appreciation for experiential travel. From there, I moved to Spain, then Singapore to work with Aman, and later back to Brazil with Txai.
I eventually rejoined Hyatt in the UK & Ireland, then relocated to Mexico and later Miami, where I served as Vice President of Commercial for Hyatt and subsequently Senior Vice President for SBE Hotels. My next chapter brought me to Hilton, overseeing commercial strategy for Latin America.
Each of these experiences shaped how I view travel — as something transformative, where the smallest details can connect people deeply with place and culture. When the opportunity arose to join Awasi, through conversations with our CEO, it felt like a natural evolution — a chance to bring together everything I’ve learned about storytelling, authenticity, and crafting meaningful experiences.
Suite Sojourn: Luxury tourism is undergoing a profound global transformation, moving away from large chains and pre-packaged itineraries. How do you see this shift shaping the future of premium travel?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: There will always be travelers for every style of hotel and experience — from large resorts to small, independent retreats. But I think what’s truly evolving is the lens through which people choose to explore the world. Today’s traveler seeks more than comfort or recognition; they’re looking for meaning, emotion, and connection.
For the modern luxury guest, true sophistication often lies in simplicity — in the absence of excess, and in the presence of authenticity. It’s about slowing down, connecting with a place and its people, and creating moments that become part of your own story.
At Awasi for example, we see this shift reflected every day. Our fully hosted journeys are designed to make travel deeply personal — allowing guests to explore at their own rhythm, guided by people who know and love these landscapes. It’s an immersive way to experience Latin America, one that feels real, intentional, and rooted in place.
Ultimately, the future of luxury travel is not defined by abundance, but by depth — by how profoundly an experience can move you, and how long it stays with you once you return home.
Suite Sojourn: What, in your opinion, is today’s luxury traveler—someone spending north of $40,000—looking for? How does Awasi cater to this new generation of travelers who prioritize authentic, experience-driven journeys over ostentation?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Today’s luxury traveler — especially at the ultra-high-net-worth level — is no longer searching for opulence or display. They already have access to the world’s finest hotels and comforts. What they value most now is the rarity of access — the chance to experience places, cultures, and moments that feel truly personal and untouched.
For these guests, luxury is measured in time, space, and freedom. It’s the privilege of privacy — of being completely present, guided by people who know the land intimately, and cared for in a way that feels genuine rather than scripted.
At Awasi, our fully hosted concept was created precisely for this traveler. Each guest enjoys their own private villa and their own private guide, allowing them to explore entirely at their own rhythm, with itineraries shaped around their interests, curiosities, and pace.
This level of personalization and privacy creates a sense of ease — guests don’t need to think about logistics or planning; they can simply be, and focus on what’s out there: the landscapes, the silence, the wildlife, the people. That’s where transformation happens.
In a world that often feels rushed and exposed, Awasi offers something profoundly rare — space, intimacy, and the chance to rediscover the joy of meaningful travel.
Suite Sojourn: South America is quickly becoming one of the most promising regions for luxury tourism growth. What makes this region uniquely suited to attract high-net-worth travelers today?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: South America is one of the most extraordinary regions on Earth — a place of contrasts and endless discovery. Within a single continent, you can journey from the driest desert in the world to glaciers, tropical rainforests, vineyards, and Atlantic islands. This diversity of landscapes — paired with its biodiversity, rich cultures, and welcoming spirit — makes it an unparalleled destination for travelers seeking authenticity and depth.
What truly sets South America apart is its human warmth. Across every country, you feel a genuine hospitality that comes from the heart. People here have a natural desire to share their culture, cuisine, and traditions. For high-net-worth travelers who have seen much of the world, that sense of connection and spontaneity feels refreshingly real.
The region also offers a sense of freedom that’s becoming increasingly rare — vast open spaces, privacy, and the feeling of discovering something untouched. Combined with improved air connectivity and an emerging generation of world-class hotels and lodges, South America is entering a new chapter of luxury travel growth.
At Awasi, we see this potential every day. Our lodges — from Atacama to Patagonia, Iguazú, and Santa Catarina — are proof that South America can deliver not only breathtaking nature but also a refined, meaningful kind of luxury that rivals the best in the world.
Suite Sojourn: Reports show a surge in ultra-luxury travel, with more clients seeking transformative, private experiences over material extravagance. How has the pandemic accelerated or altered these trends?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: I don’t believe the pandemic created new trends in luxury travel — it simply accelerated changes that were already taking place. What it did was give people the space to re-evaluate what truly matters when they travel. The desire to reconnect with nature, to have privacy, to feel free and safe in open spaces — all of that already existed, but the pandemic amplified it.
For us at Awasi, this shift felt very natural. Outdoor hospitality has always been at the heart of what we do — crafting deeply personal, nature-based experiences where guests can explore at their own rhythm, guided by people who know each landscape intimately.
The difference is that the world is now more attuned to this kind of travel. Guests are seeking places that feel genuine and restorative — where luxury isn’t about excess, but about space, silence, and connection. Awasi has been doing exactly that for more than 20 years, long before it became a global trend. Our concept hasn’t changed — it’s simply become more relevant than ever.
Suite Sojourn: While most guests are from abroad, there’s growing demand among local high-net-worth travelers. How are you tailoring Awasi’s offerings to meet this emerging domestic clientele?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: While most of our guests still come from abroad, we’re seeing a growing number of high-net-worth travelers from within Latin America who are looking for exceptional experiences closer to home. These guests are sophisticated and well-traveled — they understand global luxury standards but seek something that feels rooted in their own culture and geography.
At Awasi, we’ve been attentive to the nuances of each market — adapting to local travel patterns and vacation rhythms, offering in-language assistance, and ensuring our experiences and storytelling feel personally relevant. We also place great importance on supporting the regional travel trade, participating in domestic events, and creating opportunities to engage directly with these travelers.
There’s a renewed sense of pride in discovering Latin America through a more intentional lens, and Awasi provides the ideal setting for that — combining privacy, authenticity, and personalized care with a deep respect for place and culture.
Suite Sojourn: Awasi’s portfolio spans some truly unique locations. How would you describe the philosophy and essence that ties all the properties together?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: At Awasi, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that travel should be experienced at your own pace, in your own space. Each of our lodges was created with that vision — offering the freedom to explore with intention and a genuine connection to place.
Our properties span some of South America’s most remarkable biomes: the Atacama Desert, the Patagonian steppe, the rainforest of Iguazú, the wine country of Mendoza, and the Atlantic coast of Santa Catarina. Each reveals a unique aspect of the continent’s diversity — from arid landscapes to lush jungles and ocean horizons — yet together they form a single narrative, a continuous journey through contrasting ecosystems that beautifully complement one another.
What ties them together is not a single design or formula, but a philosophy. At Awasi, every guest enjoys a fully hosted experience — complete privacy, a personal guide, and the space to discover freely. It’s about slowing down, finding meaning in the details, and feeling part of the landscape rather than just passing through it
Suite Sojourn: For readers unfamiliar with the brand, can you share the three standout luxury lodges that Awasi operates across South America and what sets each of them apart?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Awasi is a collection of five lodges, each set within a dramatically different biome — together they tell the story of South America’s natural and cultural diversity.
In Patagonia, our lodge sits on a private reserve overlooking the Torres del Paine peaks — an untamed landscape of wind, steppe, and vast silence. It’s one of the most remote corners of the continent, where guests can explore glaciers, lakes, and endless horizons guided entirely at their own pace.
In Atacama, the world’s highest and driest desert, guests journey through otherworldly valleys, salt flats, and hot springs — a landscape that feels closer to the moon than Earth. It’s a place of contrasts, where ancient cultures and night skies full of stars offer a profound sense of wonder.
Mendoza lies at the foothills of the Andes, surrounded by vineyards and open skies. It celebrates the traditions of Argentine culture — wine, food, craftsmanship — all framed by the majesty of the Andean ring of mountains.
In Iguazú, the experience shifts to total immersion in the rainforest. Guests stay within the Atlantic jungle, surrounded by rich flora, exotic birds, and wildlife, with private access to the trails and rhythms of the forest.
And finally, our newest property in Santa Catarina opens onto the Atlantic coast — where the jungle meets the ocean. Here, guests can explore remote beaches, deep-sea fishing routes, and coastal villages, experiencing both marine and terrestrial biodiversity in one place.
Across all five, the essence is the same: complete privacy, a personal guide, and the freedom to explore South America’s most iconic landscapes at your own rhythm — each stay a chapter in one continuous, intentional journey.
Suite Sojourn: Awasi has expanded with two new properties in Santa Catarina and Mendoza, complementing lodges in Atacama, Patagonia, and Iguazú. How do these additions fit into your vision of building a high-end hospitality network?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Our expansion into Santa Catarina and Mendoza was a very natural step in our evolution. Both properties already had an established reputation for excellence — Ponta dos Ganchos and Cavas Wine Lodge have been icons of Latin American hospitality for nearly two decades. Their legacy, authenticity, and sense of place made them a perfect fit for Awasi’s philosophy.
What truly connects them to our collection is more than prestige — it’s alignment. Each sits within a unique biome that complements our existing lodges in Atacama, Patagonia, and Iguazú, allowing travelers to journey across contrasting landscapes while remaining within the same philosophy of travel.
Like all Awasi properties, they are intimate in scale, with a small number of private villas set in remote and extraordinary locations. This preserves the privacy, personalization, and connection to nature that define our fully hosted concept.
Together, the five lodges create a cohesive network — a collection of singular places that share the same purpose: to allow travelers to explore South America’s most iconic environments at their own pace, in complete comfort, and with meaning.
Suite Sojourn: Tell us about the new Santa Catarina property—how does it fit into the Awasi brand, and what kind of experiences can guests expect? Are there plans to improve connectivity between Santa Catarina and Iguazú for combined stays?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Awasi Santa Catarina represents a new chapter for us — the continuation of our journey across South America’s most extraordinary landscapes, now extending into the ocean. Located where the Atlantic jungle meets the sea, it captures the essence of Brazil’s natural beauty: lush forests, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life.
We’ve expanded the experience to include new forms of exploration — with the acquisition of three boats for coastal discovery, deep-sea fishing, and diving expeditions. Guests can now experience the ocean as another landscape of adventure and reflection, complementing our land-based excursions such as trekking, horseback riding, and cultural journeys through local fishing communities.
A new Wellness Center will also open soon, offering a holistic approach to well-being with a range of treatments inspired by nature and traditional healing practices. Altogether, the experience at Awasi Santa Catarina has become even more complete — providing guests with a deeper perspective of Brazilian culture and the natural richness of the Atlantic coast.
In terms of connectivity, it’s already quite seamless. There are convenient flight connections between Santa Catarina and Iguazú, some direct and others with efficient stopovers, making it easy for guests to combine both lodges and experience two very different yet complementary ecosystems within one journey.
Suite Sojourn: For travelers considering a trip to multiple Awasi lodges, what would you recommend as the ideal itinerary? How can guests enjoy a seamless journey across your portfolio?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: At Awasi, there are no two journeys alike — because there are no two travelers who are the same. That belief sits at the heart of everything we do. Each itinerary is created from scratch, shaped by the guest’s pace, interests, and curiosity.
With five lodges across South America, the combinations are endless. For travelers with time, journeying through all five properties is an extraordinary way to experience the continent’s full diversity — from desert and steppe to rainforest, vineyard, and ocean.
For shorter trips, some pairings work beautifully: Atacama, Mendoza, and Santa Catarina reveal striking contrasts between high desert, wine country, and Atlantic coast. Another wonderful route combines Patagonia, Iguazú, and Santa Catarina, connecting glacier landscapes, jungle immersion, and the ocean — three distinct worlds that still share a common philosophy.
It’s difficult to define a single itinerary because Awasi isn’t about a formula. It’s about crafting journeys that are as individual as the traveler — where, truly, one size fits one.
Suite Sojourn: What are some of your favorite guest experiences or standout moments at each of the Awasi properties?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: At Awasi, the most memorable moments often happen when guests least expect them — during a full-day exploration, a quiet meal in nature, or an intimate dinner at the lodge. Each of these experiences is carefully crafted to feel effortless, personal, and true to its surroundings.
While gastronomy is a key pillar of the Awasi experience, many meals become part of the journey itself. You might find your guide setting up a table overlooking the Valley of the Moon in Atacama, with fresh salads, local cheeses, and eggs cooked on the spot as the sun sets over the desert. In Patagonia, perhaps it’s a pause during a horseback ride for a picnic among the steppe. In Iguazú, a barbecue is prepared on the banks of a river surrounded by the jungle. In Mendoza, a private wine tasting among the vines.
And back at the lodge, our chefs continue the story — creating refined, seasonal menus that express the character of each region through local ingredients and creativity.
Every moment, whether out in the wild or around the table, is designed for the individual traveler — spontaneous yet intentional, elegant yet unpretentious. It’s these personalized experiences that define Awasi: authentic, sensory, and deeply connected to place.
Suite Sojourn: Seasonality is a big factor in destinations like Patagonia. How do you manage guest expectations around unpredictable weather, and what advice do you give to help them make the most of their stay?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Weather, for us, is part of the experience — not something to avoid, but something to embrace. Across our lodges, guests encounter a wide range of climates and conditions, often within the same journey. We always recommend traveling “like an onion,” dressed in layers, ready to adapt as the landscapes — and the skies — change.
Moving through these shifts is part of what makes the journey so special. From the dry winds of Atacama to the crisp mountain air of Patagonia or the humid softness of Iguazú, each place has its own rhythm and color palette. The changes in light, clouds, and rain bring nature to life in different ways, adding depth and texture to every moment.
These transformations create a kaleidoscope of colors and moods that remind us how alive these landscapes are. At Awasi, we believe that to truly experience South America, you must feel it — the warmth of the sun, the mist of the rainforest, the wind on your face. It’s all part of the adventure.
Suite Sojourn: Awasi is committed to a client-centric approach, putting personalized service at the heart of every experience. How do you balance this flexibility with the realities of weather and physical demands—especially on adventurous excursions?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: At Awasi, every journey is entirely private — each guest has their own guide and their own vehicle. This level of personalization allows us to adapt each day to the guest’s interests, physical condition, and, of course, to the weather.
Our guides are experts not only in the landscapes but also in understanding people — how they travel, how they connect, and what kind of pace feels right for them. Each program is crafted individually, with a balance between exploration and comfort, adventure and rest. If the weather changes, the plan changes with it — seamlessly and without compromise to the experience.
That flexibility is what allows us to maintain the highest standards of service while keeping the journey spontaneous and authentic. It’s about reading the moment, adapting naturally, and ensuring that every guest feels both cared for and free to explore.
At Awasi, we see personalization not as a luxury, but as a philosophy — the art of creating journeys that fit perfectly to each traveler, in real time.
Suite Sojourn: How has the luxury traveler’s mindset and expectations evolved in recent years, and how is Awasi adapting to meet these changes?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: The mindset of the luxury traveler has evolved profoundly in recent years. Today’s guests are not necessarily seeking more — they’re seeking less, but better. They want access to things that modern life rarely allows: uninterrupted time with their family, genuine silence, privacy in the way they explore, and the freedom to move without crowds or distractions.
At Awasi, this philosophy has been part of our DNA from the beginning. Our fully hosted model — with private villas, private guides, and individually tailored programs — was designed for travelers who value intimacy, authenticity, and space. As these preferences have become more widespread, we’ve continued to refine what we do best.
We’re expanding our network of lodges to allow for more immersive journeys across South America’s most extraordinary landscapes, and we’re strengthening our infrastructure to match the expectations of the most demanding travelers. Recently, we acquired an entire new fleet of INEOS Grenadiers for our Chilean lodges, introduced a new Wellness Center at Awasi Santa Catarina, and continue to invest in every detail that enhances both comfort and exploration.
Suite Sojourn: You’ve said Awasi aims to provide “personalized and transcendent experiences.” Could you elaborate on what that means in practice?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: When we talk about providing “personalized and transcendent experiences,” we mean crafting moments that truly reflect each guest — their rhythm, their curiosity, and even their silences.
Because each villa has its own private guide and vehicle, we can design every experience from scratch. Our guides are not following a script; they are trained to listen first — to observe, to sense what each guest needs, and to create an atmosphere that feels effortless and genuine.
Some guests want to learn, to ask questions, to dive deep into history, nature, or culture. Others simply want to be together, to enjoy the quiet beauty of a place without conversation. Our guides know how to read those moments.
That sensitivity — the ability to adapt, to give space, and to make guests feel understood — is what turns a journey into something transcendent. It’s not about doing more, but about creating the conditions where meaning can naturally emerge.
Suite Sojourn: Awasi lodges operate on a small-scale, low-impact model with exclusive guides and vehicles. Why is this format so central to your offering despite its high operating costs?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Our small-scale, low-impact model is not just a business choice — it’s the foundation on which our entire promise to guests is built. It’s what allows us to deliver the level of privacy, personalization, and authenticity that defines the Awasi experience.
We are not designed for volume. Each of our lodges operates with a limited number of villas, private guides, and dedicated vehicles — because that is the only way to ensure that every journey is crafted entirely around the individual. Naturally, this approach comes with higher operating costs, but it also guarantees the quality and consistency that our guests expect.
Our programs are priced in accordance with the value we deliver, and we’ve developed a model that works best for a well-traveled, discerning audience — people who understand the difference between exclusivity and excess.
While our operational structure creates synergies behind the scenes, our focus remains laser-sharp: to provide a one-of-a-kind experience in every lodge, every day, for every guest. That’s the essence of Awasi.
Suite Sojourn: Can you share examples of how Awasi creates tailor-made experiences that connect guests with local culture and nature?
Alvarao of Awasi Lodges: Every Awasi experience is designed to create a genuine connection between our guests, the local culture, and the surrounding nature. This begins with how we operate — we hire local teams in every region, ensuring that the knowledge and spirit of each destination are reflected in every interaction. In Santa Catarina, for example, more than 85% of our team members are from the local area.
In Iguazú, we’ve built a close relationship with the local Indigenous community, sourcing art and handicrafts for our lodges directly from them, which helps preserve cultural traditions and supports local livelihoods.
We also created the Artist Immersion Program, inviting artists to live and create within our lodges, drawing inspiration from the landscapes while sharing their skills with local artisans.
All these efforts are part of the same vision: to ensure that every Awasi journey not only offers deep personal meaning for our guests, but also leaves a positive and lasting impact on the places and people who make these experiences possible.
Suite Sojourn: You mentioned luxury means “choosing your pace, your space, and your silence.” How does Awasi facilitate this deeper emotional connection for guests?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: At Awasi, luxury means having the freedom to choose your pace, your space, and your silence — and our entire model is designed to make that possible. Each villa has its own private guide, private vehicle, and individually crafted itinerary. We don’t group guests together or follow fixed schedules; every day is planned with the guest, and for the guest. It’s their journey.
This format allows for a kind of travel that feels deeply personal. Guests can linger longer in a place that moves them, or change direction on a whim. Our guides are trained to sense when to step back and let silence or scenery speak for itself.
We also go beyond the beaten path — seeking those untouched corners where solitude and nature meet. In those moments, without noise or rush, guests often find what they didn’t even know they were looking for: connection, clarity, and a sense of awe.
That’s the true heart of Awasi — creating the conditions where simplicity, freedom, and beauty come together to awaken something within each traveler.
Suite Sojourn: Could you share a memorable story where a guest’s experience at Awasi helped them reconnect emotionally—with loved ones or themselves?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: There are so many stories that stay with us — moments when travel becomes something much deeper than exploration. We’ve had families tell us that their time at Awasi was the first in years where they could truly disconnect and just be together — no schedules, no distractions, only time for each other.
We’ve helped guests reach the summit of mountains they had dreamed of for years, and seen the emotion that comes with fulfilling something deeply personal. We’ve celebrated couples rediscovering their connection, and guests who told us they were reminded of traditions or habits they shared with their parents growing up.
These stories are countless, and they stay with both our guests and our team. They remind us that what we do goes far beyond hospitality — we create spaces and moments where people can reconnect with what really matters.
Suite Sojourn: Who would you say is the ideal guest for Awasi? Is the brand suitable for families with children?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Awasi is designed for travelers who value authenticity, privacy, and connection — people who appreciate the freedom to explore at their own pace and the comfort of knowing that everything has been carefully crafted around them.
We welcome a wide range of travelers — from solo adventurers and couples to families looking to share meaningful time together. To ensure that every guest can fully enjoy the experience and take part in our exploration programs, we welcome children aged 14 and above.
Ultimately, what defines the ideal Awasi guest isn’t age or background, but mindset. Our guests are curious, open, and drawn to travel that feels personal, immersive, and transformative — journeys that allow them to reconnect with nature, culture, and themselves.
Suite Sojourn: South America faces logistical challenges like air connectivity and infrastructure. How does Awasi navigate these, and does the difficulty of access add value to the luxury experience?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Air connectivity across South America has improved greatly in recent years, making it easier for travelers to combine destinations like Patagonia, Atacama, Iguazú, Mendoza, and Santa Catarina.
At Awasi, we coordinate every detail to ensure seamless travel between lodges. When a night in transit is needed — in cities such as Santiago or Buenos Aires — we arrange accommodations and transfers with the same level of care as any stay with us. We also collaborate with trusted partners to organize private flights, a convenient option for families or groups traveling together.
Ultimately, reaching Awasi is part of the journey — each destination feels remote, pristine, and worth the travel, adding to the sense of discovery that defines the Awasi experience.
Suite Sojourn: How do you plan to maintain Awasi’s artisanal, small-scale ethos while growing your portfolio?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Our growth has always been guided by intent, not volume. We’re not looking to expand for the sake of scale, but to grow in places and through projects that allow us to fully express our brand ethos.
Each new lodge must make sense both environmentally and experientially — it has to offer a distinct biome, a sense of remoteness, and the possibility of crafting truly personal journeys.
By staying true to our artisanal approach and choosing locations that align with our philosophy, we ensure that every Awasi property — present or future — continues to feel unique, intimate, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Suite Sojourn: Sustainability is core to Awasi, with partnerships involving local producers and indigenous communities. How do these initiatives enhance the guest experience and local economies?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: Today’s travelers are looking for authenticity — they want to experience something real and connected to the place they’re visiting. Our sustainability efforts are built around that idea.
By working with local producers, Indigenous communities, and regional artisans, we not only support local economies but also create a genuine sense of place that deeply enhances the guest experience. Whether it’s tasting ingredients sourced from nearby farms, discovering handmade art, or learning about traditions that have shaped these regions for centuries, guests gain access to things they wouldn’t normally experience elsewhere.
Being locally connected allows us to elevate authenticity — and that authenticity is, ultimately, what makes travel with Awasi so meaningful.
Suite Sojourn: How do you balance environmental responsibility, like recycling and water conservation programs, with providing a luxury product?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: At Awasi, environmental responsibility and luxury are not opposites — they complement each other. True luxury today is conscious, thoughtful, and respectful of place.
We have strong water conservation and recycling programs across all our lodges, and these initiatives don’t take away from the guest experience — they enhance it. Our travelers aren’t looking for imported spring water or excess; they value authenticity and purpose in every detail.
As part of Relais & Châteaux, our culinary philosophy reflects the same balance. Our chefs work with noble, locally sourced ingredients, creating refined gastronomy rooted in sustainability. It’s about excellence with integrity — offering beauty, comfort, and meaning without compromise.
Suite Sojourn: Looking ahead, what is Awasi’s strategy for expansion over the next 5 to 10 years? Are you exploring new destinations like Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats or others?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: We do have a development pipeline under consideration, but our growth will continue to follow the same principle that has guided us from the beginning — to grow with intent.
Our goal is not expansion for scale, but to connect the most extraordinary and diverse places in Latin America through a single philosophy of travel. Each new project must allow the Awasi experience to be executed in full — combining remoteness, authenticity, and a strong sense of place.
Over the next several years, we’ll continue to explore opportunities that align with this vision, expanding our network in a way that feels organic and true to our ethos — creating more journeys where guests can travel at their own pace, in their own space, across the continent’s most remarkable landscapes.
Suite Sojourn: I believe that word of mouth and direct contact remain the strongest marketing tools even in this day and age. How do you cultivate such strong guest loyalty and recommendations?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: I truly believe that word of mouth and genuine connection remain the most powerful forms of marketing. What creates loyalty at Awasi isn’t a campaign — it’s the relationships that form naturally between our guests and our teams.
When guests leave our lodges, they often express a profound sense of gratitude toward the people who cared for them — their guide, their waiter, their chef, or the general manager. Those bonds are sincere and lasting; many of our guests stay in touch directly with the people they met during their stay.
That’s where the real magic happens — not at the corporate level, but within each lodge. It’s an exchange of warmth and authenticity that can’t be scripted. And that human connection, in the end, is what guests remember most — and what inspires them to share their Awasi experience with others.
Suite Sojourn: Finally, what do you hope guests take away from an Awasi experience beyond beautiful photos, and why is that emotional authenticity so important to you?
Alvaro of Awasi Lodges: What I hope guests take away from Awasi goes far beyond beautiful photos — I want them to remember how they felt when they were with us.
If, during their stay, there was a moment when they felt something shift — a sense of wonder, connection, or peace — if a different fiber of their being was touched or awakened, then our mission is accomplished. Those are the memories that stay with people long after they’ve returned home.
For us, emotional authenticity is everything. It’s what transforms travel from a series of places into a series of moments that truly matter. That feeling — of having experienced something real, personal, and unrepeatable — is the essence of Awasi.
From the Atacama Desert to Iguazú Falls and Torres del Paine, Awasi’s lodges capture the essence of South America’s most striking landscapes while upholding a singular vision of bespoke hospitality. Each stay includes a private guide and 4×4 vehicle, allowing guests to explore at their own pace and in complete comfort.
Now joined by Awasi Mendoza and Awasi Santa Catarina, the collection extends from the Andes to the Atlantic—where vineyards, mountains, and coastal forests become the backdrop for experiences defined by privacy, authenticity, and a true sense of place.
Images © Awasi, Alvaro and Relais & Châteaux.
Suite Sojourn is proud to be a member of the Relais & Châteaux Preferred Partner Program thanks to our host agency. Awasi is a member of Relais & Châteaux and runs environmental conservation initiatives through the Awasi Foundation
