"Hotel Awa sets the luxury benchmark high for Chilean Lake District sleeps. This swoon-worthy retreat makes the most of its breathtaking location on the sparkling shore of Lake Llanquihue, and while we’re yet to visit, we hear it's fast becoming the region’s chicest holiday address. It’s evident that architect owner Mauricio Fuentes has managed to pull off that rarest of feats: grown-up glamour that also ticks the boxes for kids. There’s a lot to love on the design front, too; expect a flawless use of glittering glass and exposed concrete on the asymmetrical façade, and a uniformly excellent mix of Mapuche fabrics, volcanic rock and cypress woods everywhere else. Incredible views of the white-topped Osorno Volcano dominate in the 25 spacious and stylish rooms and suites, all with statement-making rustic décor, liberal creature comforts and planet-kind extras. There’s also attentive staff (the owner has a summer home right next door), a superb restaurant for regional dishes paired with Chilean wines, and an atmospheric spa featuring a magnificent glass-walled swimming pool with ravishing views. But the real superstar is the setting - the gateway to Patagonia - and you’d be remiss if you didn’t make the most of seeing and doing as much as possible in this adventurist’s playground. Highs A game-changing hotel with astonishing views from every spot - all 25 rooms gaze out over the lake and out towards Osorno Volcano An architectural masterpiece - everything is designed by the owner, an architect with a love of glass, stone and volcanic-rock interiors The regional menu is extremely impressive and the selection of Chilean wines isn’t bad either The smart spa’s glass-walled pool is a true marvel Great eco-credentials: organic food, recycled glass and aluminium, a water treatment plant, plus hands-on social responsibility programmes Lows The vibe is resolutely chilled so younger kids will need to be entertained here It’s 30 minutes from Puerto Varas so not ideal for those wanting walkable town access Interiors are impressive and local materials take centre stage; if you prefer glossy minimalism, look elsewhere" - Handpicked by our hotel experts