Four extraordinary getaways to Latin and South America

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Adventure in the high desert of Chile

Not to be confused with Habita, a collection of hotels based in Great Britain. Our Habitats markets an equally desirable aesthetic: many wonderful contemporary spaces formed or clad in natural surfaces and materials, as well as exclusive locations and sustainable operations, in Namibia, Morocco, Mexico and beyond. But Chile’s Atacama Desert is new territory.

The brand’s eleventh property is what they call “base camp,” a gateway to the Atacama’s multitude of natural attractions: geysers and hot springs, mysterious salt flats, scale volcanoes and outrageous displays of wildflowers in spring. These are interspersed with pre-Columbian archaeological sites and bicycle trails. In addition to 51 rooms and suites (hammered earth walls and hand-woven rugs abound), there is a private, guests-only restaurant and bar, where chefs teach basic courses on the uses of desert plants, both culinary and medicinal (and cocktail-related). ). ourhabitas.comfrom £240

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The Oaxacan to look at

We’re long-time fans of Mexico’s Micha brothers: Moisés, Rafael and Jaime, the architecture-mad hoteliers who, along with Carlos Couturier, founded Habita Group in 2000, thus establishing the country’s boutique accommodation model. From CDMX to Playa del Carmen through Puebla and Acapulco, they have been ahead of the curve.

In August they opened Otro Hotel in the city of Oaxaca, which embodies the best features of the brand, starting with the architecture: behind its classic Spanish colonial façade is a series of contemporary spaces punctuated by planted patios. The couturier’s style combines minimalist lines with rustic, local materials: clay, leather, wood and stone whose textures add layers of richness and warm tones. There is an underground wellness center, “Otro Mundo”, accessed by a staircase, with a swimming pool, ice bath, steam room and treatment rooms. Evenings are for enjoying the rooftop terrace (another Habita signature) and enjoying a series of rotating art exhibits in the public spaces. grouphabita.comfrom $400

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The new life of Costa Rica’s surf

Up in Costa Rica, hikerwhich opened earlier this year, has a story as good as its location: Stefanie Tannenbaum was stranded in the surf town of Nosara with her husband and then-new baby due to the pandemic in early 2020. What they were supposed to be a surfing holiday turned into a months-long stay and then a permanent relocation.

Sendero, which he opened with fellow expat Sarah Kosterlitz, is the result of that commitment: the surf school that already existed on the property he acquired still gets top billing; Old tiles and bricks were salvaged throughout the capital of San José and beyond for the royal building. Jungle rooms (a handful of the 25 lodges) have outdoor showers and lower prices; Suites feature custom platform beds, beautiful glass doors, separate living rooms, and private balconies. trailnosara.comof $395

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In Cuba, a 360-degree lifestyle (with Afro-Cuban rhythms)

And this fall, Havana will receive a hotel the likes of which, we bet, it has yet to see. When it completes its full opening later this year, Key West Caribbean Tribe – the creation of a 25-year-old creative collective dedicated to promoting Afro-Cuban filmed entertainment and musical talent to the rest of the world, as well as throughout the island – will be more of a mini lifestyle collective than a single property.

The 11-room hotel, with its antique beds, tiled floors, ceramic sinks and bold contemporary art by local talent, will have a café on the ground floor and a restaurant on the rooftop. The complex will be complemented by a four-bedroom beach house, approximately half an hour away by car. With its badminton court, private cabanas and outdoor barbecue area, it appears to be well equipped for a good time; If you want to up the ante with live entertainment or chefs, the Tribe Caribe team is available to provide them. tribucaribecayohueso.comfrom $100