Awasi Iguazu, our Relais & Châteaux lodge in Northern Argentina, is one of just two South American hotels to be included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2019. 

Split into sections, the detailed review covers everything first impressions – “Into the thick Atlantic rainforest, down sticky clay-red tracks, enveloped by squeaks and squawks, creaks and croaks,” writes Conde Nast contributor, Tom Laing – to the food, excursions, service and rooms. 

Emphasis is placed on the way that we are “reinventing perceptions of South America”  by showing guests different sides of well-known destinations. Iguazu may sit high on many a bucket list, but few know how much it has to offer beyond the Iguazu Falls.

“It’s incredible for birding and butterfly watching, there are kayaks, bikes, plus Awasi has a private reserve where scientists are investigating endemic species,” says Conde Nast. And that’s before mentioning the “Jesuit ruins, boat rides and jungle treks, or visit Puerto Iguazú where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet.”

When it comes to the food, the review talks about how Chef Aarón “finds weird and wonderful ingredients in the jungle —Iguazú is part of the Atlantic rainforest, filled with wonders such as yacaratiá bark, which is sweetened and softened and served for pudding.” 

“It’s all Michelin-standard but not too fussy—there are burgers on the lunch menu. Awasi is always all-inclusive, meaning all meals and alcohol. You can have lunch at the lodge or take a gourmet picnic into the wilderness if you’re out and about—with tablecloths and wine.”

Filled with details, when talking about our staff, the review recalls how one of our valued members of staff, Pica, came to work with us (read about when Pica met the Argentine President here): “One nearby community sold a pig to raise money for one of their young men to buy a bus ticket to travel here for an interview—he’s now one of the drivers.”

One of the sections focusses on the Awasi clientele: Who comes here?

“The Patagucci tribe, the stamps in their passports their biggest trophies. Fit, healthy, and active (competing with their guides to be the first up the hill on the mountain bikes or first to the Upper Circuit of the Falls before the crowds spill in). Argentine president Mauricio Macri paid a visit, as did British shoe designer Penelope Chilvers, famous for designing Kate Middleton’s boots.”

As for how long you should visit for, take Conde Nast’s word for it: “The minimum length of stay is two nights; stay at least three to have time to do all the wonderful excursions Awasi has created.”

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves! 

You can read the full review here.