Explora Rapa Nui
Easter Island, Chile
Hanga Roa
Vibe
Perched on a quiet grassland ridge above the Pacific, the lodge serves as a basecamp for guided treks across volcanic terrain.
“Sculpted volcanic outpost”
Curved black-and-blond wood pavilions resting on volcanic stone bases, designed to mirror traditional island topography.
Small-group archaeological treks led by native islander guides to Rano Raraku quarry and sacred moai ahus.
Attentive all-inclusive expedition service, guided explorations across the island, and ocean-facing rooms with hydromassage bathtubs.
On a private grassland ridge outside Hanga Roa, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and volcanic plains.
“the building’s rounded forms are almost futuristic, but it’s brought down to earth by humble materials like raw concrete and unfinished wood.”
Rooms
Minimalist timber and raw concrete frame sweeping Pacific views, paired with hydromassage bathtubs and a deliberate absence of screens.
“Its black- and blond-wood exterior follows the folds of the earth, a repeated oval motif riffing on traditional islander design.”
Wellness
At Casa de Baños Hare Vai, open-air hydromassage jacuzzis, a sauna, and an outdoor pool look out across native vegetation.
“The low-slung modernist building has 30 sleek rooms—think raw concrete walls—and a plethora of thoughtful touches...”
Backstory
Architect José Cruz Ovalle spaced the timber pavilions over volcanic stone bases to mirror how ancient moai stand on ceremonial platforms.
Eat & drink
Guests gather at Explorer's Bar over pisco sours to map excursions, before dinner featuring fresh ceviche and Chilean wine pairings.
The neighborhood
Set five miles outside Hanga Roa, the secluded ridge borders wild grasslands, rocky shorelines, and distant volcanic cones.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.