Luxury hotel trends in South America

Luxury hotel trends in South America – 2025

In 2025, South America asserts more than ever its place on the global luxury hotel map. From vibrant metropolises to the wild expanses of Patagonia, from the preserved coasts of Uruguay to the Andean peaks, the region composes a picture where grand nature, millennia-old cultures, and contemporary creativity intertwine. Here, luxury is not limited to show: it is experienced as an experience, often intimate, always unique.

A luxury now inseparable from sustainability

Environmental awareness has become a reflex, even in the most prestigious establishments. Reference hotels no longer just adopt a few green gestures: they integrate sustainability into the very DNA of their concept. Thus, Awasi Iguazú, in the heart of the Argentine subtropical forest, blends into the canopy thanks to its stilt villas and funds wildlife protection programs. In Peru, Explora Sacred Valley combines minimalist architecture and respect for the Andean landscape, while involving local communities in its activities. On the coast of Alagoas in Brazil, Kenoa Resort focuses on discreet design and exemplary resource management, offering its guests the rare feeling of waking up by a beach that remains wild.

Authenticity as a guiding thread

In an age saturated with standardized images, the luxury traveler in South America seeks what cannot be replicated elsewhere. Hotels focus on cultural immersion: in Cartagena, Casa San Agustín immerses its guests in the colonial atmosphere while opening its kitchens to Caribbean flavors; in Rio, Hotel Fasano brings together Brazilian design by Philippe Starck and local nightlife, with intimate concerts on its rooftop. In Chilean Patagonia, Tierra Patagonia does not just offer a spectacular view of Torres del Paine National Park: its native guides tell the land and its legends as one transmits a family heritage.

When gastronomy becomes a prestige argument

The rise of South American gastronomy is reflected in the menus of luxury hotels. At Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, facing the Iguaçu Falls, each dinner transforms into a culinary journey inspired by Amazonian products. In Buenos Aires, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt revisits Argentine classics with a contemporary touch, in a setting that blends European refinement and porteño spirit. In the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Sol y Luna Relais & Châteaux celebrates the products of the Altiplano and the Amazon in a lush garden, where each meal is a celebration of the terroir.

Wellness and nature: eco-integrated retreats

Meanwhile, the wellness offering is experiencing spectacular expansion. In Chile, Vik Chile combines bold architecture, vineyards, and a panoramic spa, while in Tierra del Fuego, Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa overlooks the Beagle Channel from a protected nature reserve. At Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel invites its guests to rituals inspired by Inca culture, amidst a botanical garden housing hundreds of orchid species.

The capitals reinvent themselves

The major South American cities now compete with global metropolises in terms of design and connected hospitality. In Buenos Aires, Alvear Icon Hotel offers a panoramic view of the Río de la Plata and light-filled spaces. In São Paulo, Hotel Unique, designed by Ruy Ohtake, captivates with its futuristic lines and spectacular rooftop. Santiago, for its part, asserts itself with W Santiago, which combines five-star hospitality and an emerging artistic scene.

The rise of confidential destinations

Finally, South American luxury ventures off the beaten path. South of Punta del Este, José Ignacio has transformed from a fishing village to a chic meeting place for connoisseurs, with its ocean-facing boutique hotels. In the Uco Valley, Argentina, wineries are investing in refined lodges to attract fine wine enthusiasts. And in Paraty, on the Brazilian coast, charming pousadas are reviving the UNESCO-listed cobblestone streets.

Towards 2030: inventive and rooted luxury

The coming years will confirm this dual trend: a strong local anchoring and an openness to international standards. South America, rich in its cultures and landscapes, is on its way to becoming one of the most creative laboratories of global luxury hospitality. Establishments that can combine innovation, authenticity, and sustainability will guide this new era, offering travelers unforgettable experiences, far beyond a simple stay.