Ok, let’s talk about Chile...I barely scratched the surface of this incredible country—but what a surface it was. From sun-drenched vineyards to snow-capped volcanoes, Chile absolutely blew me away.

The diversity of landscapes is on another level. Think rushing rivers, glassy lakes, rolling hills ablaze in fall color, and valleys that make you stop and stare. There were moments where I was in complete awe. And the people? Warm, welcoming, and genuinely proud to share their home. Every encounter—from our guides to the chefs to the hotel teams—felt personal, thoughtful, and full of heart.

The whole time I kept thinking: Why isn’t this place talked about more?

Truthfully, Chile wasn’t even high on my radar until one of my most trusted industry partners, andBeyond (you know I love them for Africa), invited me to experience their South America services firsthand—and I said yes. And I’m so glad I did. This trip completely changed my perspective, and now Chile sits right at the top of my list of places to return.

There’s so much more to share, but the bottom line is this: Chile is stunning, soulful, and absolutely worth exploring.

Cheers,

Amie OBrien

Owner | VLX Travel

Clos Apaltas Residence, Central Valley Chile

First stop: Clos Apalta Residence

After the two-hour drive from the airport we were greeted like old friends: a warm host, a bottle of wine, and a beautiful cheese tray waiting for us since it was well past 10 p.m. and we’d missed dinner. The hospitality was already shining.

Waking up the next morning in my unbelievably comfortable bed inside a spacious, design-forward villa, everything suddenly came into focus. I opened the blinds… and truly couldn’t believe my eyes. My villa was tucked high into the hills, with uninterrupted views across rolling vineyards, all lit up in fiery fall colors. It was absolutely breathtaking, the kind of view you just want to bottle up and take home.

And then it was time to make up for lost time. Before our scheduled 11:30 departure, we managed to squeeze in a full morning: a beautiful breakfast, a private winery tour, and an epic hike across the estate, which spans hundreds of acres of vines, forest, and hidden lookouts. We also had the chance to explore the full list of amenities.

Clos Apalta isn’t just a stay — it’s a completely immersive wine retreat. With only a handful of villas, only 10 villas total (each with panoramic views and private terraces), the experience feels exclusive, peaceful, and deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape.

Even with just one night, I can confidently say this is my top pick in the region - refined, intimate, and unforgettable.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chile has a tarantula season. Yep—actual, giant spiders. And lucky me, we arrived just in time to catch the tail end of it. I even had the pleasure of meeting one before she cozied up underground for winter.

Just one more reason why working with someone who’s experienced a destination firsthand matters—we pay attention to the important details… like when to travel to avoid monster spider season.

Next stop: a quick but beautiful stay at VIK Chile—a bold, beautiful fusion of art, architecture, wine, and nature. It’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever stayed, and somehow, all the contrasts come together perfectly. This place is a dream for wine lovers and design buffs alike.

The winery is a modern marvel—sleek, dramatic, all glass and edges—but the overall experience is surprisingly grounded. Think: farm-to-table meals, hikes with unreal views, and horseback rides through the vineyards.

I stayed in the Chile Suite, which was earthy and beautiful with natural textures, floor-to-ceiling windows, a soaking tub, and front-row views of the mountains. I also toured a few other rooms, and let me tell you—room selection here really matters. Some are jaw-dropping. Others are more... artistic explorations. My top picks? The Master Suites with their wraparound windows and the ultra-private bungalows for a more secluded, elevated feel.

While it may not be a “must stay” on my list, it is definitely a “must visit”!

The whirlwind continued with a quick one-night stop in Santiago—a vibrant city tucked between the peaks of the Andes and full of surprises. We checked into The Singular, a beautiful hotel with an epic rooftop bar and serious charm, then made our rounds: lunch and a tour at the Ritz, a peek at the Mandarin Oriental, and a spontaneous visit to Hotel Bidasoa, one of the coolest boutique (and budget-friendly!) properties in the city.

We then wandered through some of Santiago’s most charming neighborhoods and city highlights, and honestly? I can’t wait to return and actually spend some real time here. It’s one of those cities that immediately pulls you in.

That evening ended up being one of the absolute highlights of the trip. We were welcomed into the home of a local chef, where we got to experience Santiago from a totally different perspective. Great food, warm conversation, lots of laughter—and a new furry friend named Dolores, the most adorable dog in the city. It felt personal, memorable, and exactly the kind of travel moment I love most.

Saved the best for last… I am completely obsessed!

Welcome to Chile’s Lake District and the absolute gem that is andBeyond Vira Vira. After a short flight from Santiago and the most beautiful countryside drive, we arrived at what I can only describe as heaven on Earth.

This isn’t just a resort—it’s a fully immersive, all-inclusive experience. Every detail is covered, from incredible meals and wine to private guided adventures. With over 150 activities to choose from—like rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, cultural immersions, and more—it’s impossible not to find something (or a dozen things) that speak to you. And the rooms? Stunning. Spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy fireplaces, and a peaceful kind of luxury that feels both elevated and effortless.

I’m not exactly what you’d call “outdoorsy”—definitely more into spa treatments than hiking trails—but even I was completely drawn in by my surroundings. There were moments that genuinely took my breath away. I even woke up before dawn to watch the sunrise… who am I?

And the best part? The guides totally got it. They knew a day-long trek wasn’t really my style, so instead, they created a customized national park experience just for me. We visited stunning viewpoints, took in the scenery on leisurely trails, and paused often to simply just enjoy it all. It was thoughtful, personal, and perfect.

That’s the kind of care you feel at Vira Vira—every moment is centered around you, your pace, and how you want to experience the destination. This place leaves an imprint—not just on your memory, but on your heart.

Chile completely surprised me. I went in with few expectations and came home with a whole new appreciation for this beautiful country. It is completely underrated and unforgettable!

Even with everything I was able to experience, I know there’s still so much more to see. Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, and Easter Island are still calling—and they’ll absolutely be part of my next adventure here.

Huge thanks to my amazing friends and partners at andBeyond for opening the door to this journey and allowing me to experience their incredible services firsthand. Their thoughtful planning, warm hospitality, and seamless execution brought the trip to life in such a meaningful way—and gave me total confidence in sending our travelers their way.

If Chile isn’t on your radar yet, it should be. It’s a destination that stirs the soul—and it’s surprisingly easy to get to. No jet lag (same time zone as the East Coast!) and far better value than many destinations around the world including Europe. Add to that world-class wine, stunning scenery, warm people, and real cultural depth… and it’s truly a trip that is worth taking.

Chile: Underrate & Unforgettable

DID YOU KNOW?

Greetings From Greece