REVIEW: W Hotel Santiago, Chile

W Hotel Santiago

From the incredible rooftop pool, to chic rooms and top restaurants, it’s time for my review of the W Hotel Santiago!

Santiago is a city packed full of hotels perfect for the most extravagant of breaks. After an enjoyable stay at the 5-star Noi in the Vitacura neighbourhood, I popped over to the W Santiago to experience a different style of luxury.

I’ll admit I’ve been longing to stay at a W hotel for a while. I’ve lusted after their hotels ever since I spent hours sipping on beautifully made cocktails in their Central London hotel, and enjoying the best view in Barcelona in their epic Dubai style skybar. With over 40 hotels in 20+ countries, I was excited to receive an invite to stay overnight in Santiago.

W do luxury differently. They’re not old-fashioned, they’re cool. They’re not stuffy, they’re playful. They rewrite the rulebook on 5-star, with their tongue in cheek signage and über fashionable décor. The W? Oh, it stands for whatever.

W Hotel Santiago
W Hotel Santiago

With 196 rooms, the W Santiago’s tower sits in El Golf, a region of Las Condes. It’s a desirable neighbourhood quite different from Vitacura, but still home to plenty of Santiago’s mid-to-upper class residents. Within walking distance of South America’s largest shopping mall, the Costanera Center, it’s the ideal location for those looking for a stylish break, close to the action, with great dining options. With hotel amenities including a top gourmet restaurant (Osaka) and one of the city’s best rooftop pools, if you have the budget, this is a hotel you won’t want to miss.

W Hotel Santiago
W Hotel Santiago
W Hotel Santiago
W Hotel Santiago

After navigating our way through a lift from the carpark, we made it to reception where a helpful member of staff took control of the check in. It was still early, but our room was ready so we opted to head straight up to the seventh floor. Unlike many 5-star hotels, we were not accompanied by a member of staff, and we took care of our own luggage. Service felt pretty relaxed.

READ MORE: The Best Luxury Hotels In Santiago

As I entered the room, I was struck by two things. Firstly what a huge room it was – the king size bed looked small with so much space around it! Secondly – the incredible floor to ceiling windows looking out over Santiago. One of those moments that makes you go ‘wow’!

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REVIEW: Mark Warner Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret

Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret

Considering booking L’Ecrin Du Val Claret in Tignes for your ski holiday? From more about the rooms, food quality and the spa in this detailed review. 

As outlined in my Wanderlust Bambi post I wasn’t a natural skier… but after a few days in ski school, I started to get the hang of it! Thankfully, when I wasn’t on the slopes I had a cosy mountain hideaway to warm up in – the Mark Warner Hotel L’Ecrin in the village of Tignes Val Claret in the French Alps.

Mark Warner Ski Trip Tignes - 39

Covered in a snowy cotton-wool blanket, the chalet style hotel had a spacious reception area, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, bar, restaurant, a luxurious spa, and 52 bedrooms.

Lounge area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Lounge area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret
Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret
Spa area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Spa area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret
Lounge area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Lounge area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret

The Mark Warner experience is all about warm service, comfort and convenience. Over the course of a few days I got to know the hotel staff – from the front desk team to the spa girls and the barmen. Everyone was friendly, full of info and brought a really lovely social vibe to the hotel. For families, they offer childcare – a great option when the grown ups fancy a day on the slopes.

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SXMusic Festival, Saint Martin

Orient Beach Saint Martin

Hitting the beach in Saint Martin for SXMusic Festival.

Oh hey… look where I am? 

Just when I thought I was heading home from an incredible month in South America, I took a slight detour. I’ve popped over to the paradise Caribbean island of Saint Martin for a week of sunshine, rum and beach parties. The occasion? The brand new boutique music festival SXMusic.

SXMusic Festival 2016

SXMusic Festival 2016

From 9th – 13th March, the world’s top DJs are flying in to perform at some of the island’s coolest venues. From the perfect white sands of Palm Beach on Orient Beach, to the island’s top nightclubs Tantra and Le Shore. Jamie Jones , Patrick Topping and Maceo Plex head up a top line up for the Caribbean’s newest music festival.

SXMusic Festival 2016

Orient Beach Saint Martin

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REVIEW: Noi Hotel Vitacura, Santiago, Chile

Noi Vitacura Rooftop Pool

Looking for a luxury hotel in Santiago? My review of 5* Noi Hotel will have you even more excited for your trip! 

In the upmarket Vitacura neighbourhood, the five-star Noi Hotel is attracting a stylish clientele in search of a luxurious base in Santiago. Enticing them – contemporary décor, a plush spa and an incredible rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the city. After 23 hours of travelling, I couldn’t wait to check in.

Noi Vitacura Rooftop Bar

The Noi group is proud to own luxury boutique hotels in several areas of outstanding natural beauty across Chile, including San Pedro de Atacama, Patagonia and the Andes Mountains. They aim to deliver a unique experience via their locations and facilities – something that the Noi Vitacura certainly achieved. Close to Alonso de Córdova Street (filled with exclusive boutiques, restaurants and art galleries) and near to Bicentennial Park, Vitacura is one of the most desirable parts of the city.

Noi Vitacura Exterior

From the contemporary wood-clad exterior, to the polished floors and grand lobby area with its criss-cross view of overhead walkways, arriving at the Noi was a sophisticated experience.

READ MORE: The Best Luxury Hotels In Santiago

Noi Vitacura Lobby

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