Opening this March, Casa Gastón will be Bolivia’s first Luxury Hotel Museum, located in the village of Jirira at the foot of the sacred Tunupa Volcano, overlooking the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni. Conceived by the late Bolivian artist Gastón Ugalde, this habitable work of art seamlessly blends nature, architecture, art and gastronomy. Built from volcanic stone and coral, the 5-star property features just 10 exclusive suites inspired by ancient Andean architecture, each with private terraces and open-air lithium baths facing the salt flats. Common areas include art pavilions, a contemplative lobby, an intimate bar and wellness spaces with saunas and steam rooms. Casa Gastón offers an all-inclusive experience with a refined culinary and beverage program led by acclaimed chef Marsia Taha, Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2024, as well as 2 daily curated activities such as sunrise hikes, volcano treks, salt biking, sun rituals, llama encounters and stargazing. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement, Casa Gastón aims to become the first carbon-neutral EDGE-certified hotel in Latin America. 

SAT Handpicked Stay: 

Casa Gastón, inspired by the surreal Salar de Uyuni, turns the landscape itself into art. Its refined concept in this remote corner of Bolivia makes it a world-class destination for luxury travellers seeking authentic experiences in style.

Inkaterra, the Peruvian hotel brand known for its long-standing commitment to conservation and sustainability, will open a new property on Peru’s northern Pacific coast, where desert landscapes meet the sea. Easily reached via a short flight from Lima to Talara followed by a scenic coastal drive, the historic village of Cabo Blanco—once famed for world-record marlin fishing and linked to Ernest Hemingway—rre-emerges as a boutique sanctuary overlooking pristine beaches and powerful surf. The intimate retreat will feature 13 ocean-facing suites, each with private terraces, plunge pools and outdoor showers, designed in harmony with the surrounding desert and the rhythm of the Pacific. Stays includes full board with refined marine cuisine at Cabo Blanquillo Restaurant, shared airport transfers, concierge service, guided on-site activities, daily beach picnic baskets and one signature experience of choice such as a boat excursion aboard the iconic Miss Texas fishing boat. Additional experiences include snorkeling, surfing, whale watching (May-Nov) and optional spa treatments. 

 

We’re looking forward to this new Inkaterra opening in one of Peru’s lesser-known coastal regions. The relaxed, understated atmosphere shaped by the ocean makes it an excellent boutique beach destination.

Casa Clara is an intimate boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored 18th-century casona on Plaza Nazarenas, in the historic centre of Cusco. The property is part of Ananay Hotels, a premier Peruvian collection of boutique hotels such as Villa Barranco in Lima and Palacio Guaqui in Arequipa. Formerly connected to the Monastery of Santa Clara, the building has been carefully restored, preserving its Hispanic-colonial and Cusqueñan architectural character. Today, the hotel offers just 8 rooms and suites, combining refined design, personalised service and calm shared spaces arranged around classic patios and gardens. The restaurant serves modern Peruvian cuisine, while the bar showcases local wines and spirits. Its prime location provides immediate access to Cusco’s main cultural landmarks.

 

SAT Handpicked Stay:
Operating for over a year and recently re-inspected by our team, Casa Clara remains a true insider tip in Cusco. With just 8 spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms and a privileged location next to Inkaterra La Casona and opposite Palacio Nazarenas, it is an excellent boutique choice for travellers seeking discreet luxury in the heart of the city.

Planned to open in March 2026, Humano will be Peru's first Tribute Portfolio™ hotel,  a collection of independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio. Located in Lima's popular Miraflores district, the hotel will offer a contemporary urban stay with a strong local focus. The 18-storey property will feature 157 modern rooms and suites designed to accommodate both leisure and business travellers. Facilities will include two restaurants — Café de Lima, serving South American cuisine, and Entrañable, an 18th-floor grill restaurant — as well as an outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped gym, a massage room, and flexible meeting spaces. With its thoughtful design, efficient service and local insights, Humano is set to become a well-connected base in Lima.

Explora, a pioneer in exploration travel and conservation-driven hospitality, is expanding its Patagonian network with a new lodge in Argentina, set to open in December 2026. Explora El Calafate is built on a remote estancia near Lake Argentino, approx. 30 km from El Calafate, surrounded by the vast Patagonian steppe with distant views of the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Designed by Chilean architect José Cruz Ovalle, the lodge blends organic architecture and natural materials seamlessly into the landscape. It features 20 rooms and suites with panoramic views, outdoor hot tubs and welcoming communal spaces. Explora offers all-inclusive stays, covering accommodation, all meals and beverages inspired by Patagonian cuisine, guided explorations, spa facilities, national park entrance fees and airport transfers. More than 30 custom-made excursions by foot, horseback or overland vehicle reveal glaciers, valleys and the open steppe.

 

Explora’s arrival in El Calafate promises a strong new luxury base for exploring the region beyond the classic routes, without giving up comfort, authenticity and a sense of remoteness.

After an extensive transformation, Recoleta Grand, part of the local Grand Hotels Lux collection, has recently re-opened in Buenos Aires’ elegant Recoleta district. The boutique hotel marks the first Tribute Portfolio™ Hotel in Argentina and features a renewed design inspired by porteño culture with French influences, curated by interior designer Lucas Gashu. The property offers 142 guest rooms and suites, several dining and bar concepts partly housed within the restored historic Mansión Mihura, as well as a rooftop terrace with pool, spa, executive lounge and fitness centre. Some areas, including the spa, gym and Mansión Mihura bars, will remain under renovation until March 2026.

  

Further news from Grand Hotels Lux: the Panoramic Grand Hotel in Iguazú is currently also under renovation and is scheduled to re-open in Oct 2026.

Also opening in December 2026, Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve is Explora’s second lodge in the Torres del Paine region and an exclusive Patagonian sanctuary set within a private conservation area bordering the famous Chilean national park. Located approx. 2 hours from Puerto Natales, this architectural masterpiece offers an intimate experience with just 10 rooms overlooking the Patagonian steppe and the iconic Torres peaks. Guests enjoy access to both the park’s classic highlights and its lesser-known northern areas through guided hikes, horseback riding and overland explorations. Facilities include outdoor hot tubs, a massage room and inviting communal spaces, while the lodge’s own stables house horses specially bred for the wild Patagonian terrain, allowing guests to explore the landscape in true gaucho tradition. The all-inclusive stays include accommodation, full board with world-class Patagonian cuisine, guided explorations, spa facilities, national park entrance fees as well as airport transfers.

 

SAT Handpicked Stay: 

Due to its wild and serene location, this new Explora lodge promises a highly private and immersive experience, in true Explora style, where travellers can slow down and truly become part of Patagonia’s essence.

One of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic hotels, the Belmond Copacabana Palace, is undergoing a major renovation of its historic annex building, originally opened in 1948. The annex will reopen in Nov 2026 as the newly reimagined Tower Club, marking a significant new chapter for the landmark property. The renovation will reduce the number of units from 96 to 68, introducing more spacious suites of approx. 70–80 m² and enhancing privacy and exclusivity. The project also includes a new two-floor spa concept, a redesigned fitness area, an upgraded pool area with a new bar, and a refreshed Cipriani Restaurant with a more intimate dining layout. Interiors will celebrate Brazilian artistry and craftsmanship, while most suites will feature balconies overlooking the iconic pool and Copacabana Beach. The main building and hotel services remain open during the renovation.

 

We see this renovation as an important evolution of a true Rio icon. Larger suites, a stronger wellness focus and refreshed design make the new Tower Club especially appealing for travellers seeking classic glamour with a more contemporary feel from 2026 onwards.

Scheduled to open in September 2026, Tropical Hotel da Amazônia marks the return of one of Manaus’ most iconic properties, reimagined as Brazil’s first Tribute Portfolio hotel within the Marriott Bonvoy collection.

Originally opened in 1976 and long regarded as a symbol of luxury in the rainforest, the hotel is undergoing a comprehensive renovation that modernises its infrastructure while preserving its original architectural character. The expansive property will feature spacious rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, a large outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, sports courts, children’s areas and extensive event facilities. Contemporary design elements inspired by the colours, textures and rhythms of the Amazon will position the hotel once again as a landmark base for exploring the region. 

Launching in July 2026, Soberano is a new boutique-style riverboat designed for an intimate and immersive Amazon experience. With just 19 cabins, English-speaking staff and a strong focus on regional gastronomy, the vessel offers a refined yet authentic way to explore the Amazon by water. Regular departures include a 2-night Solimões itinerary, a 3-night Rio Negro cruise, and a 5-night immersive programme, with selected sailings combinable with a stay at Evolução Lodge to extend the Amazon experience. Reservations are already being accepted for the second half of 2026.

 

From the same reliable operator, more exclusive options are also available, including the Yacht Batelão, ideal for private charters. With a maximum capacity of 10 guests (4 double suites and 1 bunk suite), it is particularly well suited for families and small groups.

 

We’re excited about the upcoming launch of Soberano Amazon Expeditions. After meeting the team behind the project, we feel confident in the quality and positioning of this experience. Its small scale, flexible itineraries and early booking availability make it one of the most promising new Amazon products in Brazil.

Korimana is a newly opened luxury healing retreat, located just a 3.5-hour scenic drive from Quito in the La Maná region, where the sacred slopes of the Andes meet the coastal plains. Set in a remote and energetically powerful landscape, the intimate retreat is designed for deep transformation and restoration, offering bespoke wellness journeys on selected dates throughout the year, each focused on specific healing themes. The property features 18 thoughtfully designed suites aligned with the natural environment to foster balance, stillness and reconnection. Guests experience highly personalised programs combining ancestral rituals, therapeutic treatments and conscious nourishment, supported by yoga and meditation terraces, massage cabins, detoxifying therapy areas and a traditional Temazcal.

 

SAT Handpicked Stay: 

A true insider tip recommended by Andrea, our GM Ecuador, who personally participated in one of the retreats last year. Korimana is well suited for travellers seeking a nature-led wellness experience focused on introspection, balance and meaningful transformation.

Wao Kamp is an authentic safari camp located deep within Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park, a global biodiversity hotspot and one of the most wildlife-rich regions on Earth. Designed in close collaboration with the Huaorani communities, the camp’s installations are inspired by traditional Waorani houses, known as onko, and built using local materials to minimize impact on the surrounding primary rainforest. With a maximum capacity of 8 guests, Wao Kamp offers an intimate and immersive Amazon experience in simple yet comfortable double tents. Guests enjoy a local culinary experience featuring fresh, regional ingredients, as well as a wide range of community-led activities including jungle hikes, canoe rides, night walks, birdwatching, visits to clay licks, as well as cultural exchanges and workshops with the Huaorani people, the Guardians of the Amazon.
 

Our colleague Regine recently returned from an inspection trip to Wao Kamp and was deeply impressed by the experience. Sleeping in a tent in the heart of the jungle, listening to the sounds of the rainforest, combined with canoe trips, guided hikes and a visit to one of the oldest Huaorani warriors, Gaba (shown in the photo), made this a truly memorable stay. It’s ideal for travellers seeking an authentic Amazon experience with a strong cultural focus.

The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena is now accepting reservations for its opening in early 2026. Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Getsemaní, just steps from the historic walled city, the hotel combines historic heritage with contemporary luxury. This 5-star property comprises a collection of meticulously restored historic buildings, including a 16th-century cloister, former theatres and the iconic Club Cartagena. The 131 rooms and suites, many with private terraces, were designed by the renowned French designer François Catroux. Facilities will include 8 distinct restaurants and bars, 2 rooftop pools offering panoramic city and sea views, and the UMARI Spa, which features 6 treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
 
SAT Handpicked Stay:
A highly anticipated new luxury address in Cartagena, combining Four Seasons’ refined service and resort-style comfort with a vibrant location close to the historic old town.

The Wake BioHotel is an urban wellness hotel located in the upper El Poblado district of Medellín, focusing on rest, sustainability, and wellbeing. As a member of Design Hotels, the 5-star property features 109 contemporary rooms and suites, including fully equipped residences for longer stays, all thoughtfully designed and surrounded by greenery to support recovery and quality sleep while exploring the city. Guests can enjoy a slow dining experience at Silo Restaurant, which serves nourishing cuisine prepared from high-quality ingredients. The hotel’s wellness concept is centred around the Sastra Longevity Club, offering biohacking therapies and science-based treatments complemented by a weekly programme of yoga, sound healing and barre classes.
 
SAT Handpicked Stay:
Wake BioHotel brings a holistic approach to Medellín’s hotel scene, with a clear focus on wellness and longevity. It’s a fancy option for travellers looking to combine a luxurious city break with mindfulness in a prime urban location.

The Grand Hotel Punta del Este expanded last year with the addition of the new Fortuneé Tower, designed as a natural extension of the main building. The tower adds 60 new rooms and suites with sea and park views, increasing the hotel’s total inventory to 178 rooms.  Guests have access to several dining venues, including the Lighthouse Restaurant, the Montauk Beach Club (seasonal) and the HUMA Rooftop Bar & Lounge, as well as a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a modern fitness centre, and exclusive beach services. Located directly on Playa Brava, the hotel combines contemporary design with a prime beachfront location in one of South America’s most exclusive resort destinations.

 

Recently visited by our colleagues María del Mar and Penélope, the new Fortuneé Tower is a strong addition to Punta del Este’s luxury hotel scene, offering modern rooms, upgraded facilities and an excellent beachfront location.

New LATAM flights:

São Paulo–Amsterdam

& São Paulo–Brussels

LATAM will launch two new direct routes from São Paulo (GRU) to Europe. Non-stop flights to Amsterdam (AMS) will start on 29 March 2026, followed by Brussels (BRU) from 1 June 2026, with both routes operating three times per week. From June 2026, LATAM will also increase frequencies from São Paulo to Madrid (MAD) with two daily flights, and to Barcelona (BCN) and Rome (FCO) with daily services.

New BoA flight:

Lima – Santa Cruz -

Rio de Janeiro

Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) has launched a new service connecting Lima (LIM) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG) via Santa Cruz de la Sierra (VVI) from 6 December 2025. The route operates twice weekly on Mondays and Saturdays and is offered under BoA’s all-inclusive fare, including checked and carry-on baggage, comlimentary seat selection and onboard catering.

New Lima Airport

Transfer Tax (TUUA)

 

Since December 2025, passengers with international flight connections in Lima (LIM) are required to pay an airport transfer tax (TUUA). The fee amounts to USD 11.86 p.p. and is payable directly at the airport for all international connecting passengers. Payment can be made via authorized airport agents with mobile POS devices or at dedicated on-site payment counters within the transfer area.