In Argentina, more than 86 million doses of COVID vaccine have been administered. Roughly 87% of the population has received at least one shot and almost 77% is fully inoculated (2 doses). Almost 27% has already received their booster shot. The vaccines used in Argentina are Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Sinopharm and Convidecia.

Did you know that Argentina has its very own salt flats, similar to the famous Uyuni salt desert in Bolivia? They are called Salinas Grandes and located in the spectacular northwestern region of the country. For anyone planning to explore this beautiful part of Argentina, there is a new luxury property that is the perfect base to experience the Salinas Grandes. Pristine Camps opened its doors in November 2021 and is located right in the white expanse of the salt flats. The property consists of four suite domes with space for a total of 10 guests and one main dome which serves as the reception and restaurant. All domes are equipped with King beds (convertible into Twin), a table with two chairs, a heating stove and a full bathroom. The two Premium Suites also have a sofa-bed for a third guest, a minibar and a wooden outside tub which is heated with firewood. Each dome is decorated in a different theme, including "Pacha" (Earth) and "Inti" (Sun). The restaurant focuses on local cuisine and aims at telling a story through its dishes: about the land, local flavors and the people who prepare the food. Sustainability is an integral part of the project. The property is entirely powered by renewable energy, the domes are built on wooden platforms to preserve the integrity of the ground and local producers are the camp's preferred suppliers whenever possible.
The overnight rate includes full board, transfers from/to the meeting point Tres Morros and excursions with specialized guides. The camp is located 66km/41mi from Purmamarca and 248km/154mi from Salta. 
For more information about Pristine Camps and tour suggestions in Argentina's Northwest, please contact us!
Picture credit: Pristine Camps

Almost 350 million vaccine doses have been administered in Brazil, most of which are Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca. Other vaccines used are Sinovac Biotech and Johnson & Johnson. More than 78% of Brazilians have received their first dose while around 67% of the population is fully vaccinated. Approximately 13% has been boostered.

** Carnival Update **
The cities Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo announced new dates for their iconic Carnival celebrations. Instead of the usual dates in February, the parades will be postponed until the end of April. The new dates are as follows:

April 20th and 21st	Access Group Parade
April 22nd and 23rd	Special Group Parade
April 30th	Winner's Parade

In December 2021, the Brazilian luxury brand Fasano opened a new breathtaking hotel in the south of Bahia state, located at Brazil's northeastern coast. Fasano Trancoso is built on a 300-hectar property right on Itapororoca Beach, 1h 40min from Porto Seguro and the nearest airport. The hotel was designed by one of the most renowned contemporary architects in the country, São Paulo native Isay Weinfeld. The 40 bungalows are divided into 5 categories, ranging between 60 and 206sqm (645-2217sqft), some of which are adapted for guests with special needs. They are decorated in calming, earthy tones with a focus on wood and natural textiles. All of them are equipped with King or Twin beds and feature marble bathrooms. All categories except Superior have a private terrace and sun loungers. The beach club restaurant and pool bar offer beach service and the Italian influenced menu specializes in seafood. Two outdoor swimming pools are built into the 500m/1640ft deck that runs along the entire front of the property, providing a spectacular view of the ocean. The hotel also offers massages and aesthetic treatments at the Fasano Spa, along with a steam sauna, fitness center and wellness pool. The concierge and butler service provide assistance for any needs the guests may have.
Please contact us to learn more about Fasano Trancoso or request travel ideas in Brazil!
Picture credit: Fasano

Chile has been one of the world leaders when it comes to COVID vaccinations. More than 94% of the population has received at least one dose, 92% is fully inoculated and 76% has received their booster. More than 46 million doses have been administered, distributed between Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac Biotech, Sputnik and Convidecia. 

The Chilean company Explora had a very busy year, launching various new projects. In October 2021, they opened their lodge in the Patagonia National Park in Aysén's Chacabuco Valley. As opposed to their other hotels, the lodge is housed in an existing building built by the Tomkins foundation in the style of a traditional Patagonian estancia. It was designed as a self-sustainable project, using materials such as stones from local quarries, recycled wood and copper for the roofs. The 10 cozy rooms and suites offer an amazing view of the Tamango and Tamanguito hills. Their second new property is located on the north bank of the Eléctrico River in Argentina's hiking mecca El Chaltén and opened in December 2021. 20 spacious rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and mountain range.
The restaurants at both lodges serve dishes by Argentinean chefs Pablo Jesús Rivero and Guido Tassi, whose renowned restaurant Don Julio is a regular on "The World’s 50 Best Restaurants" list. The menus are influenced by traditional Gaucho cooking and focus on incorporating ingredients from small producers in the area.
The final new Explora projects take us to the north of Chile and Bolivia's famous salt flats. Their new remote Explora Mountain Homes in the Altiplano of the Andes and the new Explora Uyuni were designed by Chilean architect Max Núñez. The simple yet comfortable rooms provide magnificent views of the fascinating landscapes surrounding the properties and are equipped with everything that makes for a comfortable stay after a busy day of exploring the high mountains: King or Twin beds, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers. 
To enquire about itineraries including Explora properties, just click here!
Picture credit: Explora

In Colombia, a total of over 70 million doses of the following vaccines were administered: Pfizer–BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Sinovac Biotech. Around 78% of Colombians have received a first shot and almost 61% have a complete vaccination scheme. 11% of the population has received their booster dose.

In December 2021, the peninsula Barú became home to Colombia's first luxury beach resort. The eye-catching Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort is located at the dreamy white-sand beaches of the peninsula's eastern coast and surrounded by the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea. It can be reached by car (1h 20min from Cartagena) or by boat (25-40min from Cartagena). As a homage to Barú's biodiversity, the hotel's 187 rooms and suites are decorated with natural fibers and hand-stitched tapestries depicting motifs from nature such as mangroves or birds, created by Colombian artist Eloin Rivera. All are equipped with King or Twin beds, complimentary Nespresso machines/tea stations, a private balcony or terrace facing the ocean and L'Occitane amenities in the bathrooms. Three of the suite categories also offer a Jacuzzi. Guests can choose between three restaurants and a variety of cuisines, including traditional Colombian, Mediterranean, Japanese or Peruvian. There are seven bars across the property, both indoor and outdoor. Besides relaxing at the tropical beach, guests can enjoy four pools, a Spa and a fitness center. A variety of activities rounds off the experience, such as Cinema under the Stars, a night tour to view "glowing" plankton or a braid workshop. There is also an array of services available for families traveling with kids, like the play area "Kid's Villa" or a nanny service. 
Request additional information about Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort or enquire about tour programs in Colombia here!
Picture credit: Sofitel

The vaccines used in Ecuador are Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sinovac and CanSino and more than 29 million doses have been administered so far. Over 87% of the population has received a first dose and roughly 79% is fully vaccinated. The administered booster doses come to 11%.

Aqua Expeditions forged into Ecuadorian waters with their new luxury yacht Aqua Mare, which will start cruising the Galapagos Islands in May 2022. The 50m/164ft long vessel has a maximum capacity of 16 passengers in 7 cabins. Originally built in 1998 by the renowned Italian company CRN Yachts, Aqua Expeditions completely refurbished it in 2021. The generously sized suites are distributed between the main deck (2), the lower deck (4) and the upper deck (1), ranging from 16 to 80sqm (172-861sqft). All of them are equipped with ensuite bathrooms with Italian marble and a walk-in shower plus rain shower. The cabin floors have wall-to-wall carpeting while the walls are paneled with walnut veneer wood. Large windows allow plenty of natural light and provide a spectacular view of the archipelago. The yacht also features an outdoor Jacuzzi and BBQ area, a panoramic lounge with an outdoor dining deck, an indoor dining room, a swim platform and a small "Beach Club" lounge located at water level. The Aqua Mare also carries watersport equipment, including snorkeling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. As with Aqua Expeditions' yachts in the Peruvian Amazon, the ship's menu is designed by renowned Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, who combined local Ecuadorian ingredients with Peruvian Nikkei cooking techniques. Aqua Mare will offer 7-night cruises to the eastern or western part of the Galapagos Islands as well as a 14-night combination of both. 
Find out about departure dates and rates by contacting us!
Picture credit: Aqua Expeditions

Around 76% of the Peruvian population has received their first COVID vaccine, while almost 69% is already fully inoculated. More than 22% has received a booster shot. The more than 55 million administered doses in Peru are divided between Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca.

Lima has had a busy 2021 when it comes to hotel openings and this year will not be any different. 

Iberostar opened the capital's first hotel that is free of single-use plastic in October 2021. The hotel's design is inspired by the Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve (Amazon) and besides its 214 rooms, it offers a Spa, fitness center, roof-top infinity pool, two restaurants and a lobby bar.
In November 2021, the Accor Group opened their new Pullman property in Miraflores. The 237-room hotel follows a sustainable concept, with a green roof and LOW E glass, which is said to reduce heat by filtering UV rays, thus lowering the use of air conditioning. It features a swimming pool, fitness center, two restaurants and a roof-top bar.
Several international hotel brands have announced a total of 10 new properties in Lima for 2022, half of which are just entering the Peruvian market. One of those is the InterContinental Hotels Group, which will launch the InterContinental Lima Miraflores and Hotel Indigo, also in Miraflores. Another newcomer to Peru is NH Hotels' brand Nhow, opening a hotel in Miraflores. As the first of its brand in South America, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is planned to open in San Isidro. Likewise, Marriott International is bringing their midscale brand Moxy Hotels to South America, with a first hotel in Miraflores. Hilton will launch a new Hilton Garden Inn in Miraflores and Accor will open new properties under their brands Ibis and Novotel. 
Get more information about Lima's new hotels here!
Picture credit: Iberostar Hotels & Resorts / Accor

The vaccine that is mostly used in Uruguay is Sinovac, plus small amounts of Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca. Almost 79% of the population has received a first dose and 76% has a full vaccination scheme. 51,5% of Uruguayans have received their booster, bringing the total of administered doses to almost 7 million.

Last December, Accor brought their brand MGallery to Uruguay with the opening of the Hotel Costanero MGallery.  It is located right in front of the bay of Pocitos Beach in the Nuevo Pocitos neighborhood, an area with a great gastronomic offer. The design of the hotel is decidedly urban, with influences from local art and architecture. Luminosity plays an important role, with large glazed surfaces and skylight providing ample natural light in the building. With warm colors and a lot of leather, wood and textile details, the rooms are made for instant comfort. All of the 92 rooms and suites with view to the ocean or the city are equipped with King or Twin beds, a work desk, minibar and 55'' or 65'' (suites) TV. The Deluxe Suites also have a terrace with ocean view. The Restaurant & Bar Cauce works exclusively with local products and serves Uruguayan as well international cuisine. The bar menu specializes on tapas and features a variety of signature cocktails. Hotel guests also have access to a gym, massage room, sauna, and pool with a counter-current swimming system. Dedicated to sustainability, the hotel structure includes solar panels as well as thermal insulation of the façade through an innovative heating and cooling system.
Please contact us for details about Hotel Costanero MGallery as well as travel ideas in Uruguay!
Picture credit: Hotel Costanero MGallery