There are many things to applaud about The Ritz Carlton in Santiago. For starters, its location in the aptly named El Golf neighbourhood - which itself sits within Santiago’s chichi Las Condes district - is just peerless. Second, are the handsome interiors, which are the result of a recent overhaul by Amalia Barreda, of local firm ABWB, who took her cues from the city’s location, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes Mountains.
Each of the 205 rooms is a turquoise canvas highlighted with pastel and copper tones and dressed with local handicrafts and textiles - from the carpets to the mantles - inspired by indigenous costumes and art.
Downstairs, Estro mines the region to turn out seasonal dishes using local, artisanal ingredients such as the creamy artichoke parmesan risotto; confit of quail, served with potatoes from Chiloé Island; and the signature abalone dish mixed with fresh cucumber salad, avocado puree, lemon caviar and green chilli emulsion.
The good life though, is best celebrated at the glass-domed rooftop spa, for its sweeping views of the city and the snow-capped Andes beyond, or a quick few lengths in the heated indoor pool.
