While other guests found it odd that you have to pass by the restaurant entrance to get to the spa, we didn’t mind walking around in robes as the hotel has very few rooms and is a retreat anyways. Next to the indoor pool is a very hot pool, a sauna and a steam bath along six day beds to relax. We actually preferred to go to the lake to refresh than spend time at the indoor pool, which looked quite nice and the water was also perfectly tempered. You can go as far as you want on the stand up paddle as the water is really calm and flat as a pancake to say it in British words. While all motor equipment is at an extra charge, we had lots of fun with the classic non-motor stuff. I absolutely tend to love hotels on the lakeside, as I think lakes are always more refreshing than pools or the sea (especially the Mediterranean), so I was happy to see AWA was providing water sports equipment including paddle boards, kayaks, jet-skis and a motorboat.

One of the highlights at the AWA is the direct access to the lake, the individually arranged tours as well as the design. Now they have German schools and even the typical cake and coffee service in the afternoon, which they still call “Kuchen” just like we do in german. The interesting point is that especially the lake district has a big connection with Germany thanks to immigrants from Germany who came here a long time ago already. In fact I was more blown away by the latter one to be honest as I prefer places without tons of German and European tourists (I never mind when we meet fellow citizens but they have to be in an acceptable amount). Yes, Torres del Paine is breathtaking and perhaps Patagonian landscape is unique in the world, but the Lake District around Puerto Varas, Puerto Montt and the peninsula of Chiloé is not less spectacular. However only a handful of travelers also head to the Lake District which is actually a shame. When going to Chile you always consider Patagonia (we talk about Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine), Atacama Desert and Easter Island - not to mention Santigo as it is the only hub to get to above mentioned points.

Hotel awa