Luxury holidays in Santiago
Flanked by the high-and-mighty Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west, Santiago sits in a bowl-like valley, surrounded by snowy-peaked mountains on either side. Balmy in winter and brisk in the summer, the city is a game of two halves; while spring attracts skiers and snowboarders to the mountainous fringes, December sees sun-seekers and culture lovers flock to the bustling urban centre. A metropolis populated by gleaming glass towers and cloud-poking skyscrapers, Santiago nevertheless has pockets of tranquility among its winding streets, made all the more enticing for their contrast against the built-up areas. Our favourite spot is Santa Lucía Hill, a verdant park dotted with lemon-yellow buildings and sparkling fountains. As you’d expect from its Latin American location, this is a city that parties hard; hit underground bars and pop-up joints for the best pisco sours and parilla-grilled tidbits.
When to go
Head to Santiago between December and February to make the most of the summer sun. Sightseers looking for slightly cooler temperatures will prefer September to November, while May is best for ski bums.