I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a renowned expert in hospitality and a passionate advocate for experiential travel in South America. With her extensive background in the travel and tourism industry, as well as her deep involvement in entertainment and events, Katarina brings a unique perspective on how luxury and eco-conscious tourism can blend seamlessly with cultural and natural immersion. Today, we’ll dive into the exciting expansion of Awasi with their new sanctuaries in Brazil and Argentina, exploring how these properties embody remote luxury, connect with their stunning surroundings, and offer guests transformative experiences.
What inspired Awasi to venture into Brazil and Argentina with these new sanctuaries?
I think what truly drives this expansion is a desire to showcase the incredible diversity of South America’s landscapes and cultures. Brazil and Argentina offered untapped regions that align perfectly with Awasi’s vision of remote luxury and deep connection to place. Santa Catarina on Brazil’s Emerald Coast and Mendoza in Argentina’s wine country were chosen for their unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. These areas aren’t just destinations; they’re living stories waiting to be told, and Awasi saw an opportunity to craft intimate experiences that honor that spirit.
How did the specific locations of Santa Catarina and Mendoza stand out for these new properties compared to other regions?
Santa Catarina captured our hearts with its pristine Atlantic Forest and vibrant coastal culture along the Emerald Coast. It’s a place where nature and local traditions, like fishing, are intertwined, offering a serene yet dynamic backdrop. Mendoza, on the other hand, sits in the heart of Argentine wine country at the foothills of the Andes, with a heritage shaped by centuries of viticultural tradition. Both regions have a distinct pulse that differentiates them from our existing lodges in Patagonia, Atacama, and Iguazu, allowing us to offer guests a broader spectrum of South American experiences while maintaining that signature sense of seclusion.
Awasi is celebrated for its remote luxury. Can you share how the new properties in Santa Catarina and Mendoza embody this ethos in their design and atmosphere?
Absolutely. In Santa Catarina, the 25 standalone villas are perched on a dramatic peninsula with panoramic sea views, designed to feel like private havens amidst the wild Atlantic Forest. The simplicity of the interiors contrasts with the raw beauty outside, creating a quiet elegance. In Mendoza, the 17 villas are nestled among vineyards, with features like rooftop terraces and private plunge pools that encourage slow living while still feeling connected to the Andean landscape. Both properties prioritize privacy and personalized touches, ensuring guests feel both removed from the world and deeply pampered.
The concept of a ‘connected constellation of intimate sanctuaries’ has been mentioned. What does this vision mean to you in the context of Awasi’s portfolio?
To me, it’s about creating a network of experiences that feel cohesive yet distinctly tied to their individual locations. It’s like a journey across South America where each stop—whether Patagonia, Atacama, or now Santa Catarina and Mendoza—offers a new chapter of discovery, but with the same underlying commitment to privacy, storytelling, and cultural immersion. Guests can travel between properties and feel a thread of familiarity in the level of care and bespoke itineraries, yet each place reveals a completely different facet of the continent’s soul.
Focusing on Awasi Santa Catarina, what makes the Emerald Coast such a special destination for travelers seeking something unique?
The Emerald Coast is a hidden gem where untouched nature meets authentic Brazilian coastal life. Surrounded by the Atlantic Forest and just an hour from Florianópolis, it’s a place where you can hear the rhythm of the sea and see fishing boats dotting the horizon. This setting offers a rare stillness, far from the bustle of more touristy spots. It’s a destination for those who crave a deeper connection to nature and culture, whether through exploring the forest or simply soaking in the unhurried pace of local life from the lodge’s dramatic vantage point.
Can you paint a picture of a specific experience at Awasi Santa Catarina that captures the local culture and environment?
One standout experience is the island dinner we curate for guests. Imagine being whisked away by speedboat to a secluded island just off the coast, where a private table awaits under the stars, surrounded by the sound of waves. The meal features fresh, locally sourced seafood, reflecting the region’s fishing heritage, paired with stories from our guides about the area’s history and ecology. It’s an intimate moment that blends the raw beauty of the Emerald Coast with the warmth of Brazilian hospitality, leaving guests with a memory that feels uniquely personal.
The wellness pavilion at Awasi Santa Catarina sounds like a haven for relaxation. What can guests look forward to in this space?
The wellness pavilion is a transformative addition, perched above Fisherman’s Cove with sweeping sea views. Guests can unwind in a sleek outdoor lap pool or choose from thermal plunge pools at varying temperatures to refresh and recharge. There’s also a dedicated sound healing room, which uses soothing frequencies to promote deep relaxation, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Combined with the Sisley Paris spa offering oceanfront treatments, it’s a space designed to restore both body and mind, allowing guests to fully disconnect and embrace the stillness of the coast.
At Awasi Mendoza, the connection to wine country and the Andes is central. How does the property immerse guests in this region’s heritage?
Mendoza is all about celebrating the rich viticultural legacy of the Agrelo district. Guests can ride horseback through vineyards with local gauchos, participate in harvest rituals like grape clipping and stomping, or learn to cook traditional Argentine dishes in open-air classes. The in-house cellar offers tastings of the property’s own vintages alongside other standout South American labels. Each villa enhances this immersion with features like fireplaces for sunset aperitifs, ensuring guests feel the warmth and history of the Andean foothills in every moment of their stay.
Guides play a pivotal role in the Awasi experience. How do they help guests connect with the landscapes and cultures at these new locations?
Guides are the storytellers and connectors at Awasi. At Santa Catarina, our head guide leads a team that crafts immersive itineraries, from forest hikes to interactions with local fishermen, ensuring guests understand the region’s natural and cultural tapestry. In Mendoza, guides personalize every journey, whether it’s a vineyard tour or a gaucho-led ride, sharing insights that bring the land to life. They’re not just showing the way; they’re opening doors to meaningful encounters that make each trip unforgettable.
Looking ahead, what’s your forecast for the future of experiential and eco-conscious travel in South America?
I believe we’re on the cusp of a golden era for experiential and eco-conscious travel in South America. Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer authentic, low-impact experiences, and this continent has so much to offer with its vast, untouched landscapes and vibrant cultures. I foresee more properties like Awasi’s sanctuaries emerging, focusing on sustainability and deep cultural engagement, while technology and storytelling will play bigger roles in personalizing journeys. The challenge will be balancing growth with preservation, ensuring we protect these incredible places for future generations while inviting travelers to connect with them in meaningful ways.
