Big news from andBeyond. In September 2018, the luxury experiential travel company will debut its very first lodge outside of Africa. andBeyond Vira Vira will be located close to Pucón in Chile’s Lake District, a region just north of Patagonia that’s home to stunning geographical diversity: snow-capped volcanic peaks, nature reserves, forests, farmland and, of course, the dazzlingly clear lakes.
The lodge will be the reincarnation of the existing Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira, which will close in June to be transformed into the andBeyond Vira Vira. It’s located on a nearly 100-acre working organic farm that includes a cheese and milk dairy. The farm’s freshly grown produce will be featured on the restaurant menu; in fact, andBeyond is taking the “farm-to-table” concept to another level, as all the restaurant ingredients will be sourced on-site. There will be al fresco dining so that guests can appreciate the lodge's scenic setting on the banks of the Liucura River.
Sustainability is a key part of andBeyond’s brand philosophy, and the lodge will also seek to share the authentic, traditional lifestyle of the local Mapuche people.
Chile’s Lake District is a year-round destination, with recreational activities running the gamut from horseback riding and fly fishing to white water rafting and helicopter tours. There is terrific skiing and snowboarding here, which U.S. travelers can enjoy during the North American summer (with seasons reversed in the southern hemisphere). Note that children are welcome at andBeyond Vira Vira; the lodge’s WILDchild programs are both fun and educational.
To quote the official press release, the lodge’s debut “is an important milestone on andBeyond’s journey to ‘export’ their business model of doing well while doing good into South America and beyond.”
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