El Encanto del Manzano & Espacio Vittalia Spa

You know what? I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to El Encanto del Manzano, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The address (Los Litres 11272) sounds pretty remote, and well, it sort of is. You’re about an hour southeast of Santiago in San José de Maipo, which means you’re trading city convenience for something way better – actual mountain air and views that make your Instagram followers legitimately jealous. The drive up is winding but not scary, and there’s decent parking once you arrive, which matters more than you’d think when you’re hauling luggage.

Here’s the thing about this place that really got me: it’s not trying to be a fancy Santiago hotel that happens to be in the mountains. It actually feels like it belongs here. The building has this warm, adobe-style architecture that works with the landscape instead of fighting it, and honestly, the whole property has this relaxed vibe that starts the moment you walk in. The Espacio Vittalia Spa isn’t just some afterthought either – I mean, when you’re surrounded by the Andes like this, a spa that incorporates those views just makes sense. The treatment rooms actually face the mountains, so you’re getting massaged while looking at snow-capped peaks. I’ve stayed at plenty of places with spas, but this one felt integrated into the whole experience rather than bolted on.

What really sets this place apart though is how quiet it gets at night – like, properly quiet in a way that reminds you how much city noise you’ve been tuning out. The staff clearly knows the area well and can point you toward hiking trails that aren’t overrun with tourists, or recommend which direction to head if you want to see the river without the crowds. The rooms are comfortable without being fussy (good heating, which you’ll appreciate in the evenings), and the whole place has this 9.4 rating that actually feels earned rather than inflated. I mean, it’s not perfect – the WiFi can be spotty in some areas, and if you’re expecting nightlife, you’re in the wrong place entirely. But if you want to decompress somewhere that feels genuinely removed from everything while still having proper amenities and that spa, this hits the mark. The location works especially well if you’re planning to explore the Cajón del Maipo area anyway, since you’re already positioned perfectly for day trips without having to drive up from Santiago every morning.