Explora en Rapa Nui – All Inclusive

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what? I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first pulled up to Explora en Rapa Nui – I mean, Easter Island isn’t exactly known for luxury resorts, and honestly, that’s kind of the point. This place sits right on Te Miro Oone, which is basically where the main part of Hanga Roa starts to fade into those incredible rolling hills dotted with moai. The first thing that hits you is how they’ve managed to build something sophisticated without making it feel like it dropped in from some generic tropical resort. The architecture actually works with the landscape instead of fighting it, which is harder to pull off than you’d think.

What really sets this place apart – and I’ve stayed at plenty of five-star spots – is how they handle the all-inclusive concept. Instead of the usual buffet madness, they’re working with local ingredients in ways that actually make sense. The pisco sours are dangerous (in the best way), and they source a lot of their seafood from fishermen right here in Hanga Roa. You’ll find yourself chatting with other guests about the day’s excursions over dinner, which feels natural rather than forced. The staff genuinely knows the island – not just the tourist stuff, but like, where to catch the best sunset without crowds, or which moai sites are worth visiting early morning before the day-trippers arrive from the mainland. They’ll set up excursions that feel thoughtful rather than rushed, though honestly, you’ll want to book the Rano Raraku quarry visit as soon as you can because that fills up quick.

The rooms are comfortable without being flashy – think clean lines, those floor-to-ceiling windows that let you wake up to views of the Pacific, and bathrooms where the water pressure actually works (not always a given on remote islands). What I really appreciated was the quiet. Even when the place is full, the layout means you’re not hearing your neighbors, and the location keeps you away from the main street noise in town. Sure, it’s pricier than the family-run spots closer to the center of Hanga Roa, but when you factor in meals, drinks, and the fact that they handle a lot of the logistics that can be tricky on Easter Island, it starts to make sense. Plus, you’re getting that insider access to parts of the island that aren’t on the typical tourist circuit – the kind of experiences that make you feel like you’re actually connecting with Rapa Nui culture rather than just checking boxes. If you’re coming all this way (and let’s be real, it’s a commitment getting here), you might as well stay somewhere that gets what makes this place special.