PALAFITO 1326, CHILOE ISLAND, CHILE
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Built among the humble homes of fishermen and craftsmen, this unique 12-room charmer is a modern interpretation of the palafito—a stilted wood house that is a symbol of the unspoiled Chiloé archipelago in southern Chile. Recycled larch shingles and hand-carved doors from the original building complement the traditional wool Chilote blankets and decorative carvings and sculptures. Arrays of windows deliver ample light as well as views of Castro, the capital of Chiloé Province, and its bay, a popular hangout for black-neck swans and kingfishers. Service is simple—just a single attendant at the front desk—but is ultimately forgivable as he or she is ready to stoke the communal fireplace or help you scout out the opening times of Chiloé's UNESCO World Heritage wood-shingle churches.

Which room to book: Avoid the street side and stick to the rooms facing the bay, which add a small balcony.

Palafito 1326
Tel: 56 65 530 053
Doubles: $92–$115

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