The Cliffs Preserve

We left the Ritz-Carlton Santiago at 10 a.m. to head to the airport for a short 90 minute flight to Puerto Montt. After a brief detour back to the hotel to retrieve a passport that one of our group had left in his room, we made it to the airport in plenty of time, although the bag back check lines were incredibly long.

About a 90 minute drive from the airport, The Cliffs Preserve is a beautiful seaside resort with lots of opportunities for enjoying nature: hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, even relaxing in the spa. The Cliffs goes beyond "all-inclusive." although expensive, your stay includes virtually anything you want to satisfy your heart's desire. I have a beautiful, extremely spacious suite in a 4 BR Villa. The living room has a wood burning fireplace and a stocked refrigerator. My bedroom has a King bed, as well as a sitting area overlooking the beach.

The food is amazing, and even laundry is included, so this is a smart place to plan for the middle of your itinerary to Chile. I'm looking forward to my three days here!

 

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Santiago, Chile | cathedral reflections

Just landed in Santiago, Chile this morning after a 9 hour overnight flight from Atlanta. I slept about five hours on the plane (with the help of Ambien) but was still tired on arrival. However, I resisted the impulse to take a nap. After checking in at the Ritz-Carlton Santiago and taking a long, hot shower, I joined my Brownell Travel colleagues for a short walking tour of the city.

Santiago is an attractive city with beautiful parks and squares. After seeing La Moneda Presidential Palace (where the President of Chile has his office), we walked to Plaza de Armas Square, a large square with caricature artists, orators (something like Speakers Corner in London), and some interesting historic buildings.

I was fascinated by this reflection of the old Cathedral in the windows of a contemporary office building immediately across the street. Afterwards, we were taken for a "light lunch" at Ciudad Vieja. Well, it was very, very good and quite authentic, but light? Fried cheese and French fries!

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.