What It’s Like to Sleep in a Rainforest Retreat

What We Love

➤ Rainforest setting: Within the staggeringly biodiverse Atlantic Rainforest, Awasi Iguazú sits inside a private nature reserve surrounded by lush, dense jungle. Toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, as well as wildlife such as diurnal coati (adorable cousins of raccoons!) and capuchin monkeys all call the property grounds home.

➤ Utmost care: Each of the property’s 14 standalone villas, which are built on stilts and feature stunning plunge pools, is assigned a private guide and four-wheel drive vehicle (with a designated driver from the Awasi team), making for a personalized itinerary from the moment you land at the airport.

➤ Access: The 1.7-mile-long Iguazú Falls waterfall system, which is situated along the Argentina-Brazil border, is about a 20-minute drive from the property. A stay at Awasi Iguazú means early access to the powerful Devil’s Throat, or Garganta del Diablo, section of the falls; feeling the spray of the water and marveling at its sheer force before the crowds descended is a memory that will stay with me forever.    

Things To Consider

➤ High price tag: It’s admittedly a splurge to stay here; however, rates do include ground transfer to and from the regional airport; accommodations; daily, guided excursions; and all meals inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

➤ Transit time: As the second largest country in South America, Argentina requires some internal travel to explore fully; reaching Iguazú Falls in the northeastern Misiones Province typically means a two-hour domestic flight from a hub such as Buenos Aires. 

Backstory: Comprising five all-inclusive luxury lodges across South America, the Awasi collection draws its name from the Quechua word “wasi,” translating to “house” or “home.” A former banker, Argentine Matías de Cristóbal, was Awasi’s visionary founder and conceptualized the brand’s identity. The collection, spanning from Chile’s Atacama Desert to Patagonia to Brazil’s Emerald Coast, is now owned by a private investment firm.

First impressions: Upon arrival from the airport and entering the main lodge, I noticed the beamed ceilings, reclaimed wood furnishings, woven chairs, locally made textiles, baskets, and ceramics galore, all of which lend a sense of place while also hinting at Awasi’s aim to showcase local artisans. I also immediately spied a 2,000-piece puzzle of the UNESCO-recognized Iguazú Falls that guests can contribute to—as a puzzle addict myself, I couldn’t help but smile. 

Essential information: Awasi Iguazú is a lush rainforest sanctuary, but much of what guests do daily is off-site. When you return from excursions, you can take a dip in your plunge pool and enjoy fantastic meals at the restaurant, but the majority of your day is spent out exploring.

The weather is humid and warm with rain falling year-round, but showers are usually short with skies clearing quickly afterward.

My room: Thanks to the vaulted ceiling and multiple oversized windows, my sprawling villa was airy and bright. The white-washed interior felt both luxurious and relaxed all at once. Along with a king bed, the room includes a spacious sitting area, wrap-around outdoor deck with plunge pool and chaise loungers, as well as a gorgeous bathroom with shower and soaking tub. There are plenty of thoughtful details such as framed watercolor prints of endemic flowers and a checklist guide to native birds and animals (I spotted a plush crested jay one morning!). Given the tropical climate, I’m particularly appreciative of the dehumidifier as well.

Dining and drinking: At the heart of the open-plan main lodge is the property’s stylish restaurant and bar, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served. All meals are a la carte, utilizing hyper local fruits and vegetables for a freshness you can absolutely taste. My first evening there began with a gin cocktail featuring a strawberry encased within an ice cube and a slice of Fresno chile atop it. It was followed by turmeric-laced tortellini swimming in a broccoli broth and a vanilla-pistachio bar that I devoured. An extensive list of Argentine wines is also on offer: from the white Torrontés varietal hailing from Salta to a light, fruity Criolla Chica from Proyecto Las Compuertas in Mendoza that’s dangerously easy drinking. It’s no surprise that the property has earned Relais & Châteaux’s approval.

Amenities: Awasi Iguazú offers endless active excursions and cultural experiences. Most guests, including myself, will opt to see the falls from both sides, Argentina and Brazil, as a start. If I’d had more time, I would have kayaked along the Iguazu River; gone bird watching in Iguazú National Park; or visited with an Indigenous Guaraní community. On-site, in-room spa treatments can also be arranged.

Not-to-miss: The delicious selection of custom blended herbal teas by Tealosophy in your room—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration and adventure.

Sustainability: While the incredible biodiversity of the Atlantic Rainforest is astonishing, the region faces rapid deforestation. Awasi Iguazú protects 145 hectares of virgin forest near the Iguazú National Park and works to rehabilitate and reintroduce native animals. On property, villas were purposely built on stilts so as not to disturb the rainforest floor. Efforts to conserve water, reduce waste (no single-use plastics!), and source ingredients locally are also ongoing. It’s worth noting that as a company, Awasi is carbon neutral and committed to sustainability across all five hotels.

What’s nearby: Have your guide take you to the nearby Guaraní families that sell adorable wood carved animal figurines such as jaguars, coatis, and toucans (which are used as part of the hotel’s place settings in the restaurant).

Who I'd recommend it to: Adults and couples looking for nature exploration with moderate levels of activity. Families with children 14 years of age and older are also welcome.