The ultimate frontier of luxury in the Misiones rainforest: the spectacular lodge where each villa has a private pool and excursions are tailor-made.

There is one segment of the luxury industry that could grow more than any other in the coming years: tourism . In fact, the consulting firm Grand View Research projects that by 2030, high-end tourism will reach US$2.36 trillion.

In the region, the supply is limited and coexists with the challenge generated by the lack of connectivity between destinations .

However, in the middle of the Misiones rainforest , just 20 minutes from Iguazu Falls and a few meters from the Iguazu River, there is a hotel where luxury is not flaunted, it is felt : in the privacy and exclusive services; the sophisticated gastronomy with local products; and the connection with nature.

Awasi Iguazú is a member of Relais & Châteaux and one of the five hotels in Argentina with two Michelin keys, a seal of an “exceptional stay” , according to the entity.

It is the first of the Awasi group - of Chilean origin, which in 2023 was acquired by the Argentine Faro Verde - in the country.

The chain recently opened two more hotels in Mendoza (Agrelo) and Santa Catarina ( Brazil ), which are in addition to those already in Chile : Awasi Patagonia (in Torres del Paine) and Atacama, in the north.

Awasi Lodge in Misiones is a collection of 14 private villas —13 Standard and one Master Villa—nestled in the Yriapú Rainforest. Every detail is designed to make travelers feel at home in a natural setting, surrounded by palm trees and Yacaratiá trees, where birdsong and the clicks of butterflies fill the air . A minimum stay of two to three days is recommended to fully appreciate the lodge.

The Standard villas are 100 m2 and consist of a bedroom, bathroom and living room, while the Master Villa is 150 m2 and is ideal for a family or up to two couples.

A spectacular detail: each villa has its own semi-heated pool and a spacious deck that gives the feeling of being immersed in the jungle , but with all the comforts of a space designed for absolute relaxation . All the villas are independent of each other, guaranteeing privacy. They are connected to the main lodge by a stone path.

The lodge offers a fully hosted experience: each villa has its own guide equipped with a 4x4 vehicle , who accompanies travelers from the airport until the end of their stay.

At the beginning, a briefing is held to define the excursion plan . Here there are no large group outings or rigid schedules - although the weather may influence the choice - but rather experiences tailored to the guest : their pace, their time, interests and abilities.

The guides not only know about the archaeology, culture, fauna, and flora of Iguazu, but they also provide first aid and speak several languages. Above all, they know those unique spots to take perfect photos and enjoy the scenery in an almost exclusive way , even if only for a few minutes.

Excursions can be a full day trip - with a picnic included - or two half-day trips, with a return to the hotel for lunch.

The range of options includes a complete tour of the Falls : Upper and Lower Circuits; the Devil's Throat; a boat adventure through the Iguazu rapids to the foot of San Martin Falls; sailing to the Triple Frontier; and the Brazilian side.

You can also visit Jesuit ruins , nature reserves , provincial parks, animal sanctuaries, and even a yerba mate mill . Or you can sail along the Upper Paraná River, go horseback riding, and interact with Guarani communities.

The cuisine also pays homage to missionary products and the mixed culinary history of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

“ The strategy is to connect cultures ,” says Emilio Pérez Todoroff, the hotel manager. He adds, “Many of the dishes we serve are things we eat on special occasions, or every day, with our families. Being able to bring a chef-designed dish to our table in this way seems wonderful to me.”

In the restaurant - which also functions as a social space, in contrast to the villas - the chef offers a daily menu with two lunch and dinner options that change every day.

Cassava, pitanga, chipa guazú, and reviro are transformed into sophisticated and complex dishes . All paired with a selection of wines chosen to complement each course , or cocktails , depending on the customer's preference.

For those with less adventurous tastes, there are also simpler options like salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, and pizza. The menu is updated seasonally, and guests can also choose from options that cater to their dietary restrictions.

Awasi comes from the Quechua word wasi , which means house, and that's the concept behind each villa. "We welcome guests like a friend who comes to see the place where we live," says Pérez Todoroff.

To avoid eroding the natural land and minimize environmental impact , each building is raised on stilts , which also enhance the feeling of being immersed in the Misiones rainforest . Pérez Todoroff also mentions that approximately 30% of the hotel's energy is obtained through solar panels and is used to heat the pool water and power the lights.

“It’s work we want to continue strengthening for the remainder of this season and especially next year: working hard on certifications and sustainability, so we can minimize our impact on the destination,” concludes Pérez Todoroff.