While it may sound contradictory, the most outstanding thing about Explora Rapa Nui is perhaps how its architecture actually does the exact opposite of standing out: in fact, this sensitive-to-its-environment Easter Island lodge blends so harmoniously into its idyllic, coastal setting, you could almost overlook it – not that we recommend you do.
Luxury hotels are thin on the ground on the small and ultra-remote island of Rapa Nui, and that’s a good thing. But for those intrepid travellers who, despite having made it all the way out there, still can’t do without turndown service and luscious libations, Explora Rapa Nui proposes a blend of discovery and discernment that’s unmatched in the destination.
Designed by Chilean architect José Cruz Ovalle, the 2007-opened hotel sits on some 9.6 hectares of land so pristine, nature continues to call the shots here (don’t be surprised if you spot the occasional chicken roaming the grounds or a cat sitting on the rooftop). You’d almost expect some of the communal areas of the lodge to be partially open to the elements, and we’re glad to confirm that they are. But aside from the actual outdoor bits, a commitment to indoor-outdoor-living across spaces is further achieved through open layouts, glass walls and light pouring in via oval recesses in the wooden ceiling. Wherever you look, Explora Rapa Nui’s seductive architecture grants views of the surrounding sea and sky.
So do all of the hotel’s 30 guest accommodations, including 26 Varúa rooms (32 sqm/345 sqft) and four Raa suites (44 sqm/474 sqft). In as far of a move away from Polynesia’s usual Pacific tropicana aesthetic as we could possibly imagine, rooms feature an industrialist-concrete vibe softened by colourful cushions and blankets. Minimalist design and conveniences are reduced to what actually elevates a guest’s stay: high ceilings and king-size beds throughout, separate spaces for toilets and almost unexpectedly generous jetted bathtubs, as well as twin vanities with toiletries scented using the island’s famously sweet pineapples. Though we missed having an in-room coffee and tea station, we rather enjoyed the fuss-free take on things, finding the few ‘extras’ the accommodations do provide (namely a survival kit with blister plasters, lip balm and tissues) both fitting and thoughtful.
Most guests wouldn’t mind there being no minibar, either, and that’s not least owing to the fact that all food and beverages are priced into a stay. For breakfast and lunch, a generous buffet is paired with daily changing menus in a restaurant affording diners ocean views that double as a guilt-free side. While following a vegan diet resulted in some of our meals being a little makeshift (a burger without a bun, anyone?), we found the buffet to reliably cater to our dietary requirements and never went hungry. Dinner times are a special treat, with local music and Chile’s finest reds giving guests a taste of the destination before they descend upon the hotel’s bar to vacuum up expertly mixed Mai Tais while swapping moai stories with fellow visitors.
And speaking of the island’s archaeological sites, Explora Rapa Nui includes a remarkable 30+ excursions (with groups being capped at eight guests max) that cover not only the iconic moai, but also lesser-known adventures like local networks of lava caves and tunnels. The team had told us upon arrival that while in their care, we weren’t merely ‘tourists’, but rather ‘explorers’, and daily excursion planning sessions with guides, paired with briefings – picture a large map, gear being handed out and small pouches filled with trail mix changing hands – certainly built on this idea. On a few occasions, we found that there should’ve been more flexibility and spontaneity when it came to making minor changes to plans, while at other times, excursions felt a little ‘tick box’. Such are the drawbacks of not having an entirely private option, of course, though we can’t say we ever felt rushed. To the contrary, our guides were generous with their time and insight into Easter Island’s unique cultural and historical makeup.
It comes as little surprise, given how involved Explora Rapa Nui, which sits on land owned by local community leader Mike Rapu and was conceived in collaboration with the island’s community, is with the place it calls home. From volunteer beach clean-up days in partnership with the island’s Te Mau o Te Vaikava marine conservation organisation, to support of the annual Tapati cultural festival and a special project aimed at combatting soil erosion through the planting of 500 native trees in collaboration with Chile’s National Forest Corporation (CONAF) – following, mind you, the Japanese Miyawaki method developed to accelerate the growth of dense forest habitats. The lodge continues to play a significant role in conserving local flora and fauna, and, judging by the intense birdsong that greeted us each morning as we stepped out of our room and onto the grounds’ eucalyptus-tree-lined walkways, those efforts are clearly paying off.
Travellers looking for the kind of experience they might expect in other pockets of Polynesia won’t find it here. There are no refreshing towels and welcome drinks at check-in, and your backbag won’t be magically lifted off your shoulders as an ever-smiling butler appears in a golf cart, ready to show you around the property. Sure, there’s a small spa with two treatment rooms sitting next to a curved outdoor pool and a jacuzzi, but no one travels this far to sit in a sauna (albeit the immersive, temazcal-style one here being a particularly tempting specimen).
Instead, Explora Rapa Nui rightfully positions itself as a guardian of local culture that features just enough in the way of creature comforts for discerning travellers to feel comfortable and at ease: like its style and architecture, ‘luxury’ is pared back to the essentials here, and nothing distracts from the uniquely awe-inspiring, experiential offering of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rapa Nui National Park itself. That, of course, is the greatest indulgence of all.
Luxury tour operator cazenove+loyd arranged Steffen’s tailor-made trip to Rapa Nui, Chile. The itinerary included all experiences, full board accommodation and domestic flights. cazenove+loyd can arrange tailor-made trips across the rest of South America and worldwide, with seamless VIP service.
Photography courtesy of Explora
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While you’re OutThere
Don’t leave before you’ve spent a morning exploring Hanga Roa, the island’s tiny capital. Stop by the Holy Cross Church to admire its Polynesian-inspired architecture and interiors, and browse one of several market halls where locally made souvenirs like carved mini moai are for sale. If you’re looking for a postcard-worthy Pacific island vibe instead, head to Anakena, home to Rapa Nui’s sole, large sand beach, where palm trees sway in the breeze.
