In Chile’s Lake District, wellness is taking a distinctly geological turn. At Hotel AWA on the shores of Lake Llanquihue near Puerto Varas, a new Kayak & Soak experience pairs guided exploration of the Reloncaví Estuary with an exclusive soak in naturally heated pools at Termas de Cochamó, connecting two defining features of Los Lagos: its volcanic landscape and its thermal waters.

The approximately five-mile kayak journey takes about two hours before guests transition from the water to a private thermal pool surrounded by native vegetation for another two hours. Sea lions may make an appearance along the way, while the volcanic peaks of Osorno, Calbuco, Yates and Hornopirén provide the backdrop. The experience reflects AWA’s broader approach to travel, pairing active exploration with time to slow down and reconnect with the landscape.

The new experience also arrives as a contemporary thermal scene is emerging around the Reloncaví Estuary. At Termas del Sol, a series of thermal pools is connected by wooden walkways through native Patagonian forest, while new projects at Termas Botánicas in Ralún and Termas de Pichicolo are expanding the region’s geothermal offerings. Together, they are bringing a more design-conscious approach to Chile’s longstanding hot-springs tradition.

The Curated Take: What makes this story compelling is the way wellness is being tied directly to place. Rather than creating an artificial spa environment, AWA sends travelers into the volcanic landscape and then lets that same landscape provide the setting for restoration. It is a distinctly Chilean interpretation of wellness, where kayaking, wildlife, geology and thermal bathing become parts of one continuous experience.