Discover the best luxury hotels in South America with Sofitel

Tucked away in Cartagena's walled city lies Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, a former convent and local landmark. Set on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, this colonial heritage gem embraces cosmopolitan culture. Experience evocative grandeur with French zest and a Colombian accent at one of the most coveted hotels in South America.

The decor is an astute blend of majestic – with high ceilings and ornate furnishings – and modest, with terracotta-tiled floors and whitewashed walls. The rooms are elegant and uplifting, with natural light and sea views. For an extra-special stay, the Presidential Suite offers an elevated guest experience through the prism of illustrious Colombian artist Fernando Botero, with a helm-inspired bathtub, imposing original artwork and a wall-to-wall book collection. A butler-led tour of this sustainability-focused Green Key hotel reveals the palpable history behind its colonial-style architecture. 

Colombia’s epicurean expertise is woven throughout the guest experience, from rum- and chocolate-tasting sessions to indulgent spa treatments featuring cacao, coffee and lemongrass. Come evening, a magical atmosphere unfolds as twinkling lights glimmer among the lush jungle of palms in the courtyard. Colonial cloisters, once filled with hushed reverence, now see discerning diners ushered to linen-decked tables under the arches. Dining at the 1621 flagship restaurant is both outstanding and inclusive, with avant-garde, farm-to-table Colombian cuisine served in a delightful setting. Round off the evening dancing salsa under the stars on the white-sand beach. 

Originally built as a convent in 1621, the legacy of the Poor Clares order of nuns lives on. Today, the hotel supports the local community through food donation schemes.

Presiding majestically above the sandy shores of the Río de la Plata, Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa beckons. Just minutes from the airport, this luxury hotel in South America is a sanctuary of old-world luxury overlooking shimmering sun-kissed waters. Ease into your Uruguayan escapade with a hammam and restorative massage at the spa. Emerge feeling refreshed and ready to explore the imperial surroundings.

Behind the effortless elegance of its Belle Epoque architecture lies a serene seaside haven where ornate chandeliers and gilded ceilings seamlessly embrace sustainable simplicity. Here at the first hotel in Uruguay to be certified single-use plastic-free, going green is more than a concept – Chef Maximiliano Matsumoto works with local and organic produce and zero-carbon meat. Marvel at flavorsome fusion dishes paired with a robust red Uruguayan wine from the elegance of a throne-like chair in the gilded restaurant.

Whether your idea of unwinding is contemplating the beach or skyline views from the privacy of your suite, sipping sunset cocktails in good company at the bar, or surpassing your limits at the 24-hour gym, Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa delivers with style. This luxury hotel in Montevideo is perfectly located for exploring the beaches and parks of the leafy Carrasco neighborhood, with the art galleries and tango salons of Montevideo’s Old Town just a short drive away.

Behind a red-brick façade in one of the most exclusive areas of the high-altitude Colombian capital lies a sanctuary of French chic. In the heart of the business district, Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia delivers an elevated experience on the high plateau of the Andes. Cultural or corporate itineraries unfold seamlessly at this luxury hotel in Bogota, while three iconic shopping malls and upscale boutiques provide retail therapy galore. 

Runners will enjoy El Virrey Park, just a block away from Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia. This green lung of Bogota is a protection and conservation area for waterways and wildlife. 

Spacious suites sport a modern French design interspersed with gold accents, whispering tales of ceremonial traditions and coronations of Muisca kings. Balconies, urban views and L’Occitane products provide a relaxing setting for your home-from-home. Business travel is a breeze, with in-room safes designed to store a laptop. Deals sealed in state-of-the-art meeting rooms are celebrated over Colombian cocktails and avant-garde French cuisine. At the weekend, leave your watch in your room and indulge in a leisurely all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch at Basilic Restaurant. With attentive staff, an outstanding spa and a round-the-clock fitness center, this luxury hotel in the center of Bogota is an ideal base for exploring the hidden treasures of this time-honored city.

Wondering where to stay in Buenos Aires? Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta is a prime city-center retreat and one of the best luxury hotels in Argentina for soaking up the heady urban vibe of the Argentinian capital. At the pulse of the city’s cultural scene, it boasts an abundance of art galleries, a shopping mecca and the world-acclaimed Teatro Colón theater on the doorstep.

Retreat to the privacy of a soothing sanctuary. The rooms here are designed for work, rest or play, with a discerning palette of gray and purple hues, a workspace and a Sofitel MY BED™ for unparalleled comfort and a restful night’s sleep. Start the day with a dash of Parisian flair at La Pâtisserie. Follow the enticing aroma of freshly ground coffee and pastries still warm from the oven for a decadent breakfast of French Zest croissants or a midday tartine with creamy Brie cheese and roast tomatoes. As evening falls, head to the Alma Buenos Aires restaurant for Argentinian dining. Pair otherworldly Wagyu picanha steak with a glass of Malbec for a meal to remember.

Experience the expressive energy of Buenos Aires with one of the most sophisticated hotels in South America as your base. And if you can't decide where to start, just ask. The staff here generously share tips and insights into the capital and its culture to ensure guests enjoy an elevated experience of the place they call home.

Luxuriate in a five-star Caribbean getaway at Sofitel Baru Calablanca, hailed as the best beach resort in Cartegena. Effortless French luxury infuses this magical environment, where the ocean unfurls to kiss pristine sands.

Spacious rooms and suites are appointed to enjoy ocean views, magical sunrises and starry nights against the hypnotic lapping of the waves. The vibe here is easygoing and authentically beachy – thatched roofs, harmonious beige hues and hand-stitched Colombian tapestries rub shoulders with sumptuous marble bathrooms and crisp white linen on cloud-like beds. Nature is embraced indoors and out, with a focus on caring for the environment; there's not a single-use plastic item in sight.

Explore Colombian-Carribean culture with coffee-tasting sessions or a braid workshop. With a rooftop bar and three restaurants, dining is a celebration of epicurean delights in a picture-perfect setting. The all-day barefoot buffet is perfect for living life on your own terms, while chef Patrice Guaus brings cosmopolitan flair to French fine dining with zesty ceviche and sushi-inspired creations.

Romance is second nature at this heavenly beachfront hotel in South America. Sip cocktails at the adults-only pool, enjoy a signature Island for Two couple’s treatment at one of Sofitel’s best luxury spas, and savor a bespoke five-course meal as you dine under the stars.

Designed for sustainable luxury, Sofitel Baru Calablanca is the only LEED-certified property in the Colombian Caribbean.

Hugging the curved waterfront of a tranquil lagoon in Argentina lies one of the best five-star hotels in South America. Enjoy barefoot luxury at Sofitel La Reserva Cardales. This luxury bolthole in a secluded spot north of Buenos Aires is perfect for a romantic getaway – with or without children.

From sumptuous suites and overwater bungalows poised on the lagoon, unhindered views and French design feature throughout this coveted slice of paradise. Life here is an exquisite parenthesis to be relished at a relaxed pace. Take to the water on a kayak. Cycle through lush landscapes. Or entrust the children to the hotel’s activity leaders while you head to the spa for a eucalyptus-scented Turkish bath, replenish your soul with a sound bowl meditation class or enjoy a wine-tasting session at the piano bar.

Dining is deliciously easy with buffet options at La Butaca made with fresh home-grown ingredients, or indulgently gourmet with a French-Argentinian fusion experience at Le Lac.

This tranquil sanctuary less than an hour from Buenos Aires offers the perfect escape at the gateway to the vast plains of the Argentinian Pampas.