Club Oenologique: The American dream

Norwegian power couple Alexander and Carrie Vik – he was estimated to be worth
US$1bn in 2019 – are involved in everything from insurance to tech start-ups. They are
also fast becoming known as hoteliers, with their upscale coastal resorts in Uruguay’s
Punta del Este, and their new Galleria Vik art hotel in Milan. But none can top their
stunning hotel in a private 4,450ha nature reserve, including 327ha of vines, in Millahue
in the Cachapoal region of Chile.
With its sweeping bronzed titanium roof, the 22-bedroom hotel looks like a golden
crown rising out of the lush native forests.

From inside, through the wraparound glass walls, you get a perfect panoramic view of the valley. The view is mesmerising, but so is the artwork (hand-picked by Carrie; the couple are said to choose every piece of furniture or decoration personally, from chairs to side tables). Different artists were commissioned for each room: the eye-catching results range from Japanese minimalism to extravagant Dalí-inspired surrealism, or a Hermès suite stacked with the iconic suitcases. Each room has a unique perspective of the valley, the vineyards or the infinity pool, which appears to drop
off into the lake beneath.

The seven glass bungalows offer even more intimacy with nature, with private hot tubs on each terrace. A visit to the state-of-the-art winery is a must, as is the excellent orchard-to-table restaurant. And a stunning horseback trek is available for those looking to tour the estate, including one of the most prized vineyards in Cachapoal. Amanda Barnes