Bahia Vik José Ignacio

Character and identity

Set on ten acres of oceanfront countryside in José Ignacio, Bahia Vik functions as much as a private art collection as a hotel. The 37 accommodations split between 11 freestanding bungalows and suites in a central building, each uniquely designed by a different artist and named for its creator, with murals, bespoke furnishings and the odd amethyst sink courtesy of owner Alexander Vik. Expect four pools (including adults-only and family options), the beach metres from your patio, The Shack Yoga & Wellness for retreats, a library, game room, and reciprocal access to sister properties Playa Vik and Estancia Vik.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're paying for here is the art-as-architecture experience: every room is a distinct artist commission, and the oceanfront is the real thing, not a marketing stretch. Book a stand-alone bungalow only if you're taking the whole structure; otherwise the central-building suites give you more privacy. The hotel runs October to late April, and high season (December 20 to January 5) sells out a year ahead.