Twinnings Polynesia Portillo

     Portillo staffers often compare the hotel to a cruise ship. Without a nearby village, all food, entertainment, and lodging are, like with a cruise ship, contained in one place.* But I hate that analogy. Cruise ships are fine - if you`re looking to do nothing and gorge yourself for ten days. Food poisoning, pirates, and binging are all things we here at Portillo try to avoid. So let`s scrap the cruise ship analogy. Yes, this a self-contained establishment, but it is immobile and classy. The surrounding waters are all frozen.

 (photo courtesy of Diego Alvarez)

     Despite the rant, I will admit that, especially this week, Portillo is wearing its sailor`s cap. It`s Family Week once again and the hotel has more going on than a Disney liner. Since Saturday there`s been a magic show by Carlos Arce, a Polynesian dance and music hour, and an intimate wine tasting of the Garces Silva Vineyard. In between these nightly events have been daily yoga and pilates classes, futbòl tournaments, and tubing sessions. Let`s not forget that we`re in the middle of the Copa de Amèrica tournament, meaning games are being screened daily in both the disco and cine. Go back a few posts (Chile vs. Mexico) to understand the futbòl ethos in Portillo.

     For better or worse, there will be no more Chileans dancing like Polynesians this week. The remaining activities, though, should keep guests busy and satisfied. Tomorrow night Twinings returns for another tea tasting. Despite my initial doubts, these tastings have become quite popular. Sober, aromatic fun. On Thursday the weekly Carrera de Sol will be held all day on Plateau (it`s a ski race) for anyone who`s interested. The winners will be announced on Friday, and the award ceremony is always fun. I expect that instructor Heidi will bust out her accordion for the occasion. Also on Friday, as the last big event, is the Red Bull Party. Here`s the scene: beautiful people chugging liquid energy, techno pours from the background. Dreams come true. Everyone remembers their last night in Portillo fondly, albeit vaguely. So that`s the week in sum. As always, join us.

*Technically, there`s also the Posada, the understated employee hangout across the street. Not many guests venture in that direction, however. I`m probably the only one who advertises it in reception. Even though it will always belong to the community of employees,  if you`re going to spend a week at the hotel, the Posada is a must-do.