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.




Portillo's mascot

Welcome to my hotel, gringo

     Her name is Rasca and she is a very large St. Bernard. This post, which is dually motivated by  comments regarding Rasca's last blog appearance and my own desire to describe the dog, is about her. Where should I begin?

     I don't know how old Rasca is. But that doesn't matter. She's ageless. Should Rasca pass away, however unfortunate that might be, I'm sure she'd be quietly and immediately replaced. Would they name the next St. Bernard, "Rasca"? Is the present Rasca, even the original Rasca? Who knows. Well, actually, a lot of people know her story, as she belongs to a rather long and prestigious line of St. Bernards that have given their lives to the hotel. And only one has been named Rasca. According to resident historian/telephone operator, Elena, Rasca's predecessors include: Diego, Barry, Madeleine, Domino, among others, who's names I've already forgotten. Diego was the most recent, but had to be put down due to an "accident" with a guest that nobody talks about. Here's what I think happened, as I see this type of thing happen everyday: some naive little child grabbed the dog's face and shook it violently. Diego, being an animal, responded... and, well, that was his end. This story also contains the secret to Rasca's personal longevity, as well as her ever-growing popularity.

So much life

     Rasca is the laziest dog that I have ever known. I wasn't joking with the previous caption: "Rasca, uncharacteristically doing something." I've met some slow moving beasts, but Rasca takes the cake. Or rather, Rasca slowly drags her body towards the cake and engulfs it gradually like a boa constrictor. Going back to the previous story, Rasca is treated like the family dog around here. Except there are hundreds of families in Portillo. Instead of being petted vigorously, and with so much love, a few times each day, Rasca encounters gangs of super-affectionate children over and over and over again. Everyday, all season. And she just takes it. What's a dog's primary survival skill? DON'T BITE THE CHILDREN. Fortunately for Rasca this skill was learned many years ago.

     Now let me clarify: Rasca does not get abused. Far from it, actually. This dog has got the perfect life. Eat, lay around, lay around outside, repeat. I'm sure that she's a very happy dog. What intrigues me, though, is her benevolent tolerance, which brings us to her rising popularity. See, there are two ways of looking at Rasca - a) she does absolutely nothing or b) she's does everything she's supposed to. I've clearly explained the former; Rasca chills hard. To understand the latter perspective, I need to describe a common scenario. A travel weary family arrives at the hotel, three kids in tow. Rasca is sleeping on the lobby floor. The kids, very bored after the 3 hour trip from Santiago, want to run around. Yet instead of going wild, the children are effortlessly pulled towad the big ol`St. Bernard that rests at their feet. She opens her eyes and they freak out. She rolls on her back and little hands shoot onto her stomach. Thanks, Rasca, I can now receive these guests in peace. Then, after the parents have completed their check-in, the whole family decides it`s picture time with their new friend. Everybody gathers around the canine. Hold still, Rasca. Perfect. Oops - photo was blurry. Take it again. Rasca, don't move. Great. The family gets their wonderful snapshot with the Portillo's official mascot. Can you name many other dogs capable of holding the same pose for hours? Me neither.

Celebratory close-up

    So here's to Rasca, our dog! The one and only St. Bernard in Portillo since I've know this incredible place. She may not be the most active, and I often wonder if she's all there, but she's the life of the lobby and an attraction to all. Plus she doesn't bite the children. Thanks, Rasca!

Family Week

     As a receptionist, I'm used to seeing smalls gangs of children running through the hotel lobby. It's generally a straight line, beginning with the oldest. Where are they going? To the bar juvenil, with its pings pong tables and climbing wall; to the cine, replete with giant poofs and an even bigger screen; to the living room, where they'll find games and more games. There's more than one reason why kids love Portillo, and it has to do with the fact that skiing is but one of the many activities available throughout the day. So the children tear through the halls, fully occupied and with smiles on their faces.

     Meanwhile, small gangs of parents also gather. They gather on the deck, at the pool, and in the living room. With their kids busy exploring, they're able to truly relax - (mostly) free of parental concerns. Therein lies the beauty of Family Week, which officially ended on Saturday. Still, at the moment, the hotel is filled with more mischief-makers than in all of June. Those small gangs have grown to large columns, and Entretenciones has adjusted its activities, meaning more to do for everyone. Yes, it's a busy time, but Portillo thrives on balancing that business and recreation with moments of tranquility and downtime. For me, that means a hard day of skiing followed by a slow lunch at Tio Bob's... hours at the pool... and a cafecito in the living room. It's called Family Week, and not Kid's Week, for a reason: Mom and Dad have as much to look forward to in Portillo as their Jenga-loving offspring.



Maria, Pablo, Diego, Miguel, Elena, Sara de la familia Valdés!

 Oh, and it snowed since my last entry! The storm started late afternoon on Wednesday and lasted through the night. Guests awoke to fresh powder and sunny skies. The skiing was phenomenal. Below is the picture of the day, in my opinion. Enjoy!

Season Calendar

     At Portillo every week is special. Of course, some weeks are more special than others, and throughout the year the hotel offers a number of different promotions and events for guests to enjoy. So in line with my goal to make this blog as informative as possible, I`ve outlined each and every one of these deals. Further details can be found at:

- http://www.skiportillo.com/espanol/special_weeks
- http://www.skiportillo.com/espanol/promotions

June 9 - 30 : Family Weeks
For three weeks in June, there will be tons of activities designed especially for children and young adults, as well as combined events for the entire family. Let the games begin!

*(Associated Promotion)*
1 Child without charge
During the following dates, each family can bring one child between the ages of 4 and 11 to ski and sleep entirely for free:

• June 25 - July 2
• September 10 - 24

2 Children without charge
During the following week, any mother or father paying in full can bring two of their children between the ages of 4 and 11 to ski and sleep entirely for free:

• September 24 - October 1

July 30 - August 6 : Wine Week
As in years past, wine week offers guests the delicious chance to taste, as well as hear the stories behind, some of the best wines in Chile. The week, which consists of a different tasting each night, is easily one of our most popular, so it is  recommended that reservations are made far in advance.

August 20 - 27 : Friends Week
Friends week aims to provide a memorable experience for younger guests, large groups of friends who want a fun and lively vacation. Like Family Week, there will be activities organized throughout the week in the hope that guests can build new friendships and solidify old ones.

August 27 - September 3 : Wine Fest
Wine Fest is essentially a glorified continuation of Wine Week. Accordingly, guests will have the opportunity to try incredible wines and learn about the world of wine making. At the end of each presentation, guests will be asked a few questions, with the winner receiving special prizes.

*(Associated Promotion)*
Free Night at the Ritz-Carlton Santiago
During the following dates, upon reserving a Ski Week in Portillo, guests may solicit a night free in the hotel Ritz-Carlton in Santiago. It´s a great way to ease the stressful transition between the airport and Portillo.

• August 20 - September 3

     If any of this is confusing, or just seems to good to be true, leave a question and/or comment below and I'll be sure to clear things up. With so much going on, it's important to get the details straight. Anyways, hope this helps!.... Also, it's snowing like crazy right now. Powder day tomorrow.