POSADA DE MIKE RAPU, EASTER ISLAND

Posada de Mike Rapu puts a fresh face on legendary island and explora experience,
set in seclusion between ancient volcanoes and the Pacific.

Posada de Mike Rapu, the new outpost for explora
Rapa Nui, recently opened on Easter Island. Situated in
seclusion on the island’s southern edge, the stylish, eyecatching
and soon-to-be green-certified lodge is arrayed
to reflect the philosophy that has made explora one of
the world’s most inspired travel companies. With 30
rooms and a wealth of comforts to go around, Posada
de Mike Rapu will heighten the journey of discovery on
Easter Island, as well as that of the explora experience.

On a landmass with limited accommodation options,
explora’s new addition is a standout. Named for
explora’s local partner, co-owner Mike Rapu, Posada
de Mike Rapu is distinctively remote, looking out on
the roaring Pacific and the ancient Rano Raraku Volcano
where Easter Island’s renowned moai were born. There
are five miles separating the property from the island’s
only town, offering a striking setting to appreciate the
vast dimensions of the water, land and wonder that
surround it.

Guests are greeted at Posada de Mike Rapu by a
welcoming patio and gracious staff. Inside, each of 30
guest rooms, including 4 suites, is designed for subtle
comfort with a sitting area, ultra comfortable beds and
a hydro-massage bathtub. Design accents are created
from indigenous materials such as furniture of local
Rauli wood, bathroom flooring and walls of Piedra
Pizarra stone, and interior Lenga wood paneling. Each
room faces the Pacific, assuring drop-dead sunrise
views and fresh ocean breezes throughout the day.
The lodge is also highlighted by excellent service, a
magnificent restaurant with a glassed-in kitchen, a bar,
inside/outside dining, and Casa de Baños Hare Val, an
inviting outdoor area with pool, massage salon and
open-air Jacuzzis for unwinding after long days of
exploration. A library and a meeting space for up to
30 people are available for business and pleasure, while
a satellite dish provides permanent communication
with Chile and the rest of the world. Of course, Internet
access is available, too.

Plenty to see and do
Not all the delights of Posada de Mike Rapu were in
the plans, however. During the lodge site’s excavation,
explora came across a cave that has since been glassed
over to allow guests a glimpse of the island’s origins
– a typical move for the deluxe tour company, which
revels in the unexpected.

As with all explora properties, Posada de Mike Rapu is
integral to the explora experience on Easter Island.
Guests can expect a thoroughgoing, explora-style stay,
including food and beverages, roundtrip transfers to
the island’s only airport, and guided hikes and bike
rides of all levels with bilingual local guides. The Walk
to Hanga Oteo, for instance, takes in spectacular views,
natural bathing pools and abundant archeological sites
before winding up with a picnic on the beach. The
Climb to Tereveka heads to Easter Island’s highest
point, with extraordinary vistas, coastal ridges and a
swim in the sea. And Te Pito O Te Henua (The Navel
of the World) shimmies along a trail on the island’s
northern coast with views of Ana Okeke and Maunga
Parehe, along with archeological sites, the La Perousse
fishing cove, and interactions with local villages.
Gone Green & Local.

As if all of the above weren’t enough, Posada de Mike
Rapu offers the greenest accommodation experience
in Chile and South America. The property is in the
midst of obtaining full LEED certification from the U.S.
Green Building Council, having recently reached “silver”
level certification, with the possibility of “gold” in mid-
2008. By following LEED recommendations throughout
the construction process, explora assured certification
while protecting the sanctity of the property’s
delicate surroundings.

And just as local provisions have become the rage in
culinary circles around the world, explora Rapa Nui has
added an orchard and vegetable garden on the hotel
grounds. Expertly tended to provide fresh, homegrown
and sustainable ingredients for hotel dining, the plot
produces a range of produce including bananas,
pineapple, watermelon, potatoes, sweet potatoes
and more.

Easter Island Encapsulated
As with all explora programs, explora Rapa Nui presents
Easter Island in its own unique context: a place of
magnetism and mystery whose cultural origins remain
unknown. Easy to difficult guided walks reveal the
secrets and beauty of the island, especially the numerous
ahus with gigantic moai sculpture that have fascinated
and perplexed for ages.
Rates at Posada de Mike Rapu/explora Rapa Nui for a
three-night stay start at $1,794 per person, double
occupancy for a standard room and $2,334 per person,
double occupancy for a suite. Included in this rate are
airport transfers, accommodations, all meals and bar
and daily explorations with bilingual guides.
For reservations or more information

Please email: eugenio@altatours.com

or call toll free 1-800-338-4191

and ask for Eugenio Ovalle