As one of the highest cities in the world, La Paz demands its fair share of high style. Opening mid-October in the vibrant Calacoto neighborhood, the 53-room Atix Hotel is not only decked out with artworks by acclaimed Bolivian artist Gastón Ugalde, it also plays host to a fine dining restaurant and a rooftop bar with an infinity pool overlooking a dramatic backdrop of city and mountain views. The world-class gastronomy celebrates the best of Bolivian culinary traditions and to prolong the tastes of authenticity, this first Bolivian Design Hotels™ member has created an in-house market exclusively offering organic produce from local farmers.
The one who thrives
Derived from the Quechua word meaning “the one who thrives,” Atix Hotel represents the new face of authentic, luxury hospitality in La Paz. Rejecting the quasi-European architecture that dominates the city’s Calacoto district, the hotel’s façade is clad in locally sourced natural timber and Comanche stone, which was used to pave the streets of La Paz during the 1920s and 1930s. The result of a collaboration between New York principals Stuart Narofsky and Jennifer Rusch of New York-based Narofsky Architecture, the parallelogram-shaped structure is defined by dramatic scale and vast bay windows, immersing guests in the surrounding Andean valley.
Conceptualized as a tangible celebration of Bolivia’s cultural heritage, Atix Hotel acts as a showcase for both contemporary indigenous art and centuries-old craftsmanship. Public areas, hallways, and guestrooms are dotted with original pieces by renowned artist and photographer Gastón Ugalde, who undertook a country-wide sabbatical to source inspiration for the commission. Also known as “Andean Warhol,” Ugalde is widely respected as one of the most important living Bolivian artists.
Highlighting the striking plateau of the mountains and valley outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, each of the 53 rooms and suites are a lesson in earthy simplicity. A neutral color palette is accented by oversized headboards and hand-crafted furniture, rendered from indigenous wood. Design details such as woven alpaca throws also nod to the country’s rich history of quality artisanship. The hotel’s signature Atix Suite has a vast terrace from which to soak up the frenetic energy of Bolivia’s principal city, elevated only by the ubiquitous in-room Jacuzzi. Bathrooms are elegantly outfitted, featuring cool Comanche stone sinks and dark flagstone walls, along with locally produced bath products. All hotel guests also enjoy complimentary access to the spa, offering a dry room and steam rooms, as well as a comprehensive selection of massage treatments.
Counter culture
The on-site restaurant Ona presents an innovative menu designed to create a high-dining experience with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. From Lake Titicaca to the Amazon, Ona is a celebration of Bolivia’s rich biodiversity and culinary traditions
Ona means “gift” in Pukina, the language spoken by the Uru Chipaya, an ancient Andean culture whose origins precede the Inca Empire. The restaurant is led by Bolivian chefs Juan Pablo Reyes, Diego Rodas, and Marco Vera, from several top restaurants in Latin America, including Central, Boragó, Astrid y Gastón, D.O.M., and Epice.
At +591 Bar, award-winning mixologist David Romero has created a stand-out menu of Bolivian cocktails and spirits, influenced by the country’s flavors, colors, music, and narrative, all to be served by the rooftop infinity pool. The signature drink is an exotic blend of local gin, pear vinegar, coffee seeds, dried chili peppers, and local beer.
A deep respect for its community and the area’s culture permeates all aspects of Atix Hotel. The Market showcases the commitment to promoting local produce, as well as supporting neighboring farmers. Curated in collaboration with socially-conscious organizations, all foodstuffs sold are 100 percent Bolivian.
Location
Set in the vibrant, exclusive neighborhood of Calacoto, Atix Hotel is located 20 minutes away from the high-octane energy of downtown La Paz. The neighborhood is also ideally situated for a warmer climate and lower altitude in a city that is as well know for its dizzying heights as its quirky beauty.
