Bolivian hotel a reflection of its surroundings

Guests at Bolivia’s Palacio de Sal should be understanding if they hear staffers chanting that old refrain, “Rain, rain, go away.” After all, precipitation does lead to an unusual hotel situation for a truly unusual hotel.

Palacio de Sal, which opened in the 1990s and was relocated in 2004 from a site within the Uyuni Salt Flat — the largest salt flat in the world that cover an area of approximately 12,000 square kilometres — to the flat’s shore, requires maintenance every three months, with a property literally largely made with salt from the surrounding region being vulnerable to rainfall.

The maintenance sees the hotel being waterproofed with natural resins, reports Denisse Elio, general manager of Bolivian tour company Hidalgo Tours, affiliated with the hotel.

“Each year, following the rainy season, the hotel loses approximately 10% of its composition and begins a reconstruction process,” Elio states. “This process generates a circular economy involving cooperatives from nearby communities, responsible for supplying the material once again.”

Palacio de Sal became the world’s first hotel made from salt when it opened its doors and over a million compact salt blocks — directly extracted from the surface of the salt flat and bound together with a paste made from ground salt and water — were used in its construction.

“This year, the hotel celebrates its 20th anniversary. In this way, a space spanning 4,500 square meters was created to provide the luxury, comfort, and practicality demanded by the most discerning tourists,” Elio reports. “Furthermore, the new location does not encroach upon the magnificent natural formation represented by the Salar, nor does it disrupt the daily lives of those who inhabit and work within it.

“Today, from above, the imposing silhouette of the Andean cross formed by the hotel is visible, symbolizing the gift of our culture to all who wish to visit us.”

Humidity led to changes to the original salt in bathrooms and the hotel spa, and they are now made of conventional materials. The floors were also made of salt, but for aesthetic reasons and elegance, they were replaced with wooden planks.

“Here, extravagance merges with authenticity, and luxury intertwines with nature in an unparalleled way,” Elio says. “One of the most prominent aspects of this hotel is its unique architecture. Built with a million salt blocks as its raw material, Palacio de Sal stands as a masterpiece that blends local tradition with modern comfort seamlessly. Every corner tells a story, and each detail evokes a sense of wonder and admiration.

“But the experience goes beyond mere construction. This oasis in the midst of the desert offers luxury services that cater to even the most discerning travellers. From relaxing massages to refreshing swims in the pool, every moment at Palacio de Sal is designed to delight the senses and rejuvenate the spirit. Moreover, the hotel’s location is incomparable. Situated on the shores of the world’s largest salt desert, guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that extend as far as the eye can see. The vast white expanses of the salt flat create a surreal backdrop that invites exploration and contemplation.”

Palacio de Sal offers activities for travellers to explore the unique environment, including “thrilling desert tours to tranquil bike rides.”

Units range from standard rooms of 18 square meters to luxury suites of 35 square meters. Rooms are named after the three planes of spiritual reality in Andean cosmology. The ‘Hanan Suites’ derive their name from the ‘Hanan Pacha,’ the celestial realm where the gods dwell.

“This ethereal space, beyond our reach but within our sight, is directly referenced by the expansive windows that offer breathtaking views,” Elio reports. “The ‘Kay VIP’ and ‘Kay to the Sky’ (in their versions with and without a patio, respectively) are named after the ‘Kay Pacha,’ representing the here and now — the plane inhabited by humans, where we have control over our surroundings. Here, guests can choose to immerse themselves more or less in the landscape. Lastly, the ‘Ukhu Standard’ rooms are named after the ‘Ukhu Pacha,’ the realm of the underworld and the creative power of the world. It is the plane beyond the surface, unseen and beyond our control — much like the magical world that awaits behind closed doors.”

Complimentary WiFi is found in all areas and hotel amenities include a meeting room, restaurant, bar, game room, heated pool, gym, dry and steam saunas, and a spa offering rejuvenating treatments and massages. A gift shop has Bolivian souvenirs. Guests will also find complimentary luggage storage, free parking, use of a safety deposit box and free scheduled shuttle service. 

Elio says Palacio de Sal immerses guests in luxury while enabling them to marvel at the beauty of the surrounding salt desert. “Palacio de Sal is much more than just a hotel: it is a destination in itself,” she adds. “Here, travellers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the salt desert while enjoying all the comforts and luxuries that this unique place has to offer.”

More information can be found at hidalgotours.com.