South Aysén, Chile
Alto Castillo Lodge
Simple luxury and sweeping views of Patagonian peaks
Framed by the jagged spires and glaciers of Cerro Castillo National Park in South Aysén, Alto Castillo Lodge is a place to experience the drama of Patagonian Chile in calm and comfort. Built from cosy lenga wood with vast picture windows, the lodge blends modern design with mountain warmth. There are just four rooms – one Standard, two Deluxe, and one Suite – all oriented toward the peaks, with the Suite Room offering multi-aspect windows that frame the mountains and valley from nearly every angle. Each is furnished with comfy yet minimalist furnishings, incorporating natural Patagonian textiles, light wooden furniture and local basketry, plus wood-burning stoves for mountain warmth.
The atmosphere is tranquil and personal, but also invites socialising in the main lodge, where a communal lounge and dining space offer a place to share stories beside the fire and watch the light shift across the Andes. Meals feature regional produce, prepared in a refined style that’s still filling after a day spent in the wild, but presented with care.
Days here are spent enjoying the wilds of Patagonia, whether on a guided trek up to Cerro Castillo’s turquoise lagoon, a horse ride through lenga forests, mountain biking, or simply watching condors circling through the clouds. You are also likely to spot elusive huemules – an endangered species of South Andean deer native to this region.
Highlights
Watch the sunrise over the Cerro Castillo from your room’s picture windows
Dine and meet fellow travellers around thoughtful, warming meals by the fire
Hike to the turquoise lagoon beneath Cerro Castillo’s glacier
Spot huemules, an endangered species of South Andean deer
Take a horse ride or go mountain biking through lenga forests
Trip inspiration
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Places to combine Alto Castillo Lodge with
Santiago
The Singular Santiago is a luxury hotel in the Lastarria neighbourhood of Santiago.
A sister hotel to The Singular Patagonia, The Singular Santiago is located in one of the artiest areas of the Chilean capital, Lastarria: the Museum of Fine Art, the Museum of Visual Arts, and the Gabriel Mistral Center are all within walking distance of the hotel.
It’s not just the location that’s appealing: the rooftop pool provides a scenic setting in which to both cool down after a day exploring Santiago and take in the view; the spa offers post- or pre-long-haul flight massages; and the Singular Restaurant serves French dishes alongside local specialties, such as Guanaco and Penca, to keep the flavour decidedly Latin. The ninth-floor Sky Bar is the perfect place to polish off a day in Lastarria.
There are 62 rooms: the Patio Rooms and the Classic Rooms overlook the Plaza Mulato Gil, and the Deluxe Balcony Rooms have views across the Parque Forestal. All rooms at The Singular benefit from stylish decor and all the mod-cons you could wish for, including wireless internet, LCD TVs, large and comfortable beds, and well-equipped, spacious marble bathrooms.
Torres del Paine
You wouldn’t think that the spectacular Patagonian region of Torres del Paine could get any better regarding luxurious design-led hotels, but it has, courtesy of the exclusive sibling hotel to Awasi Atacama, and the only lodge in the area to offer tailor-made excursions for each guest. Adding to that, a portion of the proceeds from each guest’s stay helps to support The Awasi Patagonia Conservation Project, which aims to create a natural corridor for wildlife. Awasi guides also help to monitor the puma populations and keep hunters away, increasing the properties, and its guests, positive impact on the region.
14 wooden-clad, shipping crate-style ‘villas’, which were inspired by the old outpost shelters, lie scattered over the wind-protected private reserve, facing the epic Lake Sarmiento and the famous three-tower peaks. Inside, the warming and minimal Scandinavian cabin decor nicely cushions you from the harsh weather outside, with natural wood interiors, large inviting beds, your own living room with log fireplaces, a hot tub and with every modern amenity to hand. The master villa, which has two bedrooms, is perfect for families.
The dispersal of these freestanding villas befits the solitude of your surroundings, giving you a pleasing level of privacy but also a heightened experience of the landscape’s isolation.
The main house, just a short walk from the villas, features a Relais & Chateaux restaurant, terrace and living area. Awasi is renowned not only for its style, but for tailoring its tours to each individual guest and for serving delectable gourmet food. Guests can choose whatever excursions they want to do, without having to compromise for the sake of a group.
