The Highlights of Patagonia

Overview

Located in the heart of the French heritage district of Recoleta in a restored belle epoque mansion, the Park Hyatt is a luxury hotel that offers the perfect base from which to explore this vibrant city.

There are 165 elegant rooms and suites, featuring all the modern luxuries that one would expect from a hotel of this ilk as well as period flourishes and detail in keeping with the history of the building. Buenos Aires is a city known for its gastronomy and the offerings at the hotel do not disappoint. Enjoy Argentinian cuisine at Duhau Restaurante and Vinoteca – where there are 7,000 bottles of Argentinian wine to choose from, or Italian at Gioia Restaurante and Terrazas. Satisfy your sweet tooth with afternoon tea at Los Salones del Piano Nobile, then end the day at The Oak Bar with its wood burning fireplace and garden views.

When you’re not out exploring the city, unwind at the Ahin Spa. Ahin in local dialect signifies a welcoming ceremony for an honoured visitor and guests visiting the spa are sure to appreciate the warm welcome. There is also a fitness centre and heated indoor swimming pool as well as a lovely garden in which to relax.

Overview

Perhaps the best luxury hotel in Buenos Aires, the Four Seasons is really very suited to the luxury traveller. With beautifully decorated and well equipped rooms and communal areas, the sense of quality and refinement is pervasive throughout the hotel. They also have by far the best pool area in the city which has a strict guests only policy.

Service, as you might expect, is absolutely first class making this the hotel of choice in Buenos Aires for many visiting dignitaries and celebrities.

Overview

Hub Porteño is a historic property set on a quiet street in the heart of Recoleta, and feels more like a home than a hotel. There are just 11 rooms, bright and spacious and filled with antique furniture and more recent pieces from local artisans.

The hotel’s rooftop terrace is a beautiful spot with outdoor seating nestled among the lush greenery – a real city centre oasis. Here you can relax with a drink from the bar and a bite to eat or simply sit back with the morning paper. La Pecora Nera Grill specialises in new Argentinian cuisine while the cosy living room is the place to enjoy drinks and snacks.

There is also a wellness centre with a sauna, gym and treatment room.

Overview

Set in the fashionable and leafy district of Palermo, Legado Mitico is a beautiful boutique hotel within easy reach of the city’s main attractions and restaurants.

Located in a refurbished three-storey townhouse, the hotel draws on the rich historical culture of Argentina. There are 11 rooms each inspired by a famous figure such as tango dancer Carlos Gardel, writer Jorge Luis Borges, and Evita. A warm colour scheme runs throughout the rooms and wooden floors and period antique pieces give them lots of traditional charm.

The cultural theme extends into the communal areas with a small library in the lounge where the more inquisitive guest can read all about the historic figures that inspire the decoration of the room. The library opens out onto a small patio where guests can relax with a drink.

Overview

Eolo sits on a 10,000-acre estancia in the Patagonian steppe between the town of El Calafate and the majestic Perioto Merino glacier.

The hotel has been built to ensure that wherever you are, you can take in these incredible views. Eolo is centred around a courtyard garden, a nifty bit of architecture that means guests can enjoy the great outdoors whilst being protected from the wild Patagonian winds.

There are 17 beautiful rooms characterised by pastel colours and simple lines. Nothing is overly complicated here, simplicity is key when your surroundings are so dramatic. There are no televisions in the rooms, instead guests are encouraged to curl up on one of the sofas that are placed in front of the large picture windows. Eolo was inspired by the historic estancias of the area and you’ll find antiques, maps, telescopes and lots of other traditional touches.

The food at Eolo is a real highlight. Excellent local, seasonal produce is used to create a dynamic and exciting menu. The views that await from your dining table make the experience even sweeter.

This is an area begging to be explored, and there are plenty of activites on offer. Hiking, horseriding, birdwatching and mountain biking are some of the experiences to keep you busy. At the hotel itself there is an area for relaxation with a small heated pool, dry sauna and massage room.

All meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included during your stay at Eolo.

Overview

To reach Estancia Cristina, you’ll first cross the picturesque Cristina Channel of Lago Argentino by boat, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure within Calafate. Your journey offers a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring Upsala Glacier, one of the largest and most magnificent in the region. Upon arrival, prepare to be mesmerised by the panoramic views of the towering Norte, Pfister and Moyano mountains.

Estancia Cristina boasts 20 rooms, thoughtfully divided among five cosy cabins. Each cabin houses four private suites adorned with warm fabrics and expansive picture windows, perfect for soaking in the spectacular scenery. The heart of the estancia is the main lodge, where you’ll find a charming restaurant offering a curated wine menu featuring selections from premier Argentinian wineries, all while enjoying a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Río Caterina valley.

During your stay you’ll be able to explore the impressive surroundings on exciting outdoor adventures. Traverse the stunning Patagonian landscapes on foot, embark on thrilling 4×4 expeditions to exclusive lookout points, or saddle up for exhilarating horse-riding excursions through the vast mountain ranges. Operating on an all-inclusive basis, Estancia Cristina ensures that transfers, accommodation, full-board meals, non-alcoholic beverages and all excursions are seamlessly included, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary experience.

Overview

On a steep bank overlooking Lago Argentino a little way outside of El Calafate, Xelena Hotel & Suites enjoys a quiet, majestic location. It is the perfect base from which to explore Argentina’s breathtaking Patagonia area.

Comfort and warmth defines the hotel’s personality, and the team pride themselves on the attentive and personalised service offered to guests.

Many of the 70 rooms have lake views, and all are extremely spacious with contemporary features. There’s also a large heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool and spa – a real highlight of the hotel – two large dining areas and a bar.

Overview

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.

Overview

It’s this hotel’s bizarrely beautiful shape, designed to imitate that of a sun-bleached fossil on the ruggedly wild shores of Lake Sarmiento, which makes Tierra Patagonia such a striking place to stay. In fact, this sustainable lodge is known worldwide for its innovative architecture, which blends naturally into the landscape. The revitalised pampa, where the complex is based, has benefited from great conservation efforts, as well as focus on minimising footprint in this beautiful area.

This impressive blonde-wooded, design-led ‘shell’ houses 40 simple yet sophisticated Scandinavian-style rooms. Their exposed timber interiors create a tangible Sauna-like warmth that contrasts well with the views of the desolate pampas outside. There are family apartments of two adjoining rooms available, as well as the extensive Uma Spa, which is particularly welcomed after a hard day hiking the Torres del Paine National Park, which is simple given the hotel’s superb team of guides and the varied activities on offer here. From horse riding to climbing, this great range of opportunities means you really can take full advantage of your truly magnificent surrounds.

Overview

Housed in the restored, post-Victorian cold-storage factory ‘Frigorifico Puerto Bories’, the Singular Patagonia is part of a National Monument that has been sympathetically and stylishly converted into one of Patagonia’s most elegant hotels.

Located on the shores of the Señoret Channel, at the end of the Ultima Esperanza Sound, the Singular Patagonia is ideally placed for expeditions to some of Patagonia’s most inaccessible parts and sights. With two of their own boats to explore the intricate fjords, channels and islands, as well as a wealth of other land-based activities, you really will have the entirety of the Torres del Paine at your disposal.

The hotel’s décor blends regional character with the building’s unique history for a contemporary industrial chic fused with a warm, old-style comfort. All of its 57 rooms command steely Patagonian views over the channel water or rugged plains, whilst soft carpets, cosy beds and traditional pieces of furniture add a warmth to their  bunker-style design of bare concrete walls and seamless glass windows.

For dining the Singular Restaurant celebrates the mountain ridges of Seno Última Esperanza, presenting locally-sourced ingredients fused with French trends. Indulge in traditional Chilean dishes in a delightful historic and rustic atmosphere of the property’s 100-year-old former blacksmith’s forge at El Asador. We also highly recommend Pisco Sours at sunset.

The main highlight of the Singular Patagonia, however, is certainly its experiences. Enjoy everything Chilean Patagonia has to offer: visit local estancias, explore the Milodon Caves or head out to the town of  Puerto Natales and wander through its mountainous national park.

Overview

Perhaps the most famous hotel in all of Chile, the Explora Patagonia one of the most stunning settings in the world.

Simple and cool from the exterior, things could not be more different once inside. There are large picture windows everywhere (even in the bathrooms) to make the most of the stunning vistas surrounding the hotel. Much of the furniture is hand crafted from local wood and slate, and there are many little design touches to make things more comfortable. The hotel also has a large indoor swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzis.

All activities are included in the programme as are all meals and drinks. Food is generally of a high standard at the restaurant.

Overview

Experience the outdoor feel of camping in this beautiful area of Torres del Paine, whilst spending your nights in the geodisic domes of Ecocamp Patagonia. Inspired by the traditional constructions of the native Kawesqar people, these domes allow plenty of light and space during your stay; choose from standard, superior or suite domes, the latter two of which include heating and private bathrooms.

There is also the suite dome loft, which is just as spacious as a suite dome but has an added loft that makes it an ideal accommodation for families and large groups. The lodge hosts a maximum of 76 guests ensuring a more personal feel as well as minimising the impact on the local environment.

Other domes include the community domes, which provide a meeting place for breakfast and again at the end of the day where you can share an evening cocktail and tasty Chilean dinner at communal tables in the dining room. Check out the library or browse through EcoCamp’s store stocked with locally-made products. There is also a yoga dome, which overlooks the Patagonian pampas and hosts two classes a day. Give your muscles a break and head to the massage room situated beside the mountains to experience Man Keokén.

Ecocamp Patagonia hosts many tours of Patagonia‘s majestic landscape, which include activities such as hiking, kayaking and horseback-riding.

Overview

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.

Overview

A charming boutique hotel set in the heart of the relaxed Providencia district of the city.

The hotel has an elegant, French style to the decoration of the rooms and communal areas combined with modern comforts.

Service is personal and attentive making this a relaxing and enjoyable place to stay and explore the city from.

Overview

The extraordinary sophistication and contemporary chic of the Vik Chile is quite simply unparalleled in Chile’s wine region.

Fresh from an extensive refurbishment, this 22-room (with seven Puro Vik glass pods) avant garde luxury boutique hotel is set within the 4,400-hectare Millahue Valley and Vik vineyard, just two hours south of Santiago in the Colchagua Valley area. Each suite is individually themed and decorated, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows which allow guests to take in the majestic views of the region. A newer addition to the hotel, guests can now choose to stay in one of the separate Puro Vik glass pods, providing an incredible vantage point for overlooking the valley.

The lodge is decorated in keeping with the vineyard’s holistic and ecological principles and it’s almost as if the exterior’s inconspicuous minimalism was intended to touch the hillside on which it perches. This spectacular sense of floating is further emphasised by seamless glass windows-for-walls in the rooms. Yet the insightful use of dark heavy woods, rough natural materials, functional furniture and a minimal elegance also makes the lodge feel contrastingly very solid, grounded and stylishly real.

The lodge enjoys uninterrupted views of the vineyards and lake and there is a cosy sitting area with a fireplace, patios with sofas, and a well-equipped and elegant dining room where excellent traditional Chilean cuisine is served.

Plenty of activities and expeditions can be arranged to suit guests according to their time and preferences, especially with immediate if not exclusive access to the vineyard and winery.

Overview

Set around 50 miles from Santiago in the Casablanca region, this boutique vineyard produces entirely organic wine. This is a traditional wine ‘Estancia’ and was originally built at the beginning of the 20th Century set in it’s own San Antonio Valley of around 27,000 acres. The main building housing the accommodation blends traditional style with plush furnishings and was entirely refurbished in 2004. Rooms are spacious and have their own private terrace.

The winery itself is an advanced gravity-flow facility producing excellent Syrah (judged to be among one of the world’s best). There is an excellent restaurant on site and a good number of activities to keep guests occupied including horseback riding and harvesting, as well as relaxing in the beautiful gardens.

Overview

Less than an hour from Santiago in the Maipo Valley, the Santa Rita estate combines celebrated wine with a long history. Chilean independence leader Bernardo O’Higgins and his men took refuge here during their struggle, while the grand neo-gothic chapel has been gloriously restored by the same craftsmen as the Sistine Chapel.

Even the restaurant, the much-celebrated Doña Paula, is a National Monument, and you can venture further back in time at the pre-Colombian Andean Museum.

Among beautiful and expansive gardens, find the old landowner’s elegant house, now converted into the Casa Real Hotel. There are 16 rooms, each comfortable and traditional with antique furniture and lofty ceilings.

Explore the grounds to find a swimming pool, tennis courts, sauna and café in the former bakery. You can also take a ride in the horse drawn cart or borrow mountain bikes out to the vineyards and enjoy extensive tasting sessions in the cellar, with the estate’s wine flowing at every opportunity from picnic lunch to sundowners.