Argentina and Chile Wildlife Explorer

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

Located in the prestigious Recoleta neighborhood, the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires seamlessly blends an early-20th-century mansion with a modern high-rise, offering a fusion of contemporary comfort and European-style elegance. Throughout the hotel, from the lavishly decorated rooms to the refined communal areas, there is a distinct sense of luxury and sophistication.

The chic, well-appointed guest rooms ensure the utmost in comfort and privacy, providing a serene space for you to relax and recharge. Perfect for family vacations, the spacious suites offer you ample room, featuring separate areas for sleeping and living to enhance your stay while you’re not out exploring the city and surrounds.

At Michelin-selected Elena, a two-story restaurant inspired by the historic homes of San Telmo, the focus is on dry-aged meats, brasserie fare and charcuterie. Savor some of Argentina’s finest meats and seafood, paired with an exceptional selection of regional wines. Meanwhile, at Nuestro Secreto, outdoor barbecues offer a unique dining experience, turning Buenos Aires’ traditional asado into a social event centered on top-tier grilled meats. End your evening at the equestrian-themed Pony Line bar, where creative cocktails, gourmet burgers and live DJs create a vibrant atmosphere.

Overview

The Alvear Palace Hotel opened its doors in 1932 and has remained one of the city’s most iconic hotels ever since. Located in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood, everything about the Alvear is incredibly well thought through with lots of little touches that make it a really special place to stay.

The hotel’s 192 rooms and suites are impeccable designed with a mix of Empire, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Sumptuous fabrics and elegant furnishing are complimented by decorative arts and paintings by Argentinian artists. The larger lounge suites offer butler service so you can make the most of your stay.

Enjoy sophisticated French cuisine at La Bourgogne, and a decadent afternoon tea in L’Orangerie before sampling an expertly mixed cocktail at the lobby bar, which has long been a meeting place for well-known members of Buenos Aires society. Enjoying a tipple at the rooftop bar is also not to be missed, with its spectacular views over Alvear Avenue.

When you’re not out exploring all that the Argentinean capital has to offer, relax and unwind in the spa, wellness area, fitness centre and rooftop pool with adjoining pool bar.

Overview

The Faena Buenos Aires is a striking design hotel in the waterside neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the brainchild of local empresario Alan Faena and designer Philippe Starck.

The hotel is located in the restored El Porteño building, an enormous silo built in 1902 that produced grain for post-war Europe. The décor encapsulates the grandeur of the belle époque that characterised Buenos Aires at the turn of last century. A red, black and white colour scheme runs through the hotel teamed with exposed brick walls and concrete pillars that hark back to its industrious past.

Rooms and suites are filled with eye catching touches such as hand embroidered throws and filigree mirrors and feature huge windows which look out over Ecological Reserve, the parks, Río de la Plata and the quaysides of Puerto Madero.

Eating and drinking at the Faena is a real treat. Enjoy fine dining at Bistro Sur where the menu is inspired by the finest seasonal Argentinian produce, or opt for something more casual at El Mercado which is inspired by the country’s famous cantinas and the open air markets of Europe. The Library Lounge is an intimate space filled with antique books and crysal chandeliers, while El Cabaret, inspired by the city’s 1920s tango clubs, is where you can catch the award-winning show, Rojo Tango.

The hotel also features a spa, fitness centre and an outdoor pool.

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

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

Chile’s vast wilderness has long captivated travellers, who yearn to explore its infinite horizons and untouched natural beauty. Set among 10,000 hectares of working ranch, or estancia, just 30 minutes’ drive from Torres del Paine national park, Estancia Cerro Guido has Chile’s wanderlust igniting hiking trails on its doorstep. 

Conservation is at the forefront of the property’s ethos, and they work tirelessly to protect and preserve the territory for Chile’s wildlife, from the pumas which stalk the grasslands, to the condors wheeling overhead.

The estancia itself is inspired by a classic English style, and the 12 rooms are decorated in elegant neutrals that allow the views of the wilderness outside to shine through. You may be in the heart of the Chilean wilderness, but luxury is still delivered here. Delicious three-course meals are served with organic ingredients grown in the ranch’s gardens, and dishes such as whole roast lamb embody Patagonian tradition, washed down with the finest Chilean wine.

Hiking is the obvious pastime here, and there are no shortage of awe–inspiring routes to choose from, including around the legendary Torres del Paine. Back on the estancia, join the gauchos in taking care of their horses, or take one for a ride yourself. You’ll also be able to learn about the estate’s conservation efforts or local culture from the team.

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

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.

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.