Chilean Patagonia

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At a Glance

When searching for the perfect location for its next lodge, Awasi’s general manager noticed a hilltop grove of native trees on the edge of a remote estancia overlooking Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. Local gauchos warned him that they rarely ventured to the hill because there were so many pumas. Where better to create an immersive Patagonian escape? Opened in 2013, the lodge—with views over a tundra-like valley that slopes upward to granite peaks—has become a beloved home base for set-your-own-pace adventures. Guests go on private, guided daily excursions with a range of activities to choose from—easy hikes, horseback rides on the 11,000-acre estate or 4×4 drives to the park for more rigorous treks and climbing. Back at the lodge, 14 villas offer a contemporary take on the traditional gaucho’s outpost, with open floor plans and wall-to-wall windows to maximize the panoramas. And just outside every villa, some of the world’s best stargazing is on view from the comfort of a private hot tub.

The Standout: The restaurant’s excellent cuisine, much of it sourced on-property or from local producers, including regional meats like guanaco steaks
Don’t Miss: A visit to the wildlife-rich Sierra Baguales, a high mountain valley open exclusively to Awasi guests

Indagare Loves

• The astonishingly beautiful nature of this private reserve setting by Torres del Paine National Park
• Private guides and 4×4 safari-style drives for customized excursions
• Modern bungalows, perched on stilts, set far apart for extra privacy
• Some of the world’s best stargazing from your private hot tub

Awasi Patagonia Review

Sitting on a private reserve with view of Torres del Paine’s snow-capped mountains, Awasi redefines luxury in Chilean Patagonia. There are 14 spacious villas, including a two-bedroom family villa, each of which comes with a private guide and 4×4 vehicle for customized excursions in the park.

Bungalows, designed by famed Chilean architect Felipe Assadi, sit like bird’s nests overlooking the Torres del Paine Massif. The design infuses a sleek, almost Nordic aesthetic with a traditional log cabin concept. Villas are spaced far from one another and the main house and guests communicate between them via walkie-talkie (wifi is only available in the lobby). Open-plan interiors feature large living and bedroom spaces with contemporary-yet-cozy furnishings in blue, green or brown hues.

Accommodations are equipped with wood-burning fireplaces, fully stocked complimentary minibars and Nespresso machines and bathrooms offer large rainfall showers, soaking tubs next to picture windows and double vanities. Each cabin has its own outdoor hot tub heated with burning logs that give off the unmistakable scent of a camp fire in the woods.

Awasi Patagonia was quickly inducted into the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group soon after its November 2013 opening and guests dine in the stylish restaurant located in the main house. While there is no separate spa facility, massages can be booked in the privacy of the bungalows.

With a private guide and driver, the possibilities are endless when it comes to activities in the region. The most well-known in the immediate surrounds are horseback riding (Awasi has it’s own estancia equipped with horses and gauchos for lessons) and trekking. Perched on a hill, the trekking opportunities from the hotel doorstep abound. When it comes to off-property excursions, however, the access road of this hideaway is not for the faint of heart (25 minutes downhill on a gravel surface), making it a bit tedious to enter and exit the property. But couples with high standards looking for utter tranquility surrounded by nature will be very happy at Awasi.

Who Should Stay

Couples and families with children over 10 looking for a farflung Chilean setting with customized, varied touring

Author

• Indagare