Not just for adventure seekers, Patagonia knows how to serve up scenic pleasures with plenty of style
Thinking of taking a trip off the beaten path? Patagonia has got you covered. As one of the most sparsely populated regions on the planet – stretching across Argentina and Chile – there’s not much evidence of human interference on Patagonia’s vast grassy plains, icy lakes and sprawling mountainous backdrops.
But don’t be fooled into thinking this a destination for only the most intrepid travellers. Tucked away in this remote corner of the world, you can experience some of Patagonia’s most far-flung and scenic pleasures in incredible luxury and style.
Sail through the Patagonian fjords
There’s no doubt a full-day sailing boat adventure that departs just metres away from your hotel room is one of the best ways to appreciate the scale of Patagonia’s dramatic fjords and glaciers, and The Singular Hotel knows it. Perched on the shores of the Señoret Channel in Chilean Patagonia, the luxurious hotel offers a huge selection of guided excursions including hiking, horseback riding, cycling and kayaking, but the sailing day trip to Remote Patagonian estancia (cattle ranch) Estancia La Peninsula is hard to beat. On board a comfortable yet intimate vessel, guests navigate the icy channels to Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers and are treated to breathtaking views, delicious canapés and even a warming glass of whiskey over glacier ice. In the afternoon, guests arrive back at the ranch, where they’ll enjoy a hearty Patagonian barbecue lunch with Chilean wine, followed by guided hiking or horseback riding into the surrounding hills.
Discover Patagonian produce and artisan cooking
Unbeknownst to many, Patagonia is famed for its cuisine and fresh produce as much as its many scenic treasures, so finding a place that serves some of the many platos tipicos (typical plates) is an absolute must when visiting the region.
No culinary journey would be complete in Patagonia without enjoying dishes such as King Crab and Empanadas filled with thick lamb stew, and tender, slow-roasted lamb over an open flame. The famed El Asador at The Singular invites guests to rest their heads into one of its most rustic nineteenth century buildings to enjoy the dramatic sights, sounds and rich flavours of open-flame cooking.
Marvel at the shoreline of Lake Grey in the Torres del Paine National Park
Patagonia isn’t particularly known for its beaches, but the Torres del Paine National Park holds a treasure that’s well worth a visit. Take a guided excursion into the Torres del Paine National Park with The Singular, and pick a spot for a picnic lunch, or dress up in warm clothes and walk along the beach at Lake Grey to experience the best views across the water towards its magnificent glacier. After climbing to one of the more elevated lookouts, you’ll soon forget the icy winds as you sip homemade hot chocolate while awaiting the distinctive sound of icebergs calving from the glacier.
Witness the seasons change on a luxury expedition cruise
There’s plenty to see in Patagonia when travelling by land, but with its intricate fjords, an expedition cruise around the southernmost tip provides a whole other perspective. Imagine travelling in warmth and comfort through a revolving landscape and what seems like ever-changing seasons. Each day, wake up to different mountain peaks and glaciers and be one of a privileged few who land ashore in some of the world’s most unspoilt and remote locations, including the island of Cape Horn.
Australis offers expedition cruises just like this one, where expert leaders take guests via zodiac to enjoy closeup views of glaciers and hikes through otherwise unreachable (and sometimes snow-covered) terrains. In the evening, choose from a range of cocktails, wines, Chilean beers and canapés in Australis’ bar with almost 360-degree views.
