“Unbelievable. Take whatever your expectation is and raise it another 100 percent, because you’re still not prepared for this gorgeous outpost in Chile’s Patagonia called Awasi. Even the drive into the property is like taking a mini-safari — you’ll cruise past sheep (of course — it’s Patagonia) but your eyes will bug out at the ñandu and guanaco sightings right in front of your driver’s bumper. That is, if you can take your eyes off the terrific landscape.

You will be greeted warmly as you walk in — and yes, you should take the lovely staff up on wine and cheese if they ask you! The Chilean wine curated by the the sommelier and the kitchen staff is not to be missed. Get acquainted with the property from the stunning lodge common area: killer views of the national park, frequent sheep-grazing sightings, plenty of books on the region, and an ambience that will make you feel like the coolest traveler in South America. So fashionable and cozy.

Dining at Awasi is a true highlight — the menu changes daily and is so inspired. (Everyone who works at the bar and the restaurant are simply divine, and they will take such great care of you!) Don’t forget to take your eyes off your plates for just a second so you can see the sunset views of the Torres that other hikers have to haul up at dawn to catch. (Similar for the breakfast service — lucky you if you catch the Torres without any cloud cover!)

The villas are scattered all along the hillside, and it’s like staying in the cabin hideaway of your dreams. The views out your windows are divine, and the staff will even come and light a fire for you while you’re at dinner so you come back to a toasty space. (Don’t miss tiny nightly surprises with your turndown service!) Adjacent to our room was a wood-fired hot tub — before your daily excursion, ask the staff to light it up, and you’ll return to a nice hot soak with a fabulous view.

“You get up close to some real gauchos, and Awasi grants you access to what feels like a locals-only spot.”

Our guide (Raimundo) took us out into a private space in the Baguales range — it’s a rare treat for visitors to Patagonia, and even the hour-plus drive was totally worth it. You get up close to some real gauchos, and Awasi grants you access to what feels like a locals-only spot. Rai was so knowledgeable and caring with the quality of our experience that we just couldn’t have asked for more from a great guide.

Patagonia is a beautiful place — no doubt about it. But when you do Awasi Patagonia, you are getting something truly once-in-a-lifetime. It’s magical.”

Stayed March 2017, travelled as a couple. Review published on TripAdvisor.