Some experiences stick in the mind like glue, others float away like water.
For travel journalist Mark C. O’Flaherty, his visit to Awasi Patagonia was a trip that stands out among many.
Mark returned to thoughts of his stay at our 14 villa Relais & Chateaux hotel overlooking Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, when asked what makes the perfect luxury hotel.
Giving it 10 out of 10 – a near clean sweep across six individual categories – in the British newspaper’s review, he summed up the essence of Awasi Patagonia in his opening line: “One of the most luxurious Relais & Chateaux retreats in the one of the most remote locations in the world”.
“Everything about the look of Awasi is in harmony with its natural surroundings” wrote Mark, whilst giving a 10 out of 10 in the Style and Character category.
“You could spend a whole day inside the main lodge with a bottle of wine, a book, and some charcuterie, and still feel energised by the changing tones and mood of the landscape”.
Following Mark’s visit – part of a wider trip around Chile – he wrote an accompanying article where documented his stay at Awasi Patagonia, particularly enjoying the service and attention to detail.
“I felt Awasi had been engineered to exceed any guest’s expectations. Essentially a safari lodge in one of the most remote parts of Chile, it made me feel like I was at the home of an absurdly wealthy and hospitable best friend.”
The fact that each Awasi villa has its own private guide and 4×4 vehicle is another reason the hotel scored so highly. Personalised itineraries and tailor-made excursions are the order of the day.
“On arrival, [the guides] lay out a map and talk you through options, depending on weather forecasts and your desired level of adventure and exertion” he wrote, before saying simply: “Awasi was a revelation”.
Staff are meticulous in making each guest’s stay as personalised and comfortable as possible, writes Mark.
“Awasi seems to second-guess everything you might want, and then make it extra special. I returned one afternoon from an excursion and a hot tub had been prepared for me.”
Each room is equipped with a wood fired hot tub – a perfect way to relax after an outing in the park, sipping on a pisco sour with views of of the majestic Torres beyond the trees.
Awasi Patagonia’s individual villas that dot the hillside, each offering privacy and comfort, scored a 10 from Mark.
Having worked up an appetite exploring the great wilderness that is southern Patagonia, the Relais & Chateaux restaurant, run by head chef Victor Vilugron, offers up delicious meals using locally sourced and grown ingredients.
Dishes are a homage to southern Chile, intricate and exquisitely presented courses often incorporating foraged ingredients including flowers and edible herbs, and produce little known elsewhere.
“The level of attention to detail, experience, and quality is flawless” wrote Mark as he wrapped up his review.
Awasi Patagonia has been featured in three articles following Mark’s stay. A hotel review (where Awasi was given 10/10), a print feature, and most recently this editorial on what makes the perfect hotel.