Explora Patagonia Lodge, Torres del Paine National Park

Location

This stunning lodge in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park is Patagonia's original design hotel – the vision of a groundbreaking hotelier with a passion for genuine hospitality, thought-provoking design and eye-catching architecture. The location is nothing short of remarkable; perched on the shores of Lago Pehoe, no other hotel has as good a view of the black curving cuernos (horns) and torres (towers) of the Paine massif.

Accommodation

All 49 rooms have wonderful views and even the bathrooms offer peek-hole windows that look towards the mountains; if you’d prefer the Macizo del Paine as your companion, look to the Cordillera Paine rooms or ever-so-spacious Exploradores Suites. Silent, private and beautifully furnished, guests will find all they need to relax and sleep in preparation for the next day’s adventures. Be aware, however, that rooms have no TV or WiFi – a rare and welcome break from the distractions of the modern world.

Dining

Treading the fine line between gourmet cuisine and well-balanced fuel for trekking and riding, the food at Explora is certainly worthy of the setting. Menus change with the seasons and utilise the very finest ingredients from the region and beyond, all accompanied by carefully selected Chilean wines and more of those wonderful lake views. There’s also a well stocked bar where guests can meet their guides to plan activities and explorations across the park.

Facilities

After days packed with activities – Explora offers over 50 different guided hikes to horseback rides to the park’s lakes, glaciers and peaks – Spa Ona provides a welcome chance to relax and recharge. Connected to the main lodge by a gently sloping boardwalk, here guests will find an indoor pool, a sauna and four open-air Jacuzzis looking out to the Paine River and Lago Pehoé. And, with its own stables and access to the 6,000-hectare 2 de Enero Ranch, there’s no better place in Torres del Paine to saddle up and experience authentic Patagonian gaucho culture.