Places & Spaces: Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa

Tierra Patagonia offers remote luxury in the rugged wilderness.

When it comes to unspoiled, wide-open spaces, it’s hard to beat Chile’s Patagonia, the land of endless pampas, lakes and glaciers. But being in the middle of nowhere doesn’t mean you have to rough it.

Tierra Patagonia – which opened just a few weeks ago – has been designed to make the most of this enviable location, with its undulating wood structure (based on a fossil) blending in with the landscape and offering minimal impact on the surrounding environment. It was built using local materials and low-tech building practices.

The 40 guest rooms are cosy contemporary: warm, wood-paneled floors and walls, handcrafted furniture, and locally-made woolen blankets and artwork with traditional designs in soft, natural tones. Bathroom goodies are by French brand L’Occitane; there’s free WIFI, but no TV.

The spa uses local ingredients and stones. Try a honey and quartz crystal facial (sounds like something you should either eat or wear); as well as the saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas, you can also soak up the southern sun in the outdoor jacuzzi. Wild swimming abounds in the beach front lake.

Seasonal excess can be wiped away with a hike up a glacier. Rekindle your relationship with nature with an afternoon of condor watching; or just drift off into this extraordinary landscape.

Hanging pod-seat with a glass of Chilean wine? An equally viable pastime.

Rates from $1,950 per person (for three nights, minimum stay), including airport transfers, meals, open bar, and free iPad loan – if you can tear yourself away from the view.

Places & Spaces is a travel guide that will inspire you to carve out a vacation on your calendar. All of the gorgeous locations and accommodations in our guide share our concern for the environment. From tent glamping to lavish built environments, fair warning, you’ll feel compelled to pack your suitcase.

Fiona Flores Watson

Fiona Flores Watson covers Places & Spaces for EcoSalon and currently resides in Seville, Spain.