This is a place so completely unique that it completely blew us away.
This is a place so completely unique that it completely blew us away. From the moment we pulled into the driveway leading to the Singular Patagonia we were amazed!
The Singular Patagonia has been built into the Frigorifico Bories, which operated as a cold storage plant from 1915 until 1971. During that time, it was a centerpiece of life in this part of Patagonia, employing hundreds and establishing a strong industrial presence in the region. Up to 250,000 sheep were processed at the plant each year and most all were shipped halfway across the world to Europe to feed the masses.
In 1996, after years of neglect, the building was named a National Historical Monument, yet it was still not in use. So the owners—whose ancestors were among the pioneers who worked at the plant—had an idea. They wanted to return this building to its former glory, but with a twist: transforming it into the finest and most unique luxury hotel in Patagonia. Special care was taken to ensure that repairs and replacements were performed with the same materials as the existing structures. Ultimately, it took ten years to make the original dream a reality.
The Singular Patagonia is located in Puerto Bories, just a few kilometres from Puerto Natales on the edge of the Last Hope Sound (Seno Ultima Esperanza). Arriving at the reception we entered through one of the original sheds, a rustic corrugated iron structure that is not at all typical of your usual entrance to a luxury hotel.
At the end of the shed was a small reception area surrounded by glass, and that is where the magic began. We were greeted and offered handmade chocolates as we were warmly welcomed.
We then entered a small cable car, built into the original tracks that took us down to the main building and a second reception where we were introduced to the hotel and given our room key.
To get to the rooms you walk through the boiler room and the Victorian engine room, preserved mostly in its original state. Huge steam propelled engines are on display and part of the stay includes a guides tour of all of the original hotel structures including this area as well as the tannery, the blacksmith shop... A tour I found completely fascinating.
Walking through the engine room on the way to our bedroom
The wing that houses the rooms was new but built in a design that complemented the original structure and the beautiful location. The rooms were huge and impeccable, with every attention to detail. Huge windows provided an unbeatable and unobstructed view of the ocean and the snow-capped mountains in the background.
The bathroom was lovely, with everything one would want, including cozy bathrobes slippers, divine products, a bath, a shower, floor heating . . .
Packages at the Singular are all-inclusive so after our arrival, we headed for the restaurant to see what was on offer. All I can say is "WOW". The restaurant and bar area is built into what was the tannery. The design was classy, and traditional, in theme with the structure yet colorful and comforting.
The kitchen was open style so we could see the many cooks working hard preparing the finest of Patagonian and International cuisine. And as for their talents I give them 10/10. The food was amazing with a-la-cate dining and meals such as King Crab Mornay, Tierra Del Fuego Guanaco filet, Filet of Wild Hare served with a pear poached in red wine, Gratinated Scallops and a full range of other meat, seafood and vegetable dishes and other locally grown ingredients, such as white strawberries, rhubarb, seaweed and Patagonian honey all prepared by top chefs. Oh and did I mention the deserts - they were to die for. Rich chocolate cakes, perfectly prepared Crème Brule, my mouth waters just thinking about it.
And of course, then there is the wine. Red & white wines from some of the best wine valleys in Chile and of course if you prefer something a little stronger there is a full range of spirits and cocktails to choose from. My favourite was the Calafate Sour, made from the native Calafate Berry.
As we had been in this area many times we chose some different excursions. On our first afternoon, we took a trip to the Milodon cave which was combined with a short trek of about 1 hour through a magical setting. The cave was way bigger and more impressive than I could have imagined. And the archaeology of the area is fascinating.
Oh and I almost forgot to mention the spa. Accessed through a funky underground tunnel the spa was a perfect place to relax and revive after a day’s excursions.
There is so much more to tell you about this incredible hotel, which by the way has been nominated the best hotel in Chile for 2 years running, but to know more I think you have to go and experience it for yourselves.
For more information about the packages on offer at Singular Patagonia including rates, availability, excursions, and more, contact us.
(P.S. I have to also mention the staff who were the most helpful, most friendly people I have met in a long time. There was always someone on hand to help. To open a door for you, to pick up the napkin that you dropped on the floor, to arrange anything you could possibly want, they were great!!!)
