Awasi Patagonia

The main guest area occupies its own wood and glass cube and you'll find lounges with roaring fireplaces, plenty of plop-able couches, and walls lined with sketches of flora, old black-and-white photos, and maps of the area. The Relais & Chateaux restaurant promises scenic views through floor-to-ceiling windows and delicious Patagonian menus (and more international fare), featuring ingredients hand-picked from the garden. The selection of local Chilean wines is fabulous, and you're unlikely to find them anywhere else on your travels.

Dotted along grassy banks, Awasi has 12 villas, all inspired by old Patagonian shelters that were built on stilts to preserve the flora and micro-fauna below. Each villa is specifically positioned to ensure the utmost privacy, and the expansive windows reveal views of Lake Sarmiento, the Patagonian Steppe and peaks of Torres del Paine. All villas have a cosy, alpine style with fireplaces, soft textiles and wooden shutters. The bathrooms are beautifully designed with a large tub right in front of the windows. Look out for guanacos, foxes and the occasional puma! And the piece de resistance? A wood-burning hot tub on the deck.

Every villa has a dedicated vehicle and guide, who know the area better than anyone. On arrival, your guide will find out what you want to see and do, and every day will be tailored accordingly. There are hiking, biking and horseback riding trails that reach even the famous Base Torres where you can see the trio of famous peaks up-close and the stunning shores of Sofia Lake. There's also an option to visit archaeological sites where 3900-year-old animal remains were found.