The Singular Patagonia Set to Open in December in Chile
The Singular Patagonia Set to Open in December in Chile
The Singular Patagonia, the Chilean region’s newest luxury retreat, will debut this December after the 10-year restoration and renovation of the post-Victorian circa 1915 Bories Cold Storage Plant.
Set on nearly 100 acres overlooking the Fjord of Last Hope along the shores of the Señoret Channel in Southern Chile, the 57-room hotel pays homage to the factory’s historic past while delivering all of the conveniences and comforts guests expect today.
The new property also will offer guests the chance to explore the pristine verdant landscape of Patagonia. The Bories Cold Storage plant, was originally built to process millions of sheep and their byproducts, which were subsequently distributed to major European markets. After 70 years in operation, the demise of the industry in the 1980s brought upon the factory’s disrepair, but it was subsequently declared a National Monument in 1996..
The Singular Patagonia’s design team, led by Chilean interior design company Enrique Concha & Co., worked in concert with local architect Pedro Kovacic to renovate the old industrial structure with a modern, sleek wing allowing for 57 oversized (starting at 500 sq ft) guestrooms with 10-foot floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the fjord and snow covered mountains beyond.
The design scheme reflects classic European style executed through a minimalist lens to make the views of the breathtaking surroundings the main focus throughout the hotel. The property also has made social and eco-responsibility a priority and is intent on leaving as small a footprint as possible by utilizing modern green technologies and sustainable materials. For example, televisions in the rooms will be only offered upon request.
Guests of the Singular have access to the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. The hotel’s expertly-trained expedition team will lead nature-loving guests on a choice of 20 different expeditions, all with varying levels of difficulty.
From trekking a private mountainous reserve to sailing or kayaking the fjords, connecting and communing with nature is guaranteed. After a day of adventure, guests can retreat to the Singular’s Barbara Morrow designed 3,000-square-foot eco-Spa, which features a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room.
The Singular’s restaurant, overseen by Chef Laurent Pasqualetto, will re-imagine traditional, local recipes; fully respecting the region’s culture and its rich byproducts. Most of the elements used in the kitchen will be natural including the strict use of only non-caged/bred animals.
The menu will focus on local products, both grown in the hotel’s garden and sourced locally, including tooth fish, golden eel, Patagonian hare, lamb, white strawberries, rhubarb, algae, seaweed and Patagonian honey.
The Singular Patagonia also will house a museum in the original industrial section illustrating the history of the region and the significance of the factory in the development of the area.
Although the century-old building reflects the architecture and style of the early 1900s, nothing is more representative of the era at the hotel than the original British machinery room whose boilers produced the steam which produced the cold for the freezer and electricity. Also on display will be a restored 1913 train car once used to transport items between the plant and the town of Puerto Natales.
The Singular Patagonia is quite accessible still through Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina. From Santiago, guests fly three-and-a-half hours to Punta Arenas and then drive two-and-half hours to the hotel.
From Buenos Aires, it’s a three-and-a half hour flight to El Calafate and then a four-hour drive. Transfers to / from both Punta Arenas and Calafate are complimentary for guests staying at least three nights on a full board plan versus simply bed and breakfast. The Singular Patagonia is set to open Dec. 1, 2011 with rates starting at $660 per night.
