Eolo

The most stylish and luxurious hotel in the Patagonian steppe at the edge of the Glaciers national park

Patagonia is immensely seductive: wind-swept steppe, mountain peaks where condors soar, and vast stretches of nothing where you can dream, and leave civilization behind. Not quite. If you don’t want to rough it, it’s either a long drive to a sheep farm or touristy El Calafate. But now Eolo offers luxurious style, stunningly set in a remote valley, within easy glacier reach. A striking new building reworks traditional Patagonian zinc, creating an exclusive hideaway with just 17 suites arranged around a central courtyard. Huge space inside reflects infinite space outside, where windows frame unparalleled views of the valley rimmed by grand mountains, and even Torres del Paine on a clear day.

Interiors are designed with warm minimalism and impeccable taste, matched by perfect personalized service from the staff. You’ll be welcomed by your own bilingual host guide who’ll help plan your excursions over tea and cake. Ride to find flamingos rising from a turquoise lagoon, walk on the glaciers, and return to a sauna, sophisticated cuisine, and superb wines. You won’t want to leave.

Highs

• Huge stylish rooms, fabulous beds, gorgeous bathrooms
• Mind-expanding beautiful views over the untouched Patagonian steppe – with light playing constantly on massive mountains opposite
• Well away from touristy El Calafate; feel the silence, hear the wind; easy access to excursions as closer to the glaciers
• Wonderful staff – the best in the area: young, genuinely friendly and welcoming ‘host guides’
• Comfort in quiet and exclusive isolation: a wonderful sense of having this vast landscape to yourself
• All inclusive packages give you four fabulous meals a day, plus the small heated pool and sauna, and local activities eg bike riding and hiking to the nearby flamingo lagoon. Great horse riding can be arranged very reasonably

Lows

• Eolo is a real taste of Patagonia, and suitably isolated! But don’t come here if you want nightlife or to meet other travellers. However, El Calafate is only 25 km away, and staff are happy to take you if you want to buy or hire hiking equipment. Taxis are inexpensive
• No TV in the rooms; if you’re missing it, you’re probably in the wrong place. However, there are televisions in both the bar and another living room
• It’s expensive. There are some decent upmarket hotels in El Calafate, but what you’re paying for are the space, the service and the real Patagonian landscape, which you would miss entirely by staying in town