October 30, 2024

Reset & Reconnect: Our Favourite Off-The-Grid Hotels

In our fast-paced world, the allure of an off-the-grid escape becomes increasingly irresistible.

Tucked away in some of the planet's most remote corners, we’ve rounded up our favourite remote hotels where the journey is more than worth the effort. These hidden retreats allow us to escape the chaos of everyday life, offering sublime solitude without sacrificing comfort and style.

Aguas Arriba Lodge

This rustic hideaway is secluded in Argentine Patagonia, 37 kilometres north of the mountain town of El Chaltén, on the shores of Lago del Desierto. Without another soul in sight, you’ll feel as though you have the lake to yourself. Accessible only by boat, or if you’re feeling active, leave your luggage on the boat and take the rewarding three-hour hike through the forest directly to the lodge.

This hideaway is a dream come true for owners Pato and Ivor, who are always around, making sure every detail reflects the love and passion they've poured into the place. Their personal touch shines through in every corner, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. There's unrivalled hiking expeditions, scenic boat trips and fishing. But there’s also plenty of time to unwind—whether it's enjoying a picnic by the lake, taking a yoga class, or curling up on the deck with a good book and stunning views of the impressive Mount Fitz Roy.

Getting there: Aguas Arriba is situated The nearest airport is 255 kilometres away in El Calafate with the drive taking about 3 hours. There is no road access to the lodge, so the only way to arrive is by boat or on foot.

Aguas Arriba Lodge Aguas Arriba Lodge

PATA Lodge

Amid a fairytale landscape, this is one of Patagonia’s best-kept secrets and a sustainable project with conservation efforts that aim to generate a positive footprint on the land and the local community. Days can be spent rafting the mighty Futaleufú River, fly fishing, hiking and kayaking between meals sourced from the organic gardens, and evenings spent by bonfires marvelling at a starry night sky.

Three families came together to create this project- everything was designed to be aesthetic, organic, and sustainable. They are always present and so kind, making you feel like part of their family. The small school they built for their children and opened to the local community's children is a must-see.

How to get there: From Santiago, it’s about a 2.5-hour flight to Puerto Montt, followed by a scenic 12-hour drive along the Carretera Austral. The drive to the lodge is spectacular, taking you through fjords, lakes, and national parks. Alternatively, you can take a 35-minute flight from Puerto Montt to Chaitén, followed by a 3-hour drive to Futaleufú. From Buenos Aires, it’s about a 2.5-hour flight to the city of Esquel, located on the border between Argentina and Chile. From there, it takes roughly 2 hours by car to cross the border and reach the lodge.

PATA Lodge PATA Lodge

Rincon de Soccoro

A haven of tranquillity nestled on the edge of the remote Iberá wetlands, it’s the closest you’ll get to an African savanna in Argentina. Instead of the Big Five, you'll come across unique species like maned wolves, giant anteaters, and caimans—animals you've likely never even seen in pictures. Depending on the season, it's also a birdwatcher's paradise, as hundreds of species nest here.

At Rincón del Socorro, the architecture evokes a traditional Correntino ranch, infused with the elegance Tompkins brought to all his projects. Activities range from horseback riding and boat trips to hikes and kayaking, with the bonus of being surrounded by biologists and scientists focused on Rewilding efforts. The best time to visit is between March and November, to avoid the peak heat.

How to get there: Rincon del Socorro lies on the eastern side of the wildlife-rich Ibera Wetlands. To get there, fly to Posadas from Buenos Aires followed by a 5-hour drive to the lodge.

Rincon de Soccoro Rincon de Soccoro

Explora Patagonia National Park

In the remote Chacabuco Valley of southern Chile, at the heart of Patagonia National Park, this lodge offers a front-row seat to sprawling grasslands and snow-capped Andean peaks, while immersing guests in one of Chile’s most significant rewilding projects. The lodge is supremely chic, with excellent food and kind, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides making it a true treasure.

Once dominated by livestock ranching, the area has been restored after a century of overgrazing and now boasts one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the Aysén region. Guests can witness this transformation firsthand, supporting ongoing conservation while exploring this virtually untouched part of Patagonia. Expert-led adventures reveal the regeneration of grasslands and forests, along with the return of wildlife like guanacos, pumas, and huemuls.

How to get there: Getting there: The nearest airport is Balmaceda, and from here it’s about a 6-hour drive along the beautiful Carretera Austral. For a quicker option, guests can take a 45-minute private flight from Balmaceda to Cochrane, enjoying panoramic views of General Carrera Lake, one of South America's largest lakes, along the way.

Explora Patagonia National Park Explora Patagonia National Park

Bahia Bustamante

Described by The New York Times as 'Argentina’s Private and Secret answer to The Galapagos’, Bahía Bustamante, part of the Austral National Park and the Patagonia Azul UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, immerses its guests in the raw beauty of the untouched Patagonian coast which boasts the richest biological diversity of the entire Argentine coastline.

Some say this place is only for naturalists, but we disagree. It’s for anyone who wants to experience unspoiled nature and authentic Patagonia. Located in what was once a small town built for the seaweed industry during its heyday in the mid-20th century, walking its streets feels like stepping back in time.

Accommodation is simple but has everything you need. The food is excellent, and the experiences immerse you in the very best of Atlantic Patagonia— Think steppe, a vast array of wildlife, and petrified forests. Don’t miss out on an afternoon relaxing on one of the small pristine beaches, and if you’re lucky, you might find natural jacuzzis formed by the tides in the rocks.

Getting there: The nearest airport is in Comodoro Rivadavia, 180 kilometres away, about a 2-hour drive. Comodoro Rivadavia is just a 2.5-hour flight from Buenos Aires.

Bahia Bustamante Bahia Bustamante

Melimoyu Lodge

A remote Patagonian oasis, Melimoyu is a premier fishing lodge located at the foot of Melimoyu Volcano in Chile's Aysen region. Surrounded by pristine rainforests and a vast network of glacial-fed crystalline rivers and lakes it’s a peaceful retreat to disconnect and reconnect with the wilderness and those around you.

The lounge area is incredibly airy and inviting, with massive windows showcasing the surrounding natural beauty. With only four rooms it works perfectly as a takeover for groups of friends and families. Meals are a highlight with an emphasis on local organic ingredients. Apart from fishing, guests can enjoy kayaking or rafting, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking the forest and glacier-view trails, and relaxing in the lodge’s hidden private hot springs-accessible only by navigating the Palena River followed by a short walk through untouched Patagonian forest.

Getting there: Take a 40-minute flight in a small plane from Marcel Marchant Airport in Puerto Montt to Nuevo Chaitén Airdrome, followed by a 3-hour drive to the lodge along the scenic Carretera Austral. Alternatively fly from Santiago to Balmaceda Airport, with a flight time of about 2 hours and 10 minutes followed by a 6-hour drive.

Melimoyu Lodge Melimoyu Lodge

Pristine Camps Salinas Grandes

On the edge of Argentina’s ethereal Salinas Grandes de Jujuy, this luxury-tented camp offers a surreal and secluded escape like no other. It’s the only accommodation located directly on the salt flat, making it an unparalleled destination for those seeking an otherworldly experience.

Spend your days exploring the hidden wonders of the third-largest salt flat in the world with local experts, unwind in wood-heated hot tubs with uninterrupted views of this endless white landscape, and as night falls, witness the sky come alive with the glow of millions of stars.

Getting there: The nearest airports are Salta and San Salvador de Jujuy, both just a short flight from Buenos Aires. The drive from Salta takes about four hours, while it's only two hours from Jujuy.

Pristine Camps Salinas Grandes Pristine Camps Salinas Grandes

Tawa Refugio

A peaceful retreat, Tawa is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding pristine wilderness of Northern Patagonia. Mountains are densely-clad with ancient forests, carved by fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls of pure mountain water. Whether you’re into trekking, kayaking, or horseback riding, this lodge provides a unique chance to experience the region’s natural beauty.

With just eight rooms, the lodge offers a quiet, comfortable space to unwind, with warm wooden interiors and spacious rooms that look out over the turquoise waters of the Puelo River and the surrounding landscape. The cuisine is simple and rustic, focusing on traditional Chilean ingredients.

Getting there: Tawa is Located three hours from the nearest airport in Puerto Montt in Chile’s Lake District and two and a half hours from Puerto Varas offering the perfect blend of accessibility and solitude.

Tawa Refugio Tawa Refugio

Errante Lodge

Errante is an eco-refuge located on Isla Navarino with views of the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Chile. The region is renowned for its rugged untouched landscapes and remote beauty. Home to the southernmost town in the world, Puerto Williams, the island offers breathtaking scenery, including the Dientes de Navarino mountain range.

The lodge provides a comfortable base for exploring the wilds of the end of the world. Don't miss: Stepping back in time on the streets of Puerto Williams and learning about the original inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego, kayaking through the bays of the Beagle Channel, riding horses between pampas and lush forests, or sailing to glaciers and observing wildlife. For hiking lovers who want something new, remote, and far from crowds- there’s the southernmost trek in the world- Los Dientes de Nararino.

Getting there: To get to Puerto Williams, first fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, DAP Airlines offers flights to Puerto Williams, with a flight time of about one hour.

Errante Lodge Errante Lodge