AWASI PATAGONIA

My husband and I arrived at Awasi Patagonia with high expectations, and yet somehow, they didn't do justice to this exceptional place. We stayed four nights during the shoulder season in early March. We lucked out with the weather – the foliage was just turning, and we had perfect visibility all five days. It was a beautiful time to visit the region, and following our guide's advice on trails and daily activities, we often felt like we had Torres del Paine to ourselves. I highly recommend filling out Awasi's pre-arrival form well before your trip, so that the staff can prepare and tailor your visit to your interests as much as possible. Once we arrived, all of our preferences had already been carefully accounted for. The staff also recommended four nights as an ideal length of stay at our time of booking. While we were initially skeptical it was necessary, we have to agree that three nights would have been too short to enjoy the full experience, both of Awasi and of Torres del Paine. I want to start by thanking our guide, Liti, who made our visit such a lifetime memory. He demonstrated deep experience, a love for his work, and most of all, total commitment to ensuring our vacation lived up to its promise. There were small things, like remembering our preferences for lunch and drinks, but there were bigger gestures as well that we'll always be grateful for. He set up a picnic for us with an unforgettable view. He made sure we saw the full scope of the park, while ensuring we had time to relax and enjoy at the lodge. He always remembered it was important for us to pause and enjoy the wildlife. And overlooking the base of the towers at the top of Cerro Paine, we were floored by intense Patagonian winds, and yet he still insisted on capturing the moment in photos for us. We've been lucky to travel the world, but the food at Awasi was some of the best we've had at a hotel, city or country, anywhere – in part because the ingredients were thoughtful, in part because of the skill of the kitchen, but also because the service was so intimate and attentive. The restaurant staff comes to get to know its guests over the course of several days, and it makes the experience of returning to the lodge feel like a homecoming each day. We're thankful to Annie and others for such warm and memorable service. It's also the ability to customize your meals that make them such a treat. On our last night, we had a tasting menu to try everything on offer. Each evening, we looked forward to a wine pairing orchestrated by Gabi, the sommelier, whose joy for her work was magnetic, and who got us excited to explore Chilean wines once we returned home. And we were blown away by the skills and knowledge of the bartenders, Ignacio and Patricio, who came up with inventive and precisely mixed cocktails customized to our tastes. The entire trip was showered with small surprises that elevated the magic of our stay. The rooms were elegant – large, modern, timeless. But none

Beautiful and unique property. Service was excellent, food was amazing. It was truly a special place and we'd recommend it without hesitation. The private hot tub was a luxury to come back to after a day of hiking. Our guide was fantastic and helped us curate 3 days of memorable hikes.

MAGIC AND SMILES AT AWASI! Our family of five was blessed and fortunate to spend four nights at Awasi in February. It was the final stage of our Patagonian adventure, and it was magical in every way. During our final dinner we all declared Awasi to be the BEST travel experience we have ever had. Where to begin the praise?? Stars and green Tripadvisor bubbles simply aren’t worthy as a metric. This place is next level in every category. The villas are a mystical combination of gorgeous luxury and comfy homeyness with the most spectacular views of both the landscape and the furry friends. Dining-we didn’t miss any meals or snacks – the food was among the best of our lives. Who ever heard of cocktail pairings with dessert?! But it’s a brilliant idea. Speaking of cocktails, the bartenders are wizards – shout out to Patricio and Cesar (who are also comically entertaining). Be sure to try the paramela sour. Carlos, Francisco and Zaire kept everything humming and always provided a warm welcome. Did we mention the slippers they provide so you can leave your boots (which they will also clean for you daily) in the lodge’s entry? The guides – we didn’t expect to forge such a strong connection in four short days, but we did. From the daily afternoon planning – enjoyed with beverages and the map splayed in front of us - to the actual daily excursions, they kept us safe, entertained, educated about Chile and Patagonia-and they shared their hearts. Ines and Ricky-we cannot thank you enough. We will never ever forget our time with you. Ricky – you made magic happen with the double puma sighting the dark morning of our trek to the base of the towers, you kept us girls safe and motivated to complete that trek, you helped us spy the multiple avalanches on the massif, you spotted countless rainbows, and you curated Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill for me as we SADLY departed our last day. Ines – you entertained the “boys” while the girls hiked, you dazzled us with your energy and enthusiasm AND profound knowledge - especially of astronomy. Honestly, PERFECTION in the warmest, most hospitable manner. To say we fell in love with Chilean Patagonia through these two is 100% accurate. An observation – most luxurious places provide exemplary service. There is a profound difference, though, at Awasi. They take their name, meaning “at home” to heart. We found the staff to be truly happy in their jobs-I don’t think you can fake this. Never have we been privvy to such warm smiles and twinkling eyes into which you can literally feel their hearts and souls. Travel, for our family, is so much about connecting with people and culture – the family of Awasi made us feel like part of their family – and it was a very hard place to leave. THANK YOU -from OUR hearts - to our new and forever friends in Wild Windygonia.