A rural idyll in the soul-stirring Chilean Lake District, Futangue Hotel & Spa promises style-hunters and adventurers plenty to get excited about: heartfelt hospitality, gourmet dining, and all the outdoorsy pursuits you can muster. Opened as the commercial arm of an ambitious forest conservation project, the owners have created an architectural wonder; it’s chic, contemporary, yet joyously rustic, with wood-clad exteriors inspired by the barns and stables prevalent in the country’s wild and windswept south. But it's the setting that takes your breath away: hidden in a private nature reserve on the shores of the strikingly lovely Lake Ranco, with the Valdivian rainforest on your doorstep and the mighty peaks of the Patagonian Andes framing the horizon.
Inside, it's fabulous; not least for the 26 sleek rooms and suites that have snuggle-worthy beds, timber ceilings, Mapuche-style textiles, lashings of wood, and views you just can’t get enough of. But your days here will be spent outside. Go kayaking on glimmering turquoise lakes, rafting in fast-flowing rivers, mountain biking along spectacular tracks and hiking on the insane amount of trails (over 100km) - this a world-class adventure playground. You’re spoilt further with a private beach, an indoor and outdoor heated pool, a very swish spa, and thoughtful hosts for whom nothing is too much trouble. Evenings will begin at the laidback restaurant for seasonal regional cuisine, and might culminate with a glass of crisp Chilean wine at the cosy bar or on the terrace beneath expansive starry skies. We're dying to get out and see it.
Highs
- Utter tranquillity in the Chilean Lake District, with the Valdivian rainforest and the Patagonian Andes nearby
- There are heaps of adventure activities year-round: cycling, kayaking, sailing, fly-fishing, bird-watching and climbing volcanoes
- Very spoiling rooms, all with rustic-chic decor, delightful views and thoughtful extras
- The hotel’s relatively small size means that the courteous but unobtrusive staff have time for you
- Excellent cuisine with a strong focus on regional flavours
Lows
- It’s a remote hideaway, so you’ll probably want to hire a car to explore the park - though it is possible to book guided excursions with transportation included
- The choice of half- and full-day excursions on offer can be overwhelming, so plan ahead
- Nightlife is limited to the hotel restaurant and bar, there's really not much else around
- The spa isn't connected to the hotel, but it's only at the other end of the garden (60 metres)
Best time to go
While stunning throughout the year, our favourite time to visit Northern Patagonia is from November until early March, when it’s warm during the day and cool (but not cold) at night. March to May is also ideal thanks to fewer crowds and great opportunities to spot wildlife. Whatever the season, it’s best to pack plenty of layers and waterproofs in preparation for persistent winds and unpredictable rainfall.
Our top tips
There’s a slew of interesting excursions on offer, most of which are season dependent. Try to work out what you want to do prior to arriving - and pack a decent pair of walking boots if you’re planning to explore the hiking trails, forests, and lagoons (leave heels at home). Also, take good binoculars - the bird-watching opportunities in the area are fantastic. Should time allow, take a tour around Lake Ranco’s beautiful islands.