The Singular Patagonia

Whether it's one of the more challenging hikes in Torres del Paine, such as the base of the Towers hike, or a relaxed hike taking in the views along Last Hope Sound, there is something for everyone.

No matter how much horse riding experience you may have, you can follow in the footsteps of gauchos and join one of the horseback excursions. There are shorter routes for beginners and rides of up to five hours for the more experienced. Taking you along the fjord, past lakes and through southern beech forest, all the while surrounded by mountains, these rides bring you some of the most stunning Patagonian landscapes.

The Singular is the only hotel in the area to offer kayaking in their own kayaks practically from the front door. You set off in kayaks from the shore in front of the building and the excursion length can be tailored to your experience and ability. If you want a bit more of a challenge, they offer a full day excursion in the fjords, giving you the chance to spot plenty of birds, such as flamingos, swans, coots and grebes.

On the hotel's own boat, cruise up Last Hope Sound to visit the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. As this is available only to hotel guests, you leave behind the crowds and have some spectacular scenery to yourself. Spot sea lions and cormorants along the way. Combine this with a traditional barbecue lunch at Estancia La Peninsula, a working ranch, followed by an afternoon's hiking, horse riding or relaxing at the estancia.

Pedal your way through Patagonian steppe with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, or bike along the coastal road into Puerto Natales to visit the town. The biking excursions are an excellent time to spot birds: condors, eagles, swans, caracaras and flamingos, to name a few.

You can go fly fishing at an additional cost. It's a fantastic place for fly fishing due to the abundance of brown trout. You can also find rainbow trout and various types of salmon in the region's watercourses. There is a maximum of four people per group and you have a specialised fishing guide. All gear and a fishing licence are provided.

In 1915, shortly after Puerto Natales was founded, a cold storage plant was built in the town to preserve the meat produced by the largest stock breeder company in Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia, bringing workers from all parts of the globe. Over the years the building stopped operating, was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 1996, the building was declared a national monument for the significant part it played in the origins of the town and the region's industry. Finally, in 2011, after being taken over, completely restored and converted into a luxury hotel by a Swiss family, the Singular Patagonia opened its doors to guests.

The Singular has won awards for its excellent cuisine. The head chef combines local ingredients with a French cooking style to make mouth-watering dishes such as Guanaco sirloin from Tierra del Fuego with husked wheat, and Glazed lamb shank with blue cheese polenta. Add into the mix an incredible view of Last Hope Sound while you eat and you won't be disappointed. They also have 'El Asador' where they prepare traditional barbecues (asados) and run cooking classes.

For breakfast, help yourself to an extensive buffet of pastries, cereals, fruits, bread, cheeses, meats, eggs and more.

The perfect way to end a day of activities is to relax in the hotel's pool which has both an inside and outside section so that you can feel the elements and feel totally immersed in nature, surrounded by magnificent scenery. Allow yourself to be pampered by trying one of the treatments which can be booked at an additional cost. Organic products are used in the spa.

There are 27 each of the king and twin rooms (45 square metres) and all have six-metre wide windows that allow you to sit back and watch the changing light on the fjord from the comfort of your bed. Rooms come with desks and a seating area.

For ultimate luxury, stay in one of just three suites (70 square metres). All have king beds, a living room, a seating area, desks and 12-metre-wide windows that make you feel like you're practically sitting on the edge of the pier. The price per room starts at $445 USD for a king or twin room and from $845 USD for a suite.