Robinson Crusoe Lodge

Robinson Crusoe Lodge sits on the outskirts of the small town of Villa O’Higgins, meaning shops and restaurants are within easy reach while the immediate surroundings feel miles away from anywhere: a few small dwellings along an unpaved road, with forest-covered hills in the foreground and the icy peaks of the Patagonian Andes rising in the background.

Like the rest of the lodge, the 12 rooms are inspired by the legend of Robinson Crusoe, and have a rustic, organic feel. Built entirely from rich panelled wood, all of which is sourced locally, they have a simple, outdoorsy look, but also feature stylish design touches such as square sinks in the bathrooms. The rooms open onto decked verandas, which overlook the hotel grounds and the stunning scenery beyond.

In the Club House, the lodge’s welcoming communal lounge and dining area, a hearty breakfast will set you up for the day’s adventures. When it comes to lunch and dinner, staff will happily help point you in the direction of restaurants in Villa O’Higgins, and shops where you can pick up supplies for a packed lunch to take with you on your excursions.

As well as the lounge, where you can curl up on the sofa with a glass of Chilean wine, ascend to the lodge’s loft and you’ll find a cosy library, where you can browse old maps of the area and read up and watch videos on the flora and fauna of Patagonia. There’s also a glass-roofed conservatory, which is a cosy place to relax - especially when the rain is pitter-pattering on the roof.

On those cold chilly evenings, there’s nothing more inviting than the outdoor hot tubs which dot the hotel grounds, which you can linger in while doing some stargazing in the vast night skies.

The beautiful landscapes of Patagonia are yours to explore in a variety of ways, whether you’d rather go at your own pace or join organised expeditions. Perhaps the most spectacular feature of the region is the O’Higgins Glacier, a huge river of ice which snakes its way down from the summit of the Lautaro Volcano. Guided excursions are on offer to help you experience the majesty of the glacier up close, including boat trips.

If you’d prefer something a little more gentle, bicycles are available from the hotel to help you explore in a more leisurely fashion, while hiking through the wildlife-rich forests and fishing in the lakes are other popular activities.