No two days, or even hours, appear the same when you’re inside, looking out, during a stay at Eolo. Fringed by the southern Andes Mountains, Lago Argentino, and the third largest ice cap in the world, and built on the landscape—still largely untouched—where the first Criollo and European immigrants set foot upon the area, it’s an enigmatic place that can fill even the most well-traveled visitor with wonder. The 17-suite hotel, whose name means “wind”, is set on nearly 10,000 acres, encircled fully by horizon, so witnessing the vivid colors of daybreak and dusk and the constant changes of the fiercely windswept clouds is a daily given. In between, days can be filled with adventures like horseback riding with local gauchos, exploring by mountain bike, or trekking glaciers on foot. Or, in quieter moments, go walking in the grassland plains, visit the flamingos visible from the hotel bedrooms, or plunge into a heated pool before bed.
Where
Equal traveling distance to El Calafate, a widely known adventure town three hours by plane from Buenos Aires, and Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia’s rugged and wild La Anita Valley, Eolo is designed to give access to—and be in harmony with—its natural surroundings. In view is the surreally milky-turquoise Lago Argentina, the country's largest glacial lake, but even that can’t distract the eye for long from the mix of jagged landscapes throughout the valley. Though the hotel is a destination in and of itself, it is also a starting point from which to set out on Patagonian adventure.
Who
Architect Fernando Bustillo, grandson of the renowned Alejandro Bustillo who was behind the world famous Llao Llao Hotel in Bariloche, modeled details of the hotel’s design after a traditional Creole home. It is built around a central courtyard and garden, the positioning of which helps shield and quiet the inner layer from the fairly consistent winds that blow through the open landscape. Valentin Virasoro is the dedicated in-house manager, who for over a decade has obsessed about every tiny detail. While the climate outside can be energetic and unpredictable, inside, the staff works to create an impermeable sense of tranquility and warmth.
The Design
Inspired by the first Patagonian ranches, Eolo was created as a place of stillness meant to put nature on the center stage at all times. The design around the hotel’s central quadrant allows for an endless horizon view from each bedroom, as well as the lobby, restaurant, and pool. Much of the interior is understated with an earthy feel, natural textiles, and subdued colors. The common area has a surplus of oversized maps and a massive telescope, all contributing to the feeling that you’re at the “end of the earth.”
The Route
Eolo somehow manages to pull off a feeling of utter isolation, while being remarkably easy to get to. The nearby town of El Calafate is a comfortable three-hour flight from Buenos Aires, or just one hour from Ushuaia. And a Eolo-appointed driver is available to pick up guests for the thirty-minute drive past town and to the hotel. The property is nestled into the landscape, giving the feeling that nothing exists beyond its bounds. On a clear day, you can see Chile.
The Surroundings
Whereas Northern Patagonia is more tightly tucked away into the Andes, the Calafate area is known for its expansive views. The front door of the hotel, which leads out into long native grasses, is a place to start an epic day hike.
The Food & Drink
Whenever possible, take breakfast or tea service out on the terrace. But like everything else in the hotel, the indoor restaurant dining tables have been thoughtfully positioned to maximize views. The service is warm and subtle, and there is a well-stocked bar with top local wines, from which to watch the changing light through floor-to-ceiling windows. Juan Pablo Bonaveri is the Executive Chef. His professional experience took place in Buenos Aires and the Basque Country where he worked in Michelin starred restaurants. Regional ingredients are incorporated into every dish.
A Day Beyond the Hotel
Hardly any traveler leaves the area without wandering Los Glaciares National Park, home of the famous Perito Moreno glacier whose thunderous calving can be heard and felt from afar. The glacier can be explored by walkways, a short boat ride along the glacier's front wall, or a full-on climb using crampons. The Upsala glacier is lesser known but is actually the largest glacier in the area. Access is a 30-minute ride from the hotel to Puerto Punta Bandera, from which there is a choice of boats. Kayakers can navigate Lago Argentina. Less active guests may choose to grab some empanadas baked in a brick oven at the nearby Mi Rancho.
