A
modern day steampunk fantasy has been
resurrected from the industrial bones of
an early 20th century cold storage plant
in Southern Chile. In this historical space,
Singular Hotels now offers a 5-star luxury hotel
and spa experience like no other. The hotel is
visually unique with its immense brick wall
architecture, vertical columns supporting high
ceilings and large windows that draw in every
bit of sunlight. Giant flywheels attached to
huge pistons sit next to a complex series of
valves that once regulated the flow of
ammonia. Electrical generators that bellowed
around-the-clock to feed the industrial heart
of the plant are also on display. Luxury rooms
and spa facilities are all new construction while
the rest of the hotel resides within the original
brick walls of the plant.
On the shore of Last Hope Sound, which
connects western Patagonia to the Pacific
Ocean, this industrial landmark was named a
National Historic Monument in 1996. Long
abandoned, in 1998, the complex saw a plan of
restoration begun by the fourth generation
descendants of the original founders. Working
7
with local architect Pedro Kovacic B, who
preserved the site’s industrial, post-Victorian
feel, the Singular Patagonia hotel opened its
doors in 2010.
Visitors arrive at the property and enter a
large storage shed that offers drive-in shelter
from the weather. At the end of the shed,
comfortably enclosed in glass walls, is
Reception. While registering for your stay,
you’ll be treated to dark or white chocolate
confections that will make you wish they were
less efficient so you could linger by the treats a