A Blissful Escape to Ulaa, Chilean Patagonia

A May 2007 trip to Patagonia by Sandra Kennedy

Farm houses Photo - Chile, South America

Quote: Ulaa is not on the "fast track". There are no roads. Spectacular scenery, tranquility, gourmet cuisine, friendliness, log cabins, and unlocked doors define Ulaa's magic.

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Ulaa: a place to unwind

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If you love horns honking, phones ringing, and televisions blasting, then Ulaa is not the place for you. However, if you love remote resorts with friendliness, savory homemade food, peace, pure mountain air and water, then pack your bags!

Ulaa, an eco-resort in the Chilean Patagonian region, is surrounded by jagged-peaks, forested hills and views of a lake with its emerald-colored hues. The grandeur of the fall colors reach onto the mountainsides in displays of reds, scarlets, oranges, and yellows.

There is a main lodge with four rooms above it.
Four farmhouse log cabins, a beach cabin, and a grand guest house are the main accommodations. There is also another building which is being renovated for the spa.

The main lodge has a fireplace, sitting and dining room, which all look out on magnificent mountains and lakes. Ulaa is on 500 acres. It has walking and horseback riding paths, an organic farm and greenhouse, smokehouse, Temezcal Sauna, and various types of trees.

It is rustic and comfortable all at the same time. With the down duvets and candlelight, it can be very romantic. The staff is sincerely caring about each guest and they go out of their way to make people feel welcome.

During the day, you can horseback ride, walk and hike, take guided walking tours to many lakes, canoe, use the Temezcal for steaming away stress, visit local villages, fish and/or just sit back and read!

At night, there is a glowing fireplace in the main lodge, lounging area, wines from the region and, if it is impossible to go without being in touch with civilization, internet access.

The basic concept is for holistic living and wellness. The food is expertly prepared and so delicious. If you have a preference for vegetarian food, just let the chef be aware of that.

Spa treatments are available upon request. It is best to give a day's notice.

Staying at Ulaa is like stepping into another world without cars, noise, pollution, or television. It is stepping into a world of silence, beauty, and peace. Read Less

Cheer!
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Unwinding at Ulaa

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Unwinding at Ulaa was very easy to do. We spent three days there exploring by horseback and hiking. Gourmet homemade meals were the three-meals-a-day indulgence!

We flew from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, which is in the mountainous lake district. We went from Bariloche using the Ulaa transfer remise (taxi) which took about an hour and a half of continually amazing scenery. We arrived at Lake Puelo. Our next adventure was a 45 minute boat ride through two lakes, low-water rapids, and a river to reach Ulaa. Yes, it is rustic, remote, and beautiful.

Pulling up to the dock, we were welcomed by the exuberant staff! Our first warm introduction to the main lodge was with a blazing fire, smiling faces, and a feast to remember.

The log cabin farmhouse we stayed in had two floors. Electricity was on for several hours in the day and evening. The evening was grand for luxuriating in the warmth of the down duvet and candlelight. Everything was hand-carved and built mostly by the local Machupes who have the Segundo Corral Village close by. Also, Ulaa has hired several of the locals.

Everyone was so friendly and helpful! After a luscious three-course breakfast and lunch, we rode horses to the village, met people and soaked up the sun's rays. Yellow twirling leaves fluttered to the ground creating golden pathways for us.

I would highly recommend Ulaa as a place to "get away from it all". It takes about three nights to unwind and get into the magic of it all.

You can hire guides to visit the mountains and lakes. Horseback rides and spa treatments should be reserved a day ahead.
The prices at the time were US$125 for all meals and accomodation. $250 is the cost for the very remote guest house on another lake which can easily sleep six. It is shangri-la in Chile.

You can find out more about it on its website;
www.ulaapatagonia.com. Diego is the manager and host. Gabriel is the chef extraordinaire. Read Less