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La Isla
- Where:
- Why:When you get an invitation from Francis Mallmann, the only response is yes
- When:April 2022
- Who:Myself and a friend
"Satisfying all the senses"
AT A GLANCE: On a small private island in the middle of a gorgeous lake sits La Isla, the brainchild of Argentinian celebrity chef Francis Mallmann. This house-turned-hotel is perfect for those looking for a remote retreat. Still, this remoteness does not come without being far removed, so be prepared for a long journey to get here. This nature retreat shines with its gastronomic offerings; expect superb fresh farm-to-table style meals and a fantastic breakfast. Lastly, you will need to reach out to a travel agency to book, as the property likes to be under the radar.
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The adventure begins here, crossing from the Atlantic ocean almost to the border of Chile
First site of La Isla
Our first hike and our personal tour guide, celebrity chef Francis Mallmann
The rock that continues to weep
This! So many vegetables, a nice surprise
A Nightly Feast
The man is still in awe with his home and the surrounding nature. On this hike, we learned about peat and a little history on scotch. Google Francis Mallmann and scotch ;)
Our Captain
The ring of fire, Mallmann style!
Dive into Francis's personal collection of good reads found in the living room
One of the six rooms you can call home while visiting
Even the bathrooms make you want to spend a little time watching nature. The windows!
Where some of the magic happens
Drinks anyone?
The prep for lunch and what an epic lunch it was
The making of flatbread, traditional gaucho style
Maria, the woman who keeps La Isla going
A photobomb by Francis, a sense of humor is the key to a happy life
Did we mention the island is powered by the sun?
Francis Mallman and his famous berets. The man has style
Highs & Lows
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Sitting down with Francis Mallmann or watching him prepare a dish at La Isla
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Shutting off my laptop!
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Watching the team cook in the open kitchen
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Savoring every bite of the most delicate ratatouille I have ever tasted
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Spending an afternoon by a waterfall, and sitting around a large table with everyone to take lunch
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Hiking up the mountain, and being rewarded with a lunch cooked over open fire
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Even the six-hour van ride to the lake after the flight from Buenos Aires was worth it, the last 90 minutes was absolutely stunning
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Being there to watch the colors of the leaves intensify each day, turning a deep red
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They don't have a website, they like to keep it a bit under the radar. You will need to reach out to a travel agency to book
Important Bits
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Type
House turned hotel
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Vibe
Comfortable and cozy
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Location
On a small island in the middle of a gorgeous lake
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Rooms
Six
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Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
Everything was incredibly smooth
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Future Forward
Plastic free, everything gets composted and the island runs on solar power
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Music
Nostalgic
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Year Opened
2017 for guests
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Designed By
Francis Mallmann himself
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Health & Wellness
The surrounding lakes and mountains
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Food
The reason you go!
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Bar, Events & Nightlife
Fireside chats
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Minibar & Retail
Not needed here
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Accessibility
Not ideal for those who are disabled
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Pet Friendly
Yes, depending on the size and if house trained
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Children
Yes
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Price
If you value food, nature, good conversation, and slowing down, then the hefty price tag is worth it 100%!
- Tel.
- Website
La Isla
Lago Plata, Chubut Province, Argentina
Hiking
Lago de la Plata, Chubut Province, Argentina
Swimming
Lago de la Plata, Chubut Province, Argentina
Fishing
Lago de la Plata, Chubut Province, Argentina
In the Area
Hotel Location Lago Plata, Chubut Province, Argentina
La Isla, the private island of Francis Mallmann, is located in the very south of Patagonia in Argentina. It took two days to finally step foot on the island, where two dogs were at the edge of the dock to welcome us. I was coming from Mexico, so two flights to Buenos Aires, then another flight to Comodoro followed by a six-hour drive and eventually an hour boat ride. AND I would do it again!
Bring It
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