Silversea to open the world’s southernmost hotel
Silversea's new hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile, will provide cruise travellers with a comfortable stay before they journey onwards to explore Antarctica. Rose Dykins reports
Luxury cruise expedition operator Silversea has announced plans to develop a hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile - the southernmost city on Earth - as a base for guests to explore Antarctica.
The development of the 150-room hotel is scheduled to be completed for the end of 2025. Guests who book onto Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge Fly and Cruise programme fly directly to Puerto Williams from the Chilean capital of Santiago.
Silversea intends for the hotel to offer a seamless journey to Antarctica, along with personalised service and warm hospitality.
Located in the sub-Antarctic zone of the Patagonia region of Chile, at the southern tip of South America, Puerto Williams is a gateway for travellers wanting to explore the world’s least-visited continent, taking in its uninhabited islands, snow-covered mountains, magnificent ices capes and diverse wildlife. Silversea is the only cruise line that homeports from Puerto Williams during the Antarctica season from November to March (meaning its ships are based there throughout).
Overlooking the Beagle Channel and surrounded by forest, the hotel will feature views of the water and snow-capped Patagonian mountains. Amenities will include an expansive restaurant conducive to group gatherings, a bar and lounge, a fitness centre and a gift shop showcasing crafts and artwork by local artisans. The property will be designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, drawing inspiration from local traditional art, architecture, and materials.
To support long-term partnerships with the communities of Puerto Williams, Silversea will work with stakeholders to strike a balance between creating opportunities for economic growth while preserving the region’s cultural heritage and minimising environmental impact.
Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea, says: “We’re thrilled to enhance the Antarctic travel experience by offering seamless journeys that remove traditional barriers for guests to this region. This development not only differentiates us from other polar expeditions but also reaffirms our commitment to innovation and excellence as Silversea continues to set the standard in experiential luxury travel.”
Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, says: “As we continue to push the boundaries on the ultimate vacation experience for our guests, this new hotel allows us to offer an unmatched Antarctic expedition that further enhances our diverse portfolio of world-class vacations across our brands. Partnering with our experienced teams in Chile, we are providing guests with a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking and remote destinations.”