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The Island in Winter’s Embrace
Hidden deep within Patagonia, La Soplada becomes a haven of calm — a wooden refuge surrounded by frozen lakes, white forests, and the poetry of stillness.
In the southern-hemisphere winter, Francis Mallmann welcomes a small group of guests to La Soplada, his private island in Patagonia, for a rare edition of his celebrated experience. Surrounded by snow, silence and vast horizons, the days unfold through open-fire cooking, quiet exploration and time shared with Francis himself.
The experience begins in Buenos Aires before continuing south into Patagonia, then deep into the mountains by road and across an icy lake to the island. There, among snow-dusted forests and frozen water, Francis shares his philosophy of fire, simplicity and beauty. This is Patagonia in winter: elemental, remote and deeply still.
“Fire is one of the most beautiful gestures of humans. It’s in our collective memory. We see it and recognize it before we understand anything else.”
Francis Mallmann is an Argentinian chef, author and restaurateur known worldwide for his elemental approach to Patagonian open-fire cooking and his appearance on Netflix’s Chef’s Table.
After beginning his career in French fine dining, he returned in the 1990s to the traditions of his Patagonian childhood. His cooking is shaped by smoke, fire, air, stone, salt, rain, meat and wine, favouring instinct, landscape and time over the conventions of haute cuisine.
Today, Francis divides his time between La Soplada in Patagonia and his restaurants around the world, continuing to influence how contemporary chefs cook and live with fire.
Hidden deep within Patagonia, La Soplada becomes a haven of calm — a wooden refuge surrounded by frozen lakes, white forests, and the poetry of stillness.
Explore the untouched wilderness through cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sailing across misty waters. Every movement is a gentle dance with nature’s quiet rhythm.
The one-hour boat ride across a stunning cold lake brings you to your destination — the remote, exclusive and beautiful island owned by the chef.
After a day in the snow, arrive at a glowing winter camp — tables set beside the fire, fine wine poured, and hearty dishes served beneath the stars.
Guests gather around glowing fires beneath the falling snow, as Francis Mallmann brings his elemental cuisine to life in a world of warmth and wonder.
Francis welcomes you to his private lodge on the island, nestled up against a spectacular backdrop of rugged mountains.
A daily fire-cooking lesson over custom-made fire pits, for five days with Francis Mallmann, his presence guaranteed.
Join this exclusive experience for five days of fire-cooking, hiking and adventure on his private island in Patagonia.
An experience by road and boat across sometimes barren, often breathtaking landscape, to one of the most secluded private islands in the world.
The rustic lodge has two double rooms, three double/twin rooms and one single, all with a private en-suite bathroom.
A tiny island you could walk around in much less than an hour, spectacular in every season, in a remote region of Patagonia.
Listen to the creak of snow, the rush of frozen rivers, the breath of the fire — moments that awaken your sense of wonder and still your soul.
Outdoor days in the area with an English-speaking mountain guide, alongside your host Francis Mallmann.
Two days in Buenos Aires, the flight and road south, six nights with the chef on La Isla, and the return. Your designer confirms timings around the group departure.
Upon arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, a chauffeured service will whisk you away to the luxurious Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt in the chic Recoleta district. Settle into your elegant hotel, unwind, and explore the sophisticated surroundings at your leisure. Enjoy the vibrant Recoleta district and savour your first taste of Argentine culture.
Exploring the Spirit of Argentina’s Capital Immerse yourself in the vibrant soul of Buenos Aires with an expertly guided exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden treasures in the morning, followed by lunch. Later in the evening, celebrate the start of your journey with an dining experience in an iconic venue for a memorable welcome dinner.
Spend a relaxed morning exploring the Recoleta neighbourhood and enjoying its vibrant culinary scene at your leisure. Later in the afternoon, e njoy a smooth transfer to Aeroparque Airport for your domestic flight to Patagonia, to the city of Comodoro Rivadavia. Upon arrival, a short road transfer brings you to the Hotel Lucania Palazzo. Settle in, enjoy a group dinner, and rest well for the journey ahead the following morning.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic 7-hour road-trip to Lago La Plata. The journey offers stunning views of diverse landscapes, driving across Patagonia from east to west. Upon reaching the lakeshore, board a boat for a ride across the lake to La Isla. Chef Francis Mallmann and his team will welcome you to this remote and beautiful island retreat.
Wake up to the serene beauty of La Isla and start your day with a fresh breakfast. Spend the day exploring the island’s natural wonders, hiking through forests, or enjoying lake excursions. In the evening, join Francis Mallmann for your first open-fire cooking experience, savouring a meal prepared with his unique techniques.
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast and prepare for another immersive culinary adventure. Participate in a hands-on cooking session with Chef Mallmann, learning the secrets of Patagonian open-fire cuisine. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, taking in the island’s tranquillity. Dinner will be another unforgettable outdoor dining experience.
Start with a hearty breakfast, then spend the day engaging in various outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring, or simply relaxing by the lake. Chef Mallmann will guide you through another fire-cooking session, with dinner served in a breathtaking natural setting. Experience the joy of connecting with nature and culinary art.
Enjoy breakfast and continue your exploration of La Isla’s stunning landscapes. Participate in another interactive cooking session with Francis Mallmann, and enjoy the unique dining experiences he creates. The day offers ample opportunities to relax and soak in the beauty of Patagonia. Evening brings another exquisite dinner by the fire.
Savor your final full day on La Isla with breakfast followed by a day of leisure and exploration. Engage in your last cooking session with Chef Mallmann, mastering the art of open-fire cuisine. Reflect on your journey as you enjoy a farewell dinner, celebrating the culinary and natural wonders of this extraordinary island.
After breakfast, pack your luggage and prepare for departure. The boat will navigate back across Lago La Plata, followed by a scenic flight over Patagonia to Comodoro Rivadavia airport (weather dependent). If weather conditions do not permit, a road transfer will be available. At Comodoro Rivadavia Airport, board your flight back to Buenos Aires, where a chauffeured service will transfer you to Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt for the final night of your adventure in Argentina. No activities planned for the evening, so relax and unwind at the hotel.
Savour a relaxed morning at leisure before checking out of the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt. A seamless transfer will take you to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) for your onward journey back home. Depart with unforgettable memories of Argentina, or let our expert Latin America Travel Designers craft a personalized extension to further explore this remarkable region.
One price, one designer. From Buenos Aires to the island and back, flights, transfers, every night and every fire dinner are held for you, so nothing is left to arrange on the ground.
Satopia group departures are hosted in April and October each year, with the occasional winter wonderland trip in between. Private experiences can be requested any time, subject to the availability of Francis Mallmann and his team. The chart shows the average daytime high by month, with the best months to go marked.
Crisp days and turning leaves, the lake still and mirror-bright. The 19–29 April 2027 departure.
Deep quiet and white peaks, the season Mallmann filmed. Dramatic, cold and unforgettable.
Longer light and returning green as the season opens. The October departures.
There are so many details, because it's such a fragile thing to cook with fire. People think it's a beastly thing, a manly thing, but it's not. It's extremely fragile.
Whether on a frozen lake, in a forest or on a shore surrounded by the landscapes of Patagonia, the chef creates unique outdoor dining experiences for his guests.
La Soplada is a tiny snowy island you could walk around in less than an hour, where Mallmann filmed his Netflix episode of Chef’s Table. The island is remote — you come here mainly to disconnect from today’s busy lives and share magical dining experiences of open-fire cooking, designed and executed personally by your host Francis Mallmann. La Soplada (translating to “blown away”) was built as a set for his series on open-fire cooking, and ultimately made its home on La Isla. The lodge holds just six rooms, taken in exclusive use for your group.
Set among the trees with a private balcony, a quiet corner of the island, the mountains held in full view from the moment you wake.
In the heart of La Soplada, steps from the fire and the water, wrapped in the lodge's warmth and the quiet of the lake.
The room from the Chef's Table shoot, a private entrance and a magnificent view over the water, exactly as it was on screen.
Words cannot express how grateful we are to have found you and Satopia. Our experience is one we will forever remember and cherish.
Jason • Satopia Community Guest
For up to 10 guests, on a first-booked basis. Complete the form and we'll email to confirm your booking. A refundable $500 deposit per person secures your application.
Arrive at Buenos Aires International, Ezeiza (EZE) no later than 2–3pm on day one. Domestic flights within Argentina are organised for you.
It's genuinely remote, close to the Chilean border. You fly from Buenos Aires to Comodoro Rivadavia, then a transfer of around seven hours by road — parts off-road through Patagonian pastures — brings you to a mountain lake, followed by a one-hour boat across to the island. Every leg is arranged for you, and a private charter flight to the lakeshore can also be arranged.
Yes. Guests experience a daily fire-cooking lesson over custom-made fire pits for five days with Francis Mallmann, with his presence guaranteed throughout your time on the island.
Active. Expect daily physical activity, long hikes, light-to-medium outdoor activities and active walking, plus the road and boat trip to reach the retreat. Hailed as an adventure like no other, and not for the faint-hearted.
Indoor: two double guest rooms, two double/twin and one single, all with private en-suite; a glass-enclosed portico lounge with lake views; a hot-stone, wood-fire sauna; a library and inviting common areas; a dining room and open-fire quincho; complimentary refreshments and daily housekeeping.
Outdoor: an expansive wooden deck over the lake; an outdoor hot tub with panoramic vistas; Mallmann's "Anywhere Bar" for aperitifs; forest walking trails; a wood-burning oven for fire cooking; and mountains, lake and endless skies all around.
A group of 8–10 guests, priced per person on double occupancy. It suits curious travellers and food lovers looking to disconnect in one of the world's most remote and beautiful corners.
A group departure runs 19–29 April 2027 (applications open). The 6–16 October 2026 departure is closed. Private experiences in Argentina (10 nights) and Patagonia (7 nights) are available on request.
Yes. Private hosted experiences are available on request for two or more guests, tailored end to end by your Satopia experience designer. Select "Private Hosted Experience" in the application below.
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