Located in one of the remotest corners of Patagonia, Francis Mallmann’s private island is set on Lago La Plata, backed by jagged mountains.
Mallmann opens his island a handful of times per year to share his wild cooking secrets with parties of up to ten guests. World famous for his primal approach to cuisine, the master chef embraces the traditional techniques of his Patagonian home. Guests will utilise fire, air, salt, meat, and wine to craft a range of specialties, with careful guidance from Mallmann himself, alongside fishing, hiking and boating with the island’s private mountain guide. Even the simplest of meals, like fresh lake trout baked in clay over an open fire, in the magical setting of the Patagonian island, is a truly memorable experience.
Accommodation is in Mallmann’s island home, La Soplada (meaning ‘blown away’) – a rustic cabin in keeping with its wild surroundings, hemmed in by striking Lenga trees. Inside, there is an air of simple elegance, shelves bursting with books and logs crackling in the hearth.
What we love about La Isla
- Mallmann’s daily open-fire cooking classes, which typically take place on the private island in advance of one of the meals, weather dependent.
- The evening feasts, where guests gather around the fire to indulge in their creations, accompanied by Francis Mallmann’s favourite local wines.
- The cosy cabin, with five bright bedrooms, each replete with thick blankets, stunning lake views and private bathrooms.
- The daily adventures to explore the Patagonian surroundings, led by a specialist mountain guide – from hikes to boat trips and fly-fishing.
- The spectacular views of the Cerro El Gorro mountain peaks and beautiful, dense forests.
- The sense of seclusion – with no cellphone coverage or wifi, it’s one of the few places left on earth where disconnecting from the outside world is possible.
Mallmann only opens his home to guests a few times a year, determined to ensure the experience remains exclusive and personal.
Firstly, fly from Buenos Aires to the Argentine port town of Comodoro Rivadavia (2 hours 30 mins). Upon arrival, a private driver will be waiting to greet you. Transfer through fields of roaming cattle to Lago La Plata (6 hours). Here, you board a small boat for a 45-minute journey to the treasured private island of the celebrity Argentine chef.
When to Travel
La Isla can be visited year-round, though Mallmann only opens his home to guests a few times per year to ensure that the experience remains exclusive and personal.
We collaborate with him to offer hosted small group trips on set dates, and can also organise private journeys to La Isla for families and groups of friends by request.
Explore Group Trips ENQUIRE ABOUT A PRIVATE TRIPLooking for more inspiration? Learn more about our bespoke holidays and adventures in Argentina, or discover our other luxury properties.
