Chiloé
All-inclusive adventure lodge meets refined Chilean hospitality. Convivial but never fussy. The kind of place where you come back muddy from a horseback ride and walk straight into a pisco sour made with local Ulmo honey. Guides, chefs, and the Purcell family are all part of one tight operation.
Room 12 has windows facing two directions — bay views and wetland views simultaneously
Why It Matters
Michelin 2-key distinction. The only hotel in the Chiloé archipelago with its own traditionally-built wooden boat, the Williche. The weekly Curanto — a legendary feast cooked in a pit with live local musicians — alone justifies the trip. Built in 2012 as Refugia, sold in 2014 to become Tierra Chiloé, then bought back by the founding Purcell family in 2024 and officially renamed Refugia Chiloé in April 2025. Ranked #9 Best Resort in South America by Condé Nast Traveler.
Refugia Chiloé sits high on a hilltop above Pullao Bay on Chile's Chiloé Island, its two shingle-clad wings stretching wide to frame panoramic views of the Chiloé archipelago, the tidal wetlands below, and the distant Andes. The architecture, designed by Santiago's Mobil Arquitectos and inspired by the palafitos of Castro, is genuinely striking. All 24 rooms are wood-paneled with floor-to-ceiling windows, locally woven wool rugs, and freestanding tubs — no TVs in sight. The whole package is all-inclusive: daily excursions, farm-to-table meals, open bar, and spa access are all in the rate.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Pullao Room
From USD922 / nightFour square meters larger than the Rilán, and oriented toward the Pullao tidal bay and wetlands — prime territory for birdwatching from bed. Handcrafted furnishings, sumptuous king bed, and the same wood-on-wood warmth throughout. Two adjacent Pullao rooms can be interconnected, making this the go-to choice for families or groups of four to six traveling together.
King or Twin · 34 sqmRilán Room
From USD877 / nightThe entry-level room at Refugia, though 'entry-level' does a lot of heavy lifting here. The Rilán rooms are fully wood-clad with big windows looking out over the ocean, the meadow, the Williche at its mooring, and the hillsides across the water. Locally woven wool rugs, handmade wooden tables, and a freestanding bathtub with those same views. Guests on the smaller side note the cozy scale, but most are too busy watching dolphins from their window to care.
King or Twin · 30 sqmSuite
From USD1,053 / nightWindows on two sides mean the suite captures the inland sea on one face and the shore and hillsides on the other — the ever-changing panorama never gets old. Sized for couples, a trio, or families with young children who want everyone in one contained space. A sofa bed and rollaway accommodate up to four guests total. The suite runs 39-52 sqm depending on configuration.
King or Twin · 46 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Travel to Chepu for scenic river crossings, Sunken Forest, and native woodland trekking. In summer months, penguin sightings are possible.
Starting at Duhatao Bay, traverse coastal cliffs into deep forest. Explore the islet of Aulen and sail upstream to see the eerie Sunken Forest — a ghostly landscape of dead tree trunks rising from the water.
Electric-assisted bike rides through coastal landscapes with views of the inland sea and green forests. Guides help choose the best route for fitness level and interests.
Easy walking trails through a private park just minutes from the hotel, with coastal vistas and a quiet sense of place.
Full-day ride along age-old footpaths of island villagers on stocky Chilean horses, with views of the coast and countryside. René, the hotel's Baquedano (horse expert), has been with the property since it opened.
Paddle out from the hotel pier to Rilán, spotting birdlife and dolphins en route. Visit the World Heritage listed church and walk through the township.
SUP through the calm waters of Pullao Bay and wetlands — one of the most biodiverse spots on the Rilán Peninsula.
Exploration of a private 20,000-hectare conservation reserve of Valdivian temperate rainforest, from Lake Tepuhueico to the Pacific Ocean.
Full-day hike through forests, sand, and sea with dramatic clifftop views. Passes through the abandoned Quilan Estate and explores Indigenous heritage sites.
Sail aboard the Williche to Chelin's charming streets, neoclassical church, and cemetery, then on to Quehui for kayaking, Zodiac cruising, or bike riding. Freshly prepared lunch served onboard.
Full-day guided tour of Chiloé Island's capital: colorful palafito stilt houses, grand churches, and bustling craft markets.
Land and sea adventure to Quinchao Island, home to the oldest UNESCO World Heritage listed wooden church. Meet local farmers and producers.
Traditional shellfishing along the shore at low tide. The clams you harvest may well end up on your dinner plate.
Guided sensory walk through the grasslands, scrub forest, and tidal coastal environment immediately around the hotel. Certified in forest bathing principles, guides prompt guests to observe and follow their own reactions — essentially a guided outdoor meditation.
Private flyovers of Pumalin National Park, Corcovado Volcano, and the Patagonian coast. Also available: fly-fishing, private island picnics. Arranged with advanced planning.
Guided walk to the nearby Pullao Wetland, a site of hemispheric importance for migratory birds including Hudsonian Godwits and Whimbrels. Cormorants, ducks, gulls, and shorebirds in abundance.
Chef Francisco prepares the Curanto in an earthen pit with hot stones: clams, mussels, chicken, sausages, potatoes, and vegetables cooked underground. As it finishes, guests gather on the terrace with pisco sours while local musicians play traditional Chiloé music. The pit is dug up tableside and the feast served with milcaos and chapaleles (potato breads and pancakes). One of the most memorable experiences at the hotel.
The hotel's signature wooden boat, hand-built on the island by local artisans, takes guests out to explore the archipelago's islands, channels, and fjords. Full-day sailings visit UNESCO-listed wooden churches, spot Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and dolphins. Onboard chef prepares fresh seafood including sea urchins and oysters. The Williche sails exclusively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Several rooms designed for guests with disabilities. Hotel is generally easy to navigate. Some activities may be restricted but alternatives are available.
The hotel keeps its own Chilean horses on the property for guided riding excursions.
Stone fireplace on the terrace outside the dining area. Also where the weekly Curanto is unearthed and local musicians play during cocktail hour.
In-house library with books on Chilote history, culture, and nature. No televisions in rooms — the library is part of the intentional digital-detox ethos.
Central feature of the living room/bar/dining common area. The social hub of the hotel in the evenings.
Available throughout the hotel at 25+ Mbps.
Open bar included in Full Experience rate. Cocktail hour held daily with local-inspired drinks including Pisco Sour with Ulmo Honey and seasonal signature cocktails.
Available at additional cost.
Each guest receives their own pair of locally knitted Chilote wool slippers (pantuflas), knitted by local artisans during the off-season. Bathrobes also provided.
Kitchen garden growing herbs, Chilote potatoes, native hazelnut, nalca, rosehip, and garlic. Guests can join guided walks to harvest produce.
Included with Full Experience rate. Located in the Refugia Spa beneath the hotel.
Overlooking the Pullao wetlands and wildlife. Included with Full Experience rate.
Available for guided or self-guided exploration of the surrounding coastal landscape.
Onsite and nearby parking available for self-driving guests.
Round-trip transfers from Castro MHC (40 min) or Puerto Montt PMC (4.5 hrs including ferry) included in Full Experience rate.
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