*As seen in The Logbook
In 2016, Sharilyn Amy and Marcelo Battilana joined forces and built their award winning eco-hotel. Investing in the very latest in sustainable technologies they implemented geothermal energy and photovoltaic panels, grey water recycling, and even the use of recycled wood for their handcrafted furniture which is now featured throughout their lobby and rooms.
With varied career backgrounds, Marcelo who is Argentinian and Sharilyn who is Canadian dreamed up and developed this project as an example of sustainable development. With the desire to call attention to the incredible wildlife reserve that is found in the protected area of Peninsula Valdés.
Peninsula Valdés
This area is an incredibly important location for global ecology, particularly at this time when the environment is under so much pressure. And, although it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and biosphere reserve, it is still relatively unknown.
It is Sharilyn and Marcelo’s mission to raise the profile of the region, not only to provide sustainable year-round work for local families, but to help their guests have a life changing experience.
PROFOUND NATURAL BEAUTY
Every year, the endangered Southern Right Whale comes to this little bay to breed and birth their young. Guests have a chance to see them up close in their natural habitat and this experience often has a profound impact on guests, providing perspective regarding our responsibility to the natural world and our role in it.
The reserve is also home to many other important species of animal including thousands of penguins that return every year to breed and raise their chicks, as well as elephant seals, sea lions, dolphins and orcas. In this way, the peninsula is a cradle for these important marine species and a safe haven that is critical to their survival.
The land offers the same to many unique Patagonian species such as guanaco, choique, foxes, armadillos, maras, and hundreds of bird varieties. Touring the peninsula is like experiencing a safari, Patagonian style, where guests have a chance to come face-to-face with incredible animals in their natural environments. To walk among the penguins, to see the unique surf-hunting skills of their resident orca pod, and to sit peacefully watching the social interaction of sea lions.
WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT
Océano Patagonia Wild Coast Residence is located in a small remote village in Patagonia, and their team, which range from 6 to 10 people depending on seasons are all locals. As are the staff of their tour providers.
“We work hard to bring guests to the region all year round,” Sharilyn says, “It is an amazing location in the summer, with wide clean beaches and pristine turquoise-coloured water, safe and comfortable for swimming and snorkelling.”
ACCOMMODATION
There are eleven ocean facing rooms with four being at beach level with patios and direct access to the sand, five have balconies and unobstructed views of the bay. The one terrazzo suite has access to the rooftop terrace and the single penthouse suite has two bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a large kitchen and living area, a double wide balcony and access to the roof top terrace
The rooms have been designed to feature the view, with each suite having an ocean facing wall of glass and direct access to private balconies or to patios and the beach. In each room, guests have a small kitchenette that is fully stocked with quality equipment and all the basic necessities to enjoy their continental breakfast, served with fresh bread daily to their room so that they can take in the beautiful view of the ocean while dining.
As mentioned earlier, all the furniture and cabinetry in the rooms have been handcrafted from recycled wood to provide a soulful, beachy feel to a cream-toned neutral backdrop. Each room has a large bathroom and rain shower, plus Direct TV and WIFI.
Over and above this their on-site concierge team helps organize all the activities and are well known for their commitment to service.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Patagonia is remote, wild and sometimes unpredictable. So, guests are advised to pack for a variety of weather and be open to the amazing experiences that are both planned and unplanned. And be prepared to be amazed.
PRICE: USD119 to USD599.
ADDRESS: On the beach, Puerto Piramides, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site and biosphere reserve of Peninsula Valdés, Patagonia Argentina
TELEPHONE NUMBER: +54 9 11 5158 6125
EMAIL: info@oceanopatagonia.com
WEBSITE: www.oceanopatagonia.com
