Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa

Among the many places that claim to be “the end of the world,” the Tierra del Fuego, at Argentina’s extreme southern end, might have the strongest case. It’s not that it’s really all that much more remote than some of the other contenders, but there might be no other place that can match this landscape’s otherworldly drama. Los Cauquenes, situated on the Beagle Channel just outside of Ushuaia, is accessible enough; it’s a long flight, but this isn’t Antarctica. Once you’re settled, though, it may as well be another planet. And future interstellar voyagers can only hope that other planets have lodges like this.

The look is contemporary, but that’s as far as it goes, with rustic materials meeting clean lines. You don’t get your kicks from interior design when the end of the world is out your window. Los Cauquenes bills itself as a five-star hotel, and we can’t argue — the star system isn’t a perfect measure, but when you’re traveling this far, it’s comforting to know no luxury will be spared. Anyway this is less a bolt-yourself-in sort of hotel than it is an extremely plush base camp for your Tierra del Fuego adventures, complete with a full-service spa and a high-end gastronomic experience.

How to get there: Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa is 7 km (15 min) from Ushuaia, 4 km (10min) from Malvinas Argentinas Airport and 15 km from Parque Nacional. Airport transfers can be arranged for US$15 per person, each way in the hotel's van. Private transfers can be arranged for US$200.