By
Laura Hyde |
Fly and cruise operator Antarctica21 has unveiled Explorers House, a new private club designed for guests who are preparing to fly to Antarctica.
The facility in the port town of Punta Arenas, Chile, is in a converted heritage building, which was previously used as a wool warehouse, and provides a space for guests to meet, relax and attend pre-departure briefings. The facility includes a restaurant serving international and Chilean cuisine, a bar and lounge, a coffee station, a library with over 100 specialist polar travel and nature books, and presentation spaces. There is also a garden area and a shop exclusively for guests.
The building was fully restored by Chilean architect Pedro Kovacic and features interiors designed by Enrique Concha, who was also responsible for the interiors onboard Antarctica21’s expedition vessel, Magellan Explorer. Kovacic incorporated rainwater harvesting and a solar panel system for underfloor heating, and upcycled much of the original wooden structure.
Explorers House is located a five-minute walk from the main plaza in the historic centre of Punta Arenas.
“We have always dreamed of establishing a base in Punta Arenas,” said Andrea Tellez, manager at Explorers House. “Our main goal is for our guests to feel at home and be inspired with the spirit of adventure and exploration as they prepare for their journey. It is a cosy retreat and a contemporary refuge from the wilds of Chilean Patagonia for guests to enjoy as they await their expedition.”
Antarctica21 has been flying travellers to Antarctica for two decades, enabling guests to skip the two-day Drake Passage crossing and explore the peninsula on boutique ships.
“As Antarctica21 grew, we began thinking of a space in Punta Arenas where we could welcome our guests in a way that matched the feeling and elegance they would experience on our ships in Antarctica,” said Jaime Vásquez, co-founder and president of Antarctica21. “We are delighted to have been able to develop and design this special place of our own and to have the opportunity to build on the cultural heritage of the region. This unique, visionary venue will enhance the adventures of Antarctica21’s travellers bound for the icy wilderness of Antarctica.”