Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa – Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Overview

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa is the crown jewel of the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve, floating above Ushuaia with cinematic views of the Beagle Channel and snow-dusted peaks. Built with native stone and warm woods, the property blends Patagonian soul with five-star polish: soaring glass walls, fireplaces, and a spa-and-pools complex that feels like a sanctuary at the end of the world. Expect a nature-first escape with the comforts of a modern luxury resort. Typical rates range from $250–$600 USD depending on season and room type.

Why Stay Here

• Panoramic setting high above Ushuaia with uninterrupted Beagle Channel vistas
• Signature spa with indoor–outdoor heated pools, hydrotherapy circuit, and saunas
• Immediate access to marked trails inside the private Cerro Alarkén Reserve
• Polished dining showcasing Patagonian flavors, king crab, and Fuegian lamb
• Convenient shuttle to downtown Ushuaia and easy day-trip access to Tierra del Fuego National Park

Rooms & Suites

Guest rooms balance clean, contemporary lines with natural textures. Large picture windows frame either mountain forest or the Beagle Channel; higher categories add extra space and expanded views. Expect plush bedding, stone-and-wood details, and spa-like bathrooms with rain showers. For a truly memorable stay, book a Channel View room or a suite on an upper floor to watch pink-and-gold sunrises spill over the water.

Spa, Pools & Wellness

The resort’s wellness area is a destination in itself: a circuit of heated indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs perched against glass walls, underwater loungers, and relaxation decks gazing out to the Channel. Dry and wet saunas, a steam room, and a menu of massages help melt away travel fatigue—perfect after a day on the trails or the slopes of Cerro Castor. The fitness studio includes cardio and weights with panoramic windows so the scenery never lets go.

Dining & Drinks

Arakur’s main restaurant elevates regional produce—think Patagonian lamb, locally caught centolla (king crab), and seasonal vegetables—paired with Argentine wines from Salta to Mendoza and Patagonia. Breakfast is generous, with house-baked pastries, eggs-to-order, and fresh fruit fueling a day of adventure. The lobby bar serves craft cocktails and snacks beside firelit lounges; sunset here, with the Channel turning copper, is a ritual worth keeping.

Experiences & Activities

• On-Property Trails: Step directly onto signed paths through lenga forest to viewpoints and peat bogs inside the reserve.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park: Easy half-day or full-day hikes among lakes and beaver dams, plus the Southern Fuegian Railway for a scenic ride.
• Beagle Channel Cruises: Boat trips to see sea lions, cormorants, and lighthouse panoramas; seasonal landings on Isla Bridges or penguin colonies (where permitted).
• Winter Sports: From June to September, ski and ride at Cerro Castor, Argentina’s southernmost ski area, then return to the spa’s hot pools.
• Wildlife & Scenic Drives: Laguna Esmeralda treks, Martial Glacier viewpoints, and off-road Lake Fagnano excursions.

Location & Setting

Perched above the city in the Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve, Arakur delivers seclusion and views without isolation. The resort’s shuttle puts downtown Ushuaia—museums, outfitters, and cafés—within easy reach, while the national park and cruise piers are short transfers away. You’re close to everything yet cocooned in nature, with dark skies for stargazing and that delicious feeling of being on the edge of the map.

Seasonality & Best Time to Go

• Summer (Dec–Mar): Long daylight hours, prime hiking and boating, highest demand.
• Shoulder (Oct–Nov & Apr): Crisp days, fewer crowds, great value; weather is variable.
• Winter (Jun–Sep): Snowy landscapes, skiing at Cerro Castor, cozy spa days; limited daylight adds atmosphere.

Insider Tips

• Book a Channel View category for sunrise magic; mountain-facing rooms are quieter and feel deeply forested.
• Pack layers and a windproof shell year-round—Patagonian weather changes quickly.
• Schedule the spa circuit for late afternoon, then linger with a drink as the city lights glow below.
• If visiting in penguin season, reserve boat tours in advance—top departures sell out quickly.
• For winter trips, plan a midweek ski day at Cerro Castor and return for an evening massage.

Typical Costs & Booking Info

Expect nightly rates around $250–$600 USD depending on view, room type, and season. Breakfast is generally included; spa access may be complimentary for guests (treatments extra). Peak summer and mid-winter book up early—secure reservations several weeks ahead, especially for suites with Beagle Channel views.

Perfect For

• Nature lovers who want five-star comfort at the world’s edge
• Couples seeking a dramatic, restorative escape
• Adventure travelers splitting time between trails, water, and spa
• Skiers and snowboarders eyeing Cerro Castor with luxe après