Mallin Alto Lodging
The Mallin Alto refugio sits at the treeline up at 1,650 metres of elevation near the top of the ranch, so it affords the most remarkable mountainous views. Despite “refugio” translating to “refuge” which may conjure up thoughts of a barebones mountain hut, like many other Patagonian refugios, it’s so much more. It’s definitely rustic, but it has many creature comforts such as gourmet cuisine, plenty of fireplaces and pot belly stoves, comfortable beds, and ensuite bathrooms with wood fired showers. The lodge has grown organically and is a jigsaw puzzle of dome tents integrated with rooms and larger communal spaces. It's quirky and asymmetrical throughout the building. It feels like the lack of physical structure of the lodge also takes you away from the normal structure of life, and it makes you feel more relaxed.
As to be expected for a refugio, it’s geographically isolated and this is also part of the appeal. It takes time to get there, so you really feel like you’re getting away from all the hustle and bustle of Bariloche and your everyday life.
Guest Rooms
The three guest rooms are dome tents that are fully integrated with the building, and all have insulation and ensuite bathroom with toilet, bidet and shower. All rooms have large windows to take in the magnificent views, and there are views from the bathroom also. All have heating via a wood heater as well as lots of layers of bedding to keep you warm in case the fire goes out. Hot water is derived from an individual fire stove that the staff can light for you a little while before you’d like a shower.
Room 1 – Dome with 2 single beds or large double bed. Shower with magnificent views, although water pressure might not be 5 star. Heating comes from the combustion stove in the lounge area.
Room 2 – Larger dome with a double bed, plus 2 single beds, and a mezzanine level with a mattress on the floor that could be utilised for families. Ensuite with mountain views from the handbasin area. Combustion fire for heating & power points.
Room 3 – 4 single beds so it’s ideal if you have your own small group. Like the other rooms it has an ensuite bathroom.
Room allocation is dependent on the number and mix of other guests.
Communal Areas
Upstairs near the kitchen is a cozy living area that has a large open fireplace, a sofa, and a dining table surrounded by windows that show off the mountain views. The sheepskin covered concrete seats have hydronic heating underneath that transmit heat from the combustion fire, making it a warm and toasty spot to sit.
Downstairs is a large communal room that features large stunning floor to ceiling windows that showcase the mountains, that’s of course when it’s not dumping with snow. Lunch and dinner may be held at the large dining table, and there is a bar, and the obligatory open fire, plus a wood fired pizza oven that also heats large stone bench seats draped in sheepskin.
Food and Drinks
The fare on offer is pretty special, especially considering the remote location and that all cooking is undertaken on a wood fired stove. You will definitely never be hungry at Mallin Alto.
Breakfast is usually simple and consists of toast and jam, scrambled eggs, cheese, fruit, orange juice and coffee.
Lunch is often a 3 course affair and includes wine if you wish.
Depending on the timing of lunch, apres ski snacks are often provided which could include pastries or savoury appetizers such as fondue style dips, or hors d'oeuvres.
Dinner is usually a 3-course meal. At times it is a set-menu, whilst at others it is an a la carte menu with a choice of 3 to 4 items for each course. Parrilla style cooking on the open fire of ribs or lamb may feature some evenings, which is a fantastic Argentine experience. Mallin Alto produces its own meats.
There is no shortage of alcoholic beverages on offer, including an array of Argentine red wines. Other options may include local handcrafted beers or some spirits such as gin.
Dietary requirements such as vegan or coeliac can be catered for with advance notice.
Facilities & FAQs
- The rustic outdoor hot tub is perched on the corner of the deck, offering fabulous views across the mountains. It’s an inimitable experience, soaking in the hot tub whilst sipping on some fabulous Mendoza wine or local beer. The hot tub requires significant heating via a wood fire, so note that it may only get fired up pending staff resources at the time.
- There is no phone service, although occasionally you can get a signal when you’re at the top of some of the runs.
- There is no wifi so you’ll enjoy getting away from it all. Disconnecting from the world is part of the appeal of Mallin Alto. The staff have emergency communications.
- There are power points in some of the rooms or in the kitchen to charge your phone or a GoPro. The power is derived from a generator so you can’t use a hairdryer or anything else that draws a lot of power. The generator isn’t necessarily on all day, so you may need to ask the staff to turn it on if you need to charge something. Lighting in the rooms is battery operated, so the lights work even if the generator isn’t going.
- The showers don’t have hot water 24 hours a day. The hot water is wood fired so if the fire hasn’t been lit when you want a shower, just ask the staff to heat it up for you.
- The water is safe to drink.