From Santiago there's a two-hour drive and then a five-hour boat trip through a misty, green landscape worthy of National Geographic What's the best thing?

The extraordinary setting and the spa experience. The building is enveloped by lush gardens and rainforest.

Water dominates the Termes de Puyuhuapi . . . it sits above a network of geothermal springs and the mineral-rich waters have been diverted to a complex of pools. An indoor section contains hot and cold pools but it's the outdoor grottos, surrounded by rocks and ferns, that are the highlight.

Will it break the bank?

Three-day itineraries start at 550 per person. A fiveday option from October to April takes in a visit to the San Rafael glacier.

Nearest airport?

Santiago.

Want to know more?

Termes de Puyuhuapi Hotel and Spa, Puyuhuapi, Patagonia, Chile; 0056 67 325103, www. patagoniaconnection. com