Introducing The Cormorant at 55 South by Silversea—The World's Southernmost Hotel
Here’s a new one for your bucket list: an overnight stay at the southernmost hotel on Earth.
Last week, leading luxury and expedition travel brand Silversea divulged more information about The Cormorant at 55 South, their eagerly anticipated 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile. The hotel is due to open its doors during the 2025/2026 Antarctica season and will be the perfect springboard for another bucket list entry— truly, there could be no better way to kick off a trip to the White Continent.
The hotel’s name pays homage to its distinctive coordinates—the property is situated at 55° S, making it the final hotel en route to the southernmost point on the planet. The name is also a tribute to Lakutaia - the indigenous Yahgan word for cormorant – an inky-black aquatic bird that has symbolised safe passage and good fortune for centuries worth of intrepid travellers.
With expedition cruising on the rise and travel companies constantly pushing the envelope to create adventurous itineraries and unforgettable memories for their guests, there has never been a more exciting time to visit Antarctica. In the past, Antarctica-bound ships have traditionally departed from Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago split between Chile and Argentina. All Antarctic expedition ships called the city of Ushuaia – with its European-style architecture set against a breathtaking snow-capped backdrop - home for years, until expedition pioneers Silversea relocated to Puerto Williams.
Seeking a homeport that truly felt like the edge of the world, the cruise line made the bold shift across the Beagle Channel in 2022, moving their trio of ice-class expedition ships – Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud, and Silver Wind – over the Argentine-Chilean border.
“The Cormorant at 55 South is a tribute to the rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and storied history of Puerto Williams, immersing guests in their destination before embarking on their journey to Antarctica,” said Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea. “Every aspect of The Cormorant is thoughtfully designed with our guests in mind, ensuring a comfortable and uniquely Silversea experience. Each room offers panoramic views of Patagonia, and the hotel creates a deep connection to the local community, providing specially designed experiences that will allow our guests to begin their expeditions sooner than ever, all in uncompromised comfort.”
An Eye For Design
When conceptualising the hotel, Silversea wanted guests to feel that the natural beauty and awe-inspiring vistas of Patagonia were at their fingertips, with each room boasting earth-toned colour palettes, warm wooden fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of either the verdant forest or glassy Beagle Channel. In order to further honour the cultural heritage of the region, the hotel’s walls will be adorned with handpainted murals, and each room will feature handcrafted pieces by local artisans.
Senior Director of Expeditions Ingrid Staudenmeyer has been at the helm of the hotel’s design and finishes, saying, “We wanted to make this really authentic and representative of the location. The architect is locally based, and the design blends in with the environment, surrounded by trees in this very picturesque setting overlooking the Beagle Channel. Inside it’s very much a wood feel, with a lot of natural and earthy elements to reflect the surroundings. It’s very open, with high ceilings, and the colour palette is more natural. We’re using a lot of artists from the area. As an example, they created these great lighting fixtures, and there will be a mural. From start to finish, it’s all about where are we and what can we showcase that’s truly authentic to the location.”
From the moment of arrival, guests will be received by The Cormorant’s phenomenal team – all trained in accordance with The Silversea Way and passionate about providing the exceptional service that travellers have come to expect when voyaging with Silversea.
A Unique Perspective
Breaking into the world of expedition cruising back in 2008, Silversea became the first ultra-luxury cruise line ever to offer luxury Antarctic expeditions. With years of Antarctic exploration behind them, Silversea has earned its place as the reigning expert on this region, offering the most varied and carefully curated itineraries to be found on the continent. Silversea’s cutting-edge six-day Antarctica Fly Cruise expeditions fly guests over the Drake Passage via private charter jet, maximizing their time spent in this once-in-a-lifetime destination.
The Cormorant at 55 South aims to be a serene oasis from which guests can embark on a seamless voyage to one of the most isolated places on earth, offering unparalleled luxury, home-away-from-home comforts and dedicated service at every step of the way.
Introducing Stories by Silversea
Intrigued?
Then your next step should definitely be checking out Stories by Silversea—a brand-new online content series, comprising exclusive interviews, unseen footage and behind-the-scenes clips, allowing guests to really see behind the curtain, and immerse themselves in all things Silversea.
As part of the series, Silversea will show a multi-episode sneak-peek look at the development, design, and construction of The Cormorant at 55 South—the first two episodes (‘Embrace The Unknown’ and ‘A Legacy in the Making: Part 1’) were released last week.
So, if you’ve been dreaming of ticking the Antarctica off your bucket list, do it in style with Silversea and The Cormorant at 55 South. Give us a call to find out more!
