Silversea Unveils The Cormorant at 55 South: A New Southernmost Luxury Hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile

Source: Silversea Cruises

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

April 16th, 2025 - A new chapter in Antarctic exploration is about to unfold—this time, on land. Silversea, a pioneer in luxury expedition cruising, has announced the official name and unveiled the first look at its much-anticipated hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile: The Cormorant at 55 South. Poised to become the southernmost luxury hotel in the world, the 150-room property is scheduled to open in time for the 2025/2026 Antarctica season, redefining how discerning travelers begin their journey to the end of the Earth.

Positioned at 55° South, The Cormorant isn't simply a strategic waypoint—it’s a destination in its own right. Set along the Beagle Channel, this purpose-built luxury hotel offers sweeping views of Patagonia’s forests and waterways, welcoming guests into a world where raw natural beauty and elevated hospitality coexist.

Each of the 150 rooms features expansive windows that frame Patagonia’s dramatic scenery, with interiors designed to echo the environment. Expect warm wood finishes, handcrafted décor by regional artisans, and earthy textures that reflect the landscape’s understated elegance. Whether your room faces the forest or the water, the effect is the same: calm, grounded immersion in the southernmost reaches of the inhabited world.

The name “Cormorant” pays homage to Lakutaia, the Yahgan word for the aquatic bird once revered as a symbol of safe passage—a fitting emblem for those preparing to embark on the ultimate expedition to Antarctica.

What sets The Cormorant apart isn’t just its latitude. It’s the hotel’s integration into Silversea’s full expedition journey, creating a frictionless transition from land to sea.

Guests embarking on Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise program—which bypasses the Drake Passage via direct flight—will enjoy personalized service from the moment they arrive in Puerto Williams. Dedicated hotel staff, trained in “The Silversea Way,” ensure that every detail mirrors the exceptional standards found onboard.

This thoughtful approach reflects Silversea’s mission: to extend the expedition experience beyond the ship, allowing guests to settle into a sense of place before ever stepping foot on ice.

Beyond luxury, The Cormorant is deeply connected to its cultural and environmental context. Local craftsmanship and indigenous storytelling are woven into the hotel’s identity, honoring the traditions of the Yahgan people and the natural heritage of Chilean Patagonia.

Guests can expect curated experiences designed to introduce the region’s history, ecology, and artistry, including lectures, local cuisine, and immersive pre-expedition programming. These elements turn a one-night stopover into a meaningful start to a much greater journey.

With nearly two decades of leadership in luxury expedition cruising, Silversea continues to refine its Antarctica offering. Its six-day fly-cruise itineraries and industry-leading Zodiac-to-guest ratio are already among the most sought-after in the category. Now, with the debut of The Cormorant, the brand completes its vision for a fully integrated, end-to-end luxury experience.

In parallel with the hotel’s reveal, Silversea also launched Stories by Silversea, a new content platform that chronicles the development of the property and other behind-the-scenes insights into the brand’s philosophy and destinations. The first episodes—“Embrace the Unknown” and “A Legacy in the Making: Part 1”—invite readers to understand the spirit driving this historic project.