Estancia Colomé
FODOR’S EXPERT REVIEW
An ideal stopover between Salta capital and Cafayate on the picturesque Ruta 40, this stunning lodge is located on the Colomé wine estate 20 km (13 miles) from Molinos.
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An ideal stopover between Salta capital and Cafayate on the picturesque Ruta 40, this stunning lodge is located on the Colomé wine estate 20 km (13 miles) from Molinos.
Secluded adobe guesthouses have their own plunge pool, star-gazing roof terrace (with a fireplace), living room, and walk-in shower—a romantic setting that's made this one of the top honeymoon destinations in Mendoza. Inside a gracious colonial villa, the reception hall is washed in sunlight from high windows, and the common areas are decorated in a luxurious bohemian style. Every evening there is a wine tasting held in their private cellar after which the restaurant offers indulgent Argentine cuisine. An on-site spa offers aromatherapy and vinotherapy treatments and a dedicated tourism team can organize horseback-riding, rafting, biking, and visits to local wineries. Mendoza's only Relais & Châteaux property.
Argentine fashion impresario Alan Faena and famed French architect Philippe Starck have created a universe unto itself with this hotel: rooms are feng-shui perfect, with rich reds and crisp whites, sporting velvet curtains and blinds opening electronically to river or city views. "Experience managers" are basically personal assistants, tending to your every whim. Other highlights are two excellent restaurants and an elaborate spa with a Turkish bath. In El Cabaret, a blood-red music box of a room, dotted with red-leather couches, you can swig champagne and watch the contemporary and sensual Rojo Tango show. Next door in the Library Lounge you never know who might show up: Coldplay and local rock legend Charly Garcia once held an impromptu jam session around the piano. Nearby is Faena Arts Center, home to contemporary art exhibitions.
At Hub Porteño, nestled in an especially posh pocket of Recoleta, luxury is about more than its 11 elegant, high-ceilinged rooms—though they are replete with touches like 600-thread-count sheets, jetted tubs, and artisan-crafted furnishings like spectacular detailed mirrors, cowhide rugs, and crystal chandeliers. For owner Gonzalo Robredo, the hotel is all about his guests' full experience, both inside and out. Drawing on his background operating high-end lodges, Robredo offers prêt-a-porter experiences centered on subjects like gastronomy, modern art, and the gaucho lifestyle that connect you with city insiders like university professors, art designers, and polo stars. Hub Porteño is one of the best hotels in Buenos Aires, and the highly professional hotel staff ensures that you encounter the best of the city and its environs. Start the day with a delectable breakfast at the on-site restaurant Tarquino.
Accessible only by boat or a three-hour trek, Aguas Arriba has a privileged location right on the Lago del Desierto, with a glimmer of Mt. Fitzroy in the distance. There are only five rooms in this wooden, country-style lodge. A large living room with an open fireplace and mountains of books make it a peaceful and relaxing stay where you can immerse yourself in the wilderness and quiet of Patagonia.
Country casual meets luxury at the Algodón Wine Resort, which combines a remodeled 1920s farmhouse and a modern lodge offering rooms with their own patio and woodstove. Guests can gather for a drink or enjoy a good read in the living room or throw a blanket down in the ancient olive grove at siesta time. Golf and tennis are both available, plus there’s a vineyard with a bodega for wine tastings.
Choose between six guesthouses right on the beach (food and activities included), or one of the simpler five guesthouses off the beach on an accommodation-only basis; each of the beach guesthouses includes twin bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchen. There's electricity only between sunset and 11:30 pm. Activities include bird-watching, visits to a local petrified forest and archaeological sites, and boat excursions to the Malaspina cove, where there are sea lion colonies, plus penguin and seabird rookeries. Bahía Bustamante currently operates between September and March, with other months available but check in advance.
A luxury lodge on the road to Perito Moreno, Eolo offers full-board stays in handsome accommodations where you can take in the beauty of Patagonia's vast, empty lands and see Lago Argentino in the distance. The rustic-chic decor reflects the local style, with soft wool throws on the large beds and photos of Patagonian landscapes on the walls. Rates include in-ranch activities such as talks on local legends, horseback riding, guided walks, mountain biking, and bird-watching; excursions outside the estancia—including Perito Moreno and Glaciers National Park—cost extra.
Arriving at Estancia Cristina by catamaran on Lago Argentina past fields of ice and imposing mountains is just the beginning of a remarkable Patagonian adventure: on arrival you'll be treated to cozy accommodations, delicious cuisine, and unbeatable excursions to little-explored corners of the park. Fill your days with trekking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, bird-watching, four-wheel drives to see the glacier from above, and a visit to the lovingly preserved family museum in which you can discover the fascinating history of this remote estancia.
Just a few minutes from San Antonio de Areco takes you from town to the vastness of the Pampas and this absolute charmer of a boutique estancia. Estancia La Madrugada pulls off a magical balance of rusticity and elegance, the worn reflection of the region and its past, and a stylish, comfortable hospitality. An all-inclusive stay will leave you relaxed; the locale, enamored; the expertly prepared food and cocktails, deeply satisfied; and the genuinely warm staff, enchanted. Go for a brisk horse ride or laze by the enormous swimming pool set within an idyllic landscape, and return to a sampling of asado prepared by gauchos. With only three gracefully appointed rooms available, book well in advance.
Behind tall terra-cotta walls hides one of the best-kept secrets in Chacras de Croia: a large, yet intimate estate with regal bedrooms and suites, almost 5 acres of well-kept century-old Malbec vines, a pool set in gardens, and a cozy winery restaurant reserved exclusively for guests to enjoy evening wine tastings and tapas. Finca Adalgisa tastefully combines the Furlotti family history with contemporary style, seamlessly placing 19th-century family heirlooms alongside modern artwork and sculptures. The four suites and seven standard rooms respect the traditional architecture of the house while offering modern hotel amenities, including walk-in showers and air-conditioning. There are several private nooks to discover, from tucked away tables in the garden to comfy sofas. The cooking class, homemade breakfast, and evening tapas menu are delicious treats, and you'll find it hard not to walk away with a bottle of their limited-production Malbec.
One of the city's swankiest lodgings, the Four Seasons is a magnet for the rich and famous. There's an upscale equine theme that runs throughout the property, as evident with the contemporary horse sculptures on the front lawn and the hotel's Pony Line Bar, which always attracts a smart crowd. You'll even find tiny horses in the design of the guest rooms, which are modern, bright, and luxe. Really splash out on a suite in La Mansión, tucked away behind the hotel.
Perched on a hill where the Correntoso River flows into Lago Nahuel Huapi, this local landmark is at once cozy and contemporary; from your plate-glass bedroom window you can see the fish jumping. The hotel was originally a fisherman's refuge, and today old photos, light fixtures made from colihue branches, handwoven Mapuche fabrics, and artisans' furnishings reflect its hundred-plus-year history. A somewhat pricey restaurant overlooking the lake serves Patagonian specialties such as hare, wild boar, lamb, and, of course, fish from local waters.
Ringed by cerulean lakes and looking out to cliffs and snow-dusted mountains, this masterpiece by noted architect Alejandro Bustillo is ranked as one of the Leading Hotels of the World by industry associations. Rooms in the historic main building are all Victorian chintz and overstuffed poshness, while the newer, Lake Moreno wing reflects a more contemporary, hunting-lodge aesthetic. Local woods—alerce, cypress, hemlock—line the walls along a 91-meter (300-foot) passageway, and the reading room, bridge room, Llao Llao Salon, and other public areas are correspondingly lavish. Even if you're not staying here, it pays to make a lunch or dinner reservation, or to invest in one of the spa packages, just to see one of the world's most beautiful hotels.
Right on the shore of the Beagle Channel about 8 km (5 miles) west of town, this resort is in a private community with privileged beach access and a nature hike that starts right outside your room. As well as an excellent spa, they have the only private boat excursions in Ushuaia, where you can enjoy the Beagle Channel from the comfort of a small luxury boat for hotel guests only. Pay the extra cost for a higher floor, sea-view room, as the sunrise and sunset are both a real pleasure to watch from your warm bed. Another fantastic viewpoint is from the heated pool, which flows from inside to outside and has an outdoor Jacuzzi, a rare treat in this part of the world. On the relatively cheap menu of the restaurant Reinamora, you will find the standard Patagonian lamb, rainbow trout, and a delicious king crab, and the extensive breakfast even includes a glass of bubbly.
Creature comforts, a fine restaurant, and rustic-chic rooms overlooking the vineyards make this luxury property a top choice. In the Wine Spa (which is open only to hotel guests), local blends are used for grape baths and other treatments. If you are more interested in drinking wine than soaking in it, the on-site Bodega El Esteco produces several well-received lines, including Old Vines and Fincas Notables. Comprehensive tours and tastings are available. Be sure to dine at La Rosa restaurant, which has an imaginative menu comprised of local dishes given contemporary twists by chef Virginia Marín; many ingredients are sourced from the organic garden.
An ambitious glamping project tucked away in a salt mine south of the Salinas Grandes, this debut lodging from Pristine Camps comprises four luxurious domes, two including Jacuzzis, and a restaurant located 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level. Members of the local indigenous community Aguas Blancas, who also manage the salt mining co-operative, form the staff’s core. The arrival in 4x4 from the designated pickup point is mind-blowing in itself, especially when it has recently rained, and the sight is so off the beaten track, you can only expect peace, quiet, and stunning 360º and unique vertical-horizontal views. Those on modest budgets should book in for lunch.
Tucked away in the heart of Chacras de Coria, this luxurious hotel is the passion project of top winemaker Susana Balbo and her daughter, Ana Lovaglio. Raising the hospitality game in Mendoza, the restored country home now houses a fine-dining restaurant, cocktail bar, and living room while the seven beautifully appointed suites are spacious, elegant, and come with a fully stocked wine cooler. Upgrade to a spa suite, which includes a sauna and steam room, and ask about wellness experiences. Inquire about SB’s VisionAir seaplane safaris, to visit other corners of Argentina.
Every detail of this hotel, one of the most well-heeled properties in the city, emphasizes your comfort is a priority. A concierge contacts you ahead of time to begin preparing your itinerary, and, once you arrive, you're welcomed with a drink as the staff unpacks your belongings. The suites are bright and comfortable, with dark parquet floors, cream-color walls, Italian Calacatta marble bathrooms, plush bedding, and bookcases filled with photography books showcasing Argentina. The hotel often hosts events for luxury brands in the wine bar or the cigar bar.
This landmark hotel ups the ante for elegance in Buenos Aires—its two buildings, a restored 1930s-era mansion and a 17-story tower, are connected by an underground art gallery and an expansive, leafy garden that's among the city's most attractive outdoor areas. The rooms are decorated in rich wood, elegant marble, and soft-to-the-touch Argentine leather. Sip a whiskey at the Oak Bar, constructed from 17th-century carvings from a Normandy castle, or on the patio overlooking the garden. Be sure to book into the Ahín Spa (named after a Mapuche Indian welcoming ritual), which offers holistic and beauty treatments. The 3,500-bottle Wine Library is a unique attraction.
The standard-bearer for upscale sophistication since 1932, the Alvear Palace is undoubtedly the shining star of the city's hotel scene: scores of dignitaries, celebrities, and VIPs have passed through its doors over the years, and they keep coming back for the world-class service and refined atmosphere. Elegantly decorated rooms feature silky carpets, gorgeous draperies, and featherbeds topped with Egyptian-cotton linens. Guests staying in suites are received by a white-gloved personal butler who unpacks your bags, presses wrinkled clothes, and tends to your every need. The lunch buffet and afternoon tea at L'Orangerie are worth checking out.
You can see this luxury hotel towering in the distance in front of Monte Olivia; it's one of the most extensive spa-and-resort complexes in Ushuaia and overlooks the entire bay and town from its own nature reserve out of town on the road to Cerro Castor. Your stay includes a nature walk with the hotel guide, and you can take full advantage of the stunning views from the indoor/outdoor heated pools and Jacuzzis, gym, hotel bar, and restaurant. Comfortable and spacious rooms each have tubs, complimentary (nonalcoholic) minibars, and digital controls for the temperature, lights, blackout curtains, entertainment system, and Internet. This big hotel comes with all the bells and whistles, but the atmosphere can be a bit sterile.
This slope-side luxury hotel has plenty of diversions for stormy days—including a space for children's games and activities, a piano bar in the lobby, a wine bar serving cheese and regional smoked meats, a movie theater, a heated pool, and a sauna. Rooms are spacious, with large windows overlooking the slopes. Stay options are a 'mini-week' (two nights) or seven nights.
You can tell the owner of this luxury hotel is an architect as soon as you enter: majestic views of vineyards and mountains are expertly placed through a series of shapely windows, skylights, and sloping walls, and there's a handsome infinity pool that drops off into the vineyards below. Luxurious linens and interior design make each room feel cozy and some rooms have a view of the Andes right from the bathtub. There's a great restaurant on-site (book the cooking class) and you can explore the 350-acre estate by horseback or bike.
When the Edificio Mihanovich “skyscraper” was built in 1929, it was among the tallest buildings on the continent. After lying empty for six years, a major refurb by the Spanish Único Hotels group brought it into the 21st century, with a sophisticated and timeless design seen little in Centro hotels. Marble and wood rule the design, while the lobby’s glass roof is striking. There is also an in-house restaurant serving Argentine classics; work off lunch at the indoor pool.
At this stunning modern hotel, all public spaces—halls, wine bar, gourmet restaurant, even the downstairs gym and indoor-outdoor pool—face the lake, while a private launch docked at the pier makes getting out on the water a cinch. Here the aesthetics go well beyond the lush natural setting: sculptures perched on marble stands or freestanding in the garden are part of a 500-work collection displayed throughout the property, making this Bariloche's most stylish lodging. You'll also find artwork in the huge, lake-view guest rooms, which are tastefully done in natural colors. The hotel is less than 15 minutes from Bariloche, Cerro Catedral's ski slopes, and two 18-hole golf courses.
Set in the middle of vineyards, this wine and wellness resort has big, beautiful guest rooms with vibrant design, and suites come with private terraces looking out onto the pool, garden, and vineyards. New additions include cabins tucked among the vines themselves for a more private experience. A hammam and spa with wine-based treatments offer further opportunities for unwinding. The on-site restaurant serves indulgent breakfasts as well as meals and tapas throughout the day, which you can enjoy either inside or out by the pool.
This small, intimate ski lodge is right on the slopes; you can watch the action from the terrace while having lunch, or hit the cozy piano bar for après-ski board games with tea or cocktails. A movie lounge for families is nearby. Many rooms have balconies and mountain views. The stay options are a 'mini-week' (two nights) or seven nights.
Inside this posh mountain lodge, every detail—varnished pine beams, kilim rugs, stone hearths, all-wood floors—is chosen to convey an aura of rustic luxury, while outside, Lago Gutiérrez shimmers through the trees on the surrounding lawn. The combination makes this a great place to curl up with a book or lounge in a hammock. Prefer to expend some energy? No problem—just sign up in the lobby for the day's activities, which include kayaking, horseback riding, and folk-music concerts with Andean instruments.
That thundering you hear in the distance lets you know how close this hotel is to the falls—the lobby opens right onto the park trails, and half the rooms have big balconies with a fabulous view of the falls. (Be sure to reserve one of these well in advance, as they're the most popular.) The public areas are decorated with attractive local art and jewelry, and the rooms are perfectly serviceable, with sleek furnishings and wall-to-wall windows, and the spa has a gorgeous indoor hot pool and treatment tents on an outdoor deck. You can see the rising mist over the falls from the beautiful swimming pool, which is surrounded by palm trees and jungle.