Argentina

Legado Mitico is a boutique hotel of just 11 rooms each themed on local personality. It’s located in Palermo Soho, a hip yet relaxed part of Buenos Aires and a thriving busy local neighbourhood with a big choice of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops and a flavour of the old city. We believe it’s the ideal stylish bolthole if you’re looking for the local vibe and looking for somewhere distinctly Buenos Aires. Ask the guys at the hotel about the up to date places to eat and drink which change all the time.

The Park Hyatt is one of Buenos Aires’ most exclusive addresses in the upscale Recoleta district of the capital. It’s set in a 1930s art deco palace, the Palacio Duhau, seemingly transplanted from the Champs Elysees, with beautiful gardens in the heart of the city. This is where to stay for a slice of sophisticated Argentina, where presidents and royals stay and has the trappings of luxury to match. Gastronomes should not miss the Duhau restaurant for the height of Argentine cuisine and the Vinoteca with a choice from 7,000 of the best Argentine wines.

Awasi is a jungle safari lodge for those who want to not only see Iguazu Falls but also experience the rainforest and the culture and do it all in quite some style. Guests benefit from their personal guide and 4X4 vehicle while at the lodge, which means not only your own timetable at the falls but also sundowners by the Iguazu river and getting off the tourist trail. On top of this, the 13 individual villas have a large deck and plunge pool, ideal for relaxation in the jungle, and the inclusive dining is world class. We recommend a 3 night stay if possible for a day of pampering and adventure away from the falls.

Gran Melia Iguazu has to be the most eye-catching of Melia groups upscale hotels. It’s all about the location here more than maybe anywhere in the world, within the Iguazu Falls National Park on the Argentina side, just a short walk from the spectacular falls. Guests at the Gran Melia Iguazu get to be able to be first into the falls, which is a big deal. The hotel also has resort-style facilities like the infinity pool, wellness centre, large restaurant and 4 bars. We absolutely recommend a room with a view of Iguazu Falls.

Not only is El Casco Art Hotel in a wonderful position right on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, which is reason enough to stay here. They’ve also done things differently and as the name suggests added a distinctive original art theme. There are just 33 guest rooms in this inviting lakeside resort outside Bariloche town, and throughout the hotel almost 500 works of art. All rooms feature stunning lake views, there’s an inviting pool and large terrace and to appreciate sundowner lake and Andes views and an excellent gourmet restaurant. The lakeside location is also very convenient for trips out directly from the jetty across the lake.

Located just south of Mendoza and surrounded by private vineyards among Argentina’s principal wine growing area, we think Cavas sets the standard compared to many wine lodges around the world with first class wine, gourmet and a fabulous location in the high Andes. Cavas Wine Lodge is a family run estate, with just 18 free standing guest rooms and villas which face west towards the mountains. Each room has private deck and plunge pools and lots of space to enjoy relaxation among the vines. The restaurant is an important part of the lodge, naturally with a 250 bottle wine cellar, and they organise gourmet picnic baskets for al fresco lunches. We recommend combining wine and wellness with a unique wine spa.

Xelena Hotel & Spa is a 70 room hotel located on the shores of Lago Argentino a little outside the town of El Calafate, the gateway to Moreno Glacier and Argentine Patagonia. It’s a modern hotel offering convenient comfort in the wild. A particular feature of Xelena is the indoor heated swimming pool and spa, with big picture windows and views of the lake and the big skies of Patagonia. We book the lakeside rooms here as a matter of course, after all it’s these views for which people travel to El Calafate.

Eolo is where to stay to experience staying in elegant luxury at a traditional Argentine estancia in a remote hidden valley in Patagonia. There’s floor to ceiling windows throughout the property for those majestic mountain views and to bring the light of Patagonia in. The full board program and activities of Eolo provide a Patagonia safari experience with private trekking, horse riding and cycling straight from the lodge and further beyond. Dining provides hearty ranch flavours perfect for some outdoor energy including an inviting afternoon tea in the cosy lodge and picnics in the wild.

Tipiluke Lodge is tucked away in a remote and less visited part of Argentina’s northern Patagonia near the small town of San Martin del Lost Andes. There’s just 9 inviting rooms hidden away in the lodge among the forest in the heart of a 50,000 acre working cattle ranch. Everything is geared to going out and exploring the untouched surroundings whether it be trekking, horse riding, fly fishing or even golf in the wilderness. Then coming back to a warm welcome, personal service and delicious food and drink, notably local wines. Fabulous extra touches include the outdoor hot tube and the yoga studio where they also do tango classes.

This is clamping in one of the World’s most remote and beautiful locations. Based near the Patagonian frontier town of El Chalten and under the peaks of Mount Fitzroy, Chalten Camp is just 4 well equipped domes with views of Mount Fitzroy, so day and night you can marvel at the landscape, wak to sunrise on the mountain and sleep under starry skies. The main dome houses the dining and lounge, where hearty Argentine food is served from breakfast and dinner, with lunches taken out in the wild. It’s legendary trekking here, and there’s so many other activities like kayaking, salmon fishing, mountain biking and also relaxing in a hammock with wine and wilderness.