Four seasons Carmelo – Tranquillity amid the trees
One of South America’s best-kept secrets is this charming resort on the banks of the Rio de la Plata. Hidden by great swathes of pine and eucalyptus trees, it is the ideal place to come for total rest and relaxation. The beaches on the river, one of the widest in the world, are soft and sandy and the water silky; the food is local, delicious and healthy; while the nearby wineries are a revelation. If you’re looking for action there is a championship golf course, horse riding in the hills or bicycling along the river bank.
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Travel Secrets from Jules
Grape news
Irutia Bodega is one of the country’s oldest wineries and perfect for a private tasting visit. Tannat is to Uruguay as Malbec is to Argentina. With comparisons to the Medac Entre-Deux-Mer region of France, oenophiles will be delighted with the prize-winning varieties. Only 15 minutes from the resort.
Detour
Don’t fly from Buenos Aires, take the leisurely route and stop at Colonia del Sacramento. Founded by the Portugese in the 17th century, it’s all cobbled streets and colonial buildings steeped in history. Don’t miss the artists’ workshops and antique shops. A charming detour en route to the resort.
Hotel at a glance
Accommodation: 44 rooms and suits
Dining: 2 restaurants and 2 lounges
Recreation: Spa, golf, swimming pool, bikes, horse riding trails and tennis
Transfers: Carmelo International Airport 10 mins by car
Tel. + 598 (4542) 9000
Playa Vik Jose Ignacio – The ultimate beach retreat
Just outside the village of Faro Jose Ignacio, overlooking the sands and wild waves of the South Atlantic, sits this near-perfect hideaway. Its unrivalled location, with nothing but sea and sky around it, has attracted visitors from all over the world and its sense of isolation has brought respite to the tired, the stressed and the overworked. This is where you come to swim, dive, surf or do nothing at all, but mostly where you want to watch the sunset, described as being the best on the planet.
Travel Secrets from Jules
Gastronomy
In the village of Garzon the villagers still travel by horse and cart. In the leafy village square is the gastronomically spectacular Restaurant Garzon. Francis Mallmann’s intimate dining room overlooks the village and herb garden. The open-plan kitchen and wood-fired stove deliver food that will make your taste buds sing. Book through www.dehouche.com
Jules from thedailyattack.com commented:
“Jose Ignacio is great even in the winter months. Nature lovers – note this is one of the best places to experience the migration of the Southern Right Whale. They can be seen from shore, but book a boat trip to get a close-up view of a tail breaking the surface.”
Hotel at a glance
Accommodation: 6 casas
Dining: Dining room and terrace and BBQ
Recreation: Wine cellar, games room, gym, pool, spa, beach, boogie boarding, boat trips, whale-watching and art
Transfers: Punta del Este Airport 30 mins by car, Montevideo Airport 1 hour 30 mins by car.
Tel. + 598 94 605 212/314
Tom writes for various cool online publications and most recently has become interested in interior design while writing for a popular magazine.