Get your South America trip off to a flyer at one of these luxury wine hotels, now with updates including the hotel for foodies by celebrity chef Francis Mallman and candelit stargazing in your private hot tub...
All the luxury South America hotel recommendations have been taken from existing Decanter.com travel guides, written by our experts.
Argentina
Cavas Wine Lodge Luján de Cuyo
Experience the full-blown romance of stargazing in a candelit Jacuzzi… Credit: relaischateaux.com
The first luxury wine resort in Argentina and still reigning supreme, the charm of Cavas Wine Lodge is in the detail. From personalised notes on pots of homemade scones and well-timed hot water bottles at the foot of the bed; to the full-blown romance of a candlelit Jacuzzi, or rose-petal strewn cushions set by a wood fire ready for an evening of stargazing. It is impossible not to fall in love with Cavas; it respires romance. Each villa offers complete privacy, from your rooftop terrace to the personal plunge pool under the pergola. You can interact as much, or as little, as you like – which explains why it is a hot spot for demure celebs who hire the master villa with a personal chef. Book now
Recommended by Amanda Barnes, a wine writer and editor of South American wine travel site thesqueezemagazine.com
Nearest airport Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport
The Vines of Mendoza Uco Valley
Wine paradise – crush your own grapes and learn to blend at The Vines of Mendoza. Image Credit: vinesresortandspa.com
Come during the harvest season and you’ll have the full experience of picking, sorting and crushing grapes. At any other time of year you can learn the art of blending at the winery, which makes wines for some 150 private vineyard owners. There are horse rides at sunrise with local gauchos, yoga sessions in the vineyard or a seven-course fire-cooking experience at Francis Mallmann’s Siete Fuegos restaurant. You can also walk to the Winemaker’s Village, where renowned Argentinian winemakers including Matías Michelini, Marcelo Pelleriti, Santiago Achával and Alejandro Vigil have boutique projects. There’s a tireless list of activities at The Vines of Mendoza, but equally you can just book yourself a nice massage, lounge around the pool and watch the sun dip behind the mountains while sitting by the fire pit outside your luxury villa. Book now
Recommended by Amanda Barnes, a wine writer and editor of South American wine travel site thesqueezemagazine.com
Nearest airport Mendoza
Entre Cielos Luján de Cuyo
Entre Cielos, or ‘between heavens’, spot the white pod suite towering over the Malbec vines… Image Credit: entrecielos.com
Spend a few hours by the pool in the vineyard and an evening in one of the deluxe suites, and you’ll soon understand why the Swiss owners called their hotel Entre Cielos, or ’between heavens’. There is a strong design theme throughout the spa hotel and the most coveted room of all is the vineyard loft suite: a white pod on stilts towering over Malbec vines, with an outdoor Jacuzzi and rain shower that enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Andes. Book now
Recommended by Amanda Barnes, a wine writer and editor of South American wine travel site thesqueezemagazine.com
Nearest airport Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport
Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort Mendoza
Magnificent Casa de Uco is spellbinding at sunset, overlooked by the Andes. Image Credit: casadeuco.com
Situated near some of the Uco Valley’s best wineries, Casa de Uco melts into the landscape with its seamless design. It’s a true countryside retreat with villas right beside the private vineyards, and its grounds are expansive (320 ha). Horse riding or cycling is offered for free to allow you to explore the resort. If you’d rather not exert yourself, head to the spa where you’ll find vinotherapy treatments, infinity pool, jacuzzi and ‘peaceful lagoon’. Gorgeous views of the Andes mountains included. Book here
Recommended by Lonely Planet’s Wine Trails © 2015
Nearest airport Mendoza
Altalaluna Boutique Hotel & Spa Salta
Panoramic views and perfect tranquility at this luxury Salta escape. Image Credit: Booking.com
In Salta’s picturesque town of Tolombón you’ll find the Altalaluna Boutique Hotel, consisting of two buildings with spacious rooms, many of which have balconies with panoramic views. Enjoying breakfast or lunch on one of its patios overlooking Cafayate valley is an unforgettable experience, as is lounging by the outdoor pool. In the gourmet restaurant, you’ll find wines from local vineyards and an extensive cellar, as well as outdoor mud ovens for al fresco dining with an edge. Book here
Recommended by Alejandro Iglesias, sommelier and wine writer who co-founded the Argentinian wine app Vinomanos
Nearest airport Salta
Grace Hotel Cafayate
A high-class resort surrounded by Cafayate vineyards and wineries… Image Credit: gracehotel.com
The Grace Hotel is the most exclusive accommodation option in Cafayate, featuring 12 suites and 20 private bungalows surrounded by vineyards with views of Calchaquí Valley. Ideal for golf fans, it’s home to an 18-hole course; the hotel also offers horse riding, polo fields and a full-service spa. The restaurant offers Cafayate dining at its finest, with a high-end menu featuring Andean flavours and local ingredients. There’s also a wine and cigar bar to look forward to afterwards. Book here
Recommended by Alejandro Iglesias, sommelier and wine writer who co-founded the Argentinian wine app Vinomanos
Nearest airport Cafayate
Uruguay
Hotel Garzón Maldonado
Step inside the world of superstar chef Francis Mallman… Image Credit: restaurantegarzon.com
Hotel Garzón consists of five rooms in a historic house, each reflecting the eclectic taste of the owner — Francis Mallmann. If that name doesn’t ring any bells, then this hotel isn’t for you. Hotel Garzón commands its high prices precisely because it belongs to Argentina’s biggest celebrity chef. Much like Mallmann’s cooking, the hotel has a rustic elegance with a focus on local ingredients and authenticity. There’s no shortage of glamorous hotels in the nearby beach town, Punta del Este, but Garzón, in its peaceful Maldonado setting, offers a stay of understated elegance. Book now
Recommended by Amanda Barnes, a wine writer and editor of South American wine travel site thesqueezemagazine.com
Nearest airport Punta del Este
Narbona Wine Lodge Carmelo
Each and every nook of the Narbona is Instagram gold… Image Credit: narbona.com.uy
There’s a farmhouse charm to this boutique Relais & Châteaux lodge nestled between the vineyards of a private 50ha estate. Carmelo offers a peaceful step back in time accentuated by the ring of cow bells and chattering of colourful birds. Rooms in the colonial-style house at Narbona are spacious and airy, with standalone bathtubs and private terraces. The lodge’s own produce from the dairy farm, winery and distillery graces the restaurant tables. Each and every nook of the property is Instagram gold, whether you are taking tea under the pergola, wine tasting in the historic cellar or licking homemade ice cream by the pool. Book here
Recommended by Amanda Barnes, is wine writer and editor of South American wine travel site thesqueezemagazine.com
Nearest airport Carrasco International Airport
Estancia VIK José Ignacio Punta del Este
The brainchild of a half Norwegian half Uruguayan billionaire… Image Credit: Booking.com
One of the best hotels – maybe the best – on the Uruguayan coast, the Estancia VIK José Ignacio is the creation of a half Norwegian half Uruguayan billionaire with a passion for contemporary art and design. Overlooking both Lake José Ignacio and the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel is perched on a small hill on a wild and solitary 1,400ha site. There’s a spa, or you can hone your tennis, horse riding and polo skills. But best of all is the wine cellar, where you can taste the estate’s own wines. Book here
Recommended by Patricio Tapio, wine writer and Regional Chair for Argentina and the rest of South America at the Decanter World Wine Awards
Nearest airport Punta del Este
Brazil
Hotel & Spa do Vinho Vale dos Vinhedos
An oasis in Brazil’s major wine region… Image Credit: marriott.co.uk
When you reach the top of the tree-lined driveway, the landscape of rolling hillsides carpeted with lush green vineyards could be the view from a castello in Tuscany. Each of the 128 rooms has an antiquated, regal decor and there’s an old-school charm to the silver service restaurant, which houses one of the country’s largest wine cellars. That, and a glass of local bubbly on arrival, remind you that this is the heart of Brazilian wine country, with two of the region’s top producers, Miolo and Lidio Carraro, on your doorstep. Book here
Recommended by Amanda Barnes, a wine writer and editor of South American wine travel site thesqueezemagazine.com
Nearest airport Salgado Filho Airport
Chile
Viña Vik Cachapoal
The state of the art winery open to guests at Viña Vik… Credit: Viña Vik
Another luxury wine wonderland from Norwegian billionaire Alexander Vik. The swooping titanium roof shimmers gold and purple in the sunshine and is the crown atop this eccentric design hotel, complete with pool, spa and a state of the art winery. Each of the 22 suites is decorated by different artists from around the world, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning valley views. If you’re feeling flush try the vinotherapy bath, where an entire bottle of Vik’s £115 wine is poured into your tub for good measure. Book here
Recommended by Amanda Barnes, a wine writer and editor of South American wine travel site thesqueezemagazine.com
Nearest airport Los Angeles Maria Dolores
Hotel Casablanca Spa & Wine Casablanca
Sauna, hot tub and bio-active spa treatments in Casablanca… Image Credit: Booking.com
Casablanca Spa & Wine is a family-run elegant boutique hotel with just twelve rooms. It boasts a sauna, hot tub and heated pool — as well as grape-based bioactive treatments. Friendly staff can point you in the direction of local producers, of which there are many – Montsecano, Casas del Bosque, Bodegas RE, Loma Larga and Quintay to name a few. Plus, as a region Casablanca was recently voted into the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, joining the likes of Rioja and Bordeaux. Book here
Recommended by Peter Richards MW, award-winning wine writer, broadcaster and Regional Chair for Chile and Brazil at the Decanter World Wine Awards
Nearest airport Santiago
Lapostolle Residence Colchagua
Cutting edge design at this Relais & Chateaux eyrie. Image Credit: relaischateaux.com
There are several boutique wine hotels in Colchagua, perhaps the most impressive being the Lapostolle Residence, a luxurious and beautifully equipped Relais & Chateaux eyrie on the natural amphitheatre that is Apalta — a stone’s throw from the stunning deconstructed barrel design of the winery. Those of an active disposition can choose from cookery classes, horse or mountain bike rides, hikes, massages or the infinity pool. Prices are as steep as the hillsides here, but the standard is correspondingly high. Book here
Recommended by Peter Richards MW, award-winning wine writer, broadcaster and Regional Chair for Chile and Brazil at the Decanter World Wine Awards
Nearest airport Santiago
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