Waterfalls, Deserts and Patagonia

The Alvear Palace Hotel opened its doors in 1932 and has remained one of the city’s most iconic hotels ever since. Located in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood, everything about the Alvear is incredibly well thought through with lots of little touches that make it a really special place to stay. The hotel’s 192 rooms and suites are impeccable designed with a mix of Empire, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Sumptuous fabrics and elegant furnishing are complimented by decorative arts and paintings by Argentinian artists. The larger lounge suites offer butler service so you can make the most of your stay. Enjoy sophisticated French cuisine at La Bourgogne, and a decadent afternoon tea in L’Orangerie before sampling an expertly mixed cocktail at the lobby bar, which has long been a meeting place for well-known members of Buenos Aires society. Enjoying a tipple at the rooftop bar is also not to be missed, with its spectacular views over Alvear Avenue. When you’re not out exploring all that the Argentinean capital has to offer, relax and unwind in the spa, wellness area, fitness centre and rooftop pool with adjoining pool bar.

The Faena Buenos Aires is a striking design hotel in the waterside neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the brainchild of local empresario Alan Faena and designer Philippe Starck. The hotel is located in the restored El Porteño building, an enormous silo built in 1902 that produced grain for post-war Europe. The decor encapsulates the grandeur of the belle epoque that characterised Buenos Aires at the turn of last centrury. A red, black and white colour scheme runs through the hotel teamed with exposed brick walls and concrete pillars that hark back to its industrious past. Rooms and suites are filled with eye catching touches such as hand embroidered throws and filifree mirrors and feature huge windows which look out over Ecological Reserve, the parks, Río de la Plata and the quaysides of Puerto Madero. Eating and drinking at the Faena is a real treat. Enjoy fine dining at Bistro Sur where the menu is inspired by the finest seasonal Argentinian produce, or opt for something more casual at El Mercado which is inspired by the country’s famous cantinas and the open air markets of Europe. The Library Lounge is an intimate space filled with antique books and crysal chandeliers, while El Cabaret, inspired by the city’s 1920s tango clubs, is where you can catch the award-winning show, Rojo Tango. The hotel also features a spa, fitness centre and an outdoor pool.

Located in the heart of the elegant Retiro neighbourhood, this Sofitel hotel features a perfect blend of modern and classical design. The elegant rooms are decorated in harmonious colours with Argentine leather furniture providing a feel of comfort and class. The hotel’s restaurant, Le Sud, is one of the best in the city featuring gourmet Mediterranean cuisine infused with local Argentine products. The cafe and library are very traditional with a style and elegance reminiscent of the early 20th century and the extravagance of Buenos Aires at that time. A fitness centre, heated pool, and exclusive boutique are available to guests as well as weekly wine tastings and other special events.

Hub Porteño is a historic property set on a quiet street in the heart of Recoleta, and feels more like a home than a hotel. There are just 11 rooms, bright and spacious and filled with antique furniture and more recent pieces from local artisans. The hotel’s rooftop terrace is a beautiful spot with outdoor seating nestled among the lush greenery – a real city centre oasis. Here you can relax with a drink from the bar and a bite to eat or simply sit back with the morning paper. La Pecora Nera Grill specialises in new Argentinian cuisine while the cosy living room is the place to enjoy drinks and snacks. There is also a wellness centre with a sauna, gym and treatment room.

Set in the fashionable and leafy district of Palermo, Legado Mitico is a beautiful boutique hotel within easy reach of the city’s main attractions and restaurants. Located in a refurbished three-storey townhouse, the hotel draws on the rich historical culture of Argentina. There are 11 rooms each inspired by a famous figure such as tango dancer Carlos Gardel, writer Jorge Luis Borges, and Evita. A warm colour scheme runs throughout the rooms and wooden floors and period antique pieces give them lots of traditional charm. The cultural theme extends into the communal areas with a small library in the lounge where the more inquisitive guest can read all about the historic figures that inspire the decoration of the room. The library opens out onto a small patio where guests can relax with a drink.

Nuss Hotel is located in a converted convent in the lively are of Palermo, next to the colourful Plaza Serrano. The surrounding streets are lined with boutique shops, excellent restaurants and art galleries. There are 22 bright rooms with city views – some of the deluxe rooms have their own small balconies. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea, drinks and tapas at Deli Lobby Lounge. Facilities also include a spa area with gym, sauna and massage room and a very pleasant terrace with a small pool.  

Awasi Iguazu, a member of Relais & Chateaux, can be found on the banks of the river just 15 minutes from the famous waterfalls. There are 14 spacious villas sat on stilts spread among the jungle, all positioned to ensure the utmost privacy while still being within easy reach of the main lodge. Each villa has its own plunge pool, outdoor shower and large living area. A private guide and 4WD vehicle will be assigned to each villa, letting you explore at your own pace, visiting where you want, when you want, and for however long you want. Working with renowned biologists, a series of excursions have been created that go beyond the falls. Visit archaeological sites, trek through the jungle, head out bird watching, take a boat ride for a sunset picnic and much more. Return from your days out exploring the beautiful surroundings  for a drink at the main lodge’s bar and long, relaxed meals in the restaurant.  

Actually inside the national park on the Brazilian side, this luxury property is ideally located. Walking out from the lobby one can hear the thunder of the falls and the hotel is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. The hotel has been recently refurbished throughout to a high standard and in keeping with the colonial mansion style of the hotel’s original design. The hotel has large rooms with high ceilings, hard wood flooring and period style furniture. There is a large pool area in the rear to relax at with a drink after a day exploring the falls.

Located in unspoilt rainforest some thirty minutes away from the park and nearby town, Puerto Bemberg is a beautifully refurbished colonial building and a very comfortable oasis from which to explore. This is a hotel for those who wish to do more than see just the falls allowing guests to see more of the surrounding area and the lush rainforest around it. Being based here rather than in the town, one has a much closer connection with the nature and landscape. There are fourteen comfortable and well appointed rooms, decorated in a modern-rustic style with earthy hues, and antique furniture with comfortable king size beds and verandas looking out over the garden. The hotel has a good sized swimming pool and walkways through the grounds including one runway which extends out along the tree tops for an amazing view of the landscape below. There’s a real charm and history to this location and the hotel’s design both encompasses and respects that aspect; the homely communal areas including a library, living room and art collection. Activities possible within the 380-hectare grounds include: Bird and animal watching, trekking through the jungle, motorboat trips on the river and visits to other waterfalls. The hotel is 45-minute ‘door to door’ to Igaussu Falls.

A converted colonial farmhouse set in 290 acres of land, the House of Jasmines is one of the most romantic retreats in all of Argentina. Recently acquired by a French family with great experience in luxury hotels, the lodge was previously owned by Robert Duvall. Each of the rooms (of which there are just seven) is beautifully decorated with period antiques, four poster beds and other luxurious touches. The lodge also features an excellent restaurant, a pool area and spa. Located in the valley just a short drive from the capital of Salta, the lodge is an excellent base from which to explore the area.

Finca Valentina is a charming, small boutique hotel situated at the foot of the Andes, just outside Salta in Northwest Argentina. A refurbished country house, it maintains the local traditional architecture with the layout, light and comfort of modern living. The main house of the finca offers five standard rooms and a two-room suite. Outside, there’s also a cottage with two independent rooms, each with a private patio. The lounge and the dining room are completed by a fireplace and are pleasant, modern and strewn intermittently with the odd antique or gaucho garb. Hear the quiet preparation of meals from the cook in the kitchen whilst reading a book from the finca’s charming gardens or the outside decked seating area, sometimes shared by the owners’ three lovely labradors. Located in the south-western outskirts of city, you get the peace and splendid views of the Andean countryside as well as being close to the sights of Salta.

Set in the fashionable and leafy district of Palermo, Legado Mitico is a beautiful boutique hotel within easy reach of the city’s main attractions and restaurants. Located in a refurbished three-storey townhouse, the hotel draws on the rich historical culture of Argentina. There are 11 rooms each inspired by a famous figure such as tango dancer Carlos Gardel, writer Jorge Luis Borges, and Evita. A warm colour scheme runs throughout the rooms and wooden floors and period antique pieces give them lots of traditional charm. The cultural theme extends into the communal areas with a small library in the lounge where the more inquisitive guest can read all about the historic figures that inspire the decoration of the room. The library opens out onto a small patio where guests can relax with a drink.

Manantial del Silencio is a charming rustic lodge set in the small town of Purmamarca. The lodge is located in a truly beautiful spot with stunning views and has nineteen comfortable rooms decorated in a traditional style with period pieces and a pleasant pool area. Each has large windows overlooking the vibrant colours of the gardens and surrounding mountains and a private bathroom. Unwind on the sun loungers by the pool or in the dappled shade of the garden. For the ultimate pampering, relish one of the many beauty treatments available at the quaint spa and wellness centre which has free access to the hydro-massage tub. A buffet breakfast is served daily and the award-winning restaurant serves Andean and international dishes created by chef Sergio Latorre. This elegant hotel is a great spot which to explore the surrounding area, including the stunning hikes around the Cerro de Siete Colores (the ‘Rock of Seven Colours’).

A charming boutique hotel set the in sleepy town of Tilcara. The stone construction is very much in keeping with the surrounds set on three different levels in the style of the Andean farming terraces. The hotel is around a five minute walk from the town square. Service is friendly and personal.

A well-equipped and rustically elegant boutique hotel found on the edges of Tilcara town, Las Marias has done well to reflect the wild character of the Jujuy landscape and with all the modern luxuries. Built in an Adobe design with hues that mirror those of the surrounding countryside, Las Marias’ twelve bedrooms are spacious, luxurious and each has a private terrace with fantastic views. There’s a good spa and swimming pool to cool off and whilst a buffet breakfast is included in the rates, there’s only a snack bar offering lunch and dinner; otherwise we can recommend and reserve tables for you at some great local restaurants.

The Explora hotels are perhaps Chile’s most famous, meaning Explora Atacama comes with an enviable reputation to live up to and it’s pleasing to say that it doesn’t disappoint. Everything about the hotel exudes understated quality, with tastefully furnished, extremely comfortable rooms. Each has its own jacuzzi in the bathroom and a cut-out floor to ceiling window with panoramic views. There are four interconnected high-design swimming pools and saunas, a stargazing platform (complete with high quality telescopes) and an open bar. The hotel is also home to a superb restaurant. The programmes offered are all inclusive, so all meals, most drinks and all tours are included in this price. Explore this beautiful region either on foot, horseback riding, bike, or 4WD excursions. There are also cultural excursions and high mountain ascents ranging in difficulty and altitude. For safety reasons, high mountain hiking requires a minimum of two-night acclimatization but we’d recommend four nights here simply to get the most out of your time here.

Almost imperceptible from its backdrop of baked red rock, emerging as a perfectly placed traditional adobe settlement, it takes an even closer look to discover that this is, in fact, the very conscientiously designed and luxuriously authentic Nayara Alto Atacama. Its beauty is matched by its sustainable ideals, with the resort dedicated to integrating into the environment without causing harm to the immediate landscapes or ecosystems. In the shadow of the Cordillera de la Sal and with the San Pedro River coursing by its enviably remote and magical position in the Atacama desert means it is well placed to explore the surrounding natural sights of deep, sweeping valleys and canyons, kaleidoscope skies, serene lagoons, ancient ruins and tempestuous geysers. Yet the location is only part of the hotel’s unique allure; its design both in and out stylishly embraces the aesthetic of the Altiplano and Atacama. Varying textures in the form of colourful earth-tone tiles, Brea lamps, cave paintings, local iconography, sculptures, and coarse Aguayo tapestries and Amerindian textiles, blend to create an inviting, warm and intimate atmosphere to the contrasting wilderness outside. Each comfortable room features its own terrace and is equipped with many modern appliances and luxuries. What’s more the hotel’s activities and expeditions are expertly planned and personalised to you, with private guiding available. The staff will do their utmost to look after you and there are many facilities to enjoy at the hotel, such as yoga, spa treatments, hot springs, or just sitting under the patio awnings gazing at the spectacle in front of you.

Another luxury addition to San Pedro de Atacama, the Awasi is a truly special option. With outstanding service, the hotel offers an exceptional experience and all activities are completely private and personalised to your needs and requests. There are 12 suites, circular in shape and made from adobe, stone and wood which help to keep them cool in the day and warm in the evenings. Each suite has its own private patio, indoor and outdoor showers and inside you’ll find armchairs and alpaca blankets to keep you cosy. The hotel is beautifully decorated with wool hangings and hardwood and marble floors that evoke a sense of history and tradition. The restaurant uses local, seasonal produce to create beautiful looking and tasting dishes that show off some of the more unusual ingredients used in Chilean cooking. Its open-air setting makes for a truly magical and memorable meal. There is also a lovely outdoor pool which provides welcome relief from the heat, and there is plenty of outdoor space in which to relax. The hotel operates an all-inclusive programme, with all meals, drinks and excursions (all tailored to your needs) included.

The Tierra Atacama is an excellent boutique hotel option in San Pedro Atacama. The design of the hotel is both comfortable and stylish and facilities include a spa, Jacuzzis, sauna and a pool area. There are 32 spacious and comfortable rooms, each with a private terrace and views of the Licancabur volcano. The hotel has been designed to be casually elegant in a neo-minimal style, with rooms intricately decked out with local, carefully sourced, hand-made textiles to add an authentic desert feel.

In keeping with its worldwide siblings for contemporary luxury design and snazzy urban style, it’s no wonder that the W Santiago is now the trendiest hotel in the capital with a phenomenal rooftop pool and bar that boast the best views over the city. Accompanying a kaleidoscope of colours and ultra-modern sophistication designed by Toni Chi and Sergio Echeverria, W Santiago is a fantastically well-equipped hotel with three restaurants specialising in French, Asian Fusion and Chilean cuisines. There’s a beauty salon, bar lounge, tea library and business centre not to mention its superb location but a few steps away from the best bars, restaurants and shops in Santiago. The rooms are sleek, modern and spacious and the staff are aplenty and very helpful in fulfilling the ‘Whatever, Whenever’ motto.

A charming boutique hotel set in the heart of the relaxed Providencia district of the city. The hotel has an elegant, French style to the decoration of the rooms and communal areas combined with modern comforts. Service is personal and attentive making this a relaxing and enjoyable place to stay and explore the city from.

The Singular Santiago is a luxury hotel in the Lastarria neighbourhood of Santiago. A sister hotel to The Singular Patagonia, The Singular Santiago is located in one of the artiest areas of the Chilean capital, Lastarria: the Museum of Fine Art, the Museum of Visual Arts, and the Gabriel Mistral Center are all within walking distance of the hotel. It’s not just the location that’s appealing: the rooftop pool provides a scenic setting in which to both cool down after a day exploring Santiago and take in the view; the spa offers post- or pre-long-haul flight massages; and the Singular Restaurant serves French dishes alongside local specialties, such as Guanaco and Penca, to keep the flavour decidedly Latin. The ninth-floor Sky Bar is the perfect place to polish off a day in Lastarria. There are 62 rooms: the Patio Rooms and the Classic Rooms overlook the Plaza Mulato Gil, and the Deluxe Balcony Rooms have views across the Parque Forestal. All rooms at The Singular benefit from stylish decor and all the mod-cons you could wish for, including wireless internet, LCD TVs, large and comfortable beds, and well-equipped, spacious marble bathrooms.

The first luxury boutique hotel in Santiago, the Aubrey is a welcome addition to the city. The hotel is set in the fashionable area of Bellavista, close to the Cerro San Cristóbal park, an area famed for its cosmopolitan range of restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries in a relaxed and historic setting. The hotel itself is a carefully converted colonial mansion with just fifteen rooms and suites. Decoration is understated and in keeping with the historic surrounds with modern luxury design pieces to add extra comfort and style. The hotel has a beautiful heated outdoor pool as well as an excellent in-house Italian restaurant which is already considered one of the best in the city.

As one might expect from the Ritz-Carlton, this is one of the best luxury hotels in South America, with impeccable service. The hotel is well located, near some excellent restaurants. The rooms are very luxurious, and the crowning feature of the hotel is the stunning, glass-covered rooftop pool and spa. Which, on a clear day, offers fantastic views to the Andes.

Folded into the bohemian heart of one of Santiago’s prettiest neighbourhoods, the Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel (formerly known as the Lastarria Boutique Hotel), really reflects its stylish environs and is a superb little place to stay or stopover in the capital. Housed in a restored mansion dating back to 1927, the 14 spacious bedrooms reflect a more contemporary era for more modern tastes and demands. Divided into four separate categories, each is beautifully decorated and well equipped, while some feature terraces and two interconnecting rooms for families. A lovely garden terrace and outdoor swimming pool give a sanctuary sort of feel away from the bustle of the city, but the immediate district is such a pleasant one, filled with galleries, antique stores, restaurants and shops, that you might be tempted to do some local exploration (being so well placed for it).

You wouldn’t think that the spectacular Patagonian region of Torres del Paine could get any better regarding luxurious design-led hotels, but it has, courtesy of the exclusive sibling hotel to Awasi Atacama, and the only one in the area to do tailor-made excursions for each guest. Adding to that, a portion of the proceeds from each guest’s stay helps to support The Awasi Patagonia Conservation Project, which aims to create a natural corridor for wildlife. Awasi guides also help to monitor the puma populations and keep hunters away, increasing the positive impact the property and its guests are able to have on the region. 14 wooden-clad, shipping crate-style ‘villas’, which were inspired by the old outpost shelters, lie scattered over the wind-protected plains of its own private reserve and facing the unfolding scenes of Lake Sarmiento and the three-tower peaks. Inside these, the warming and minimal Scandinavian cabin decor nicely cushions you from the harsh scenes outside, with natural wood interiors, large inviting beds, your own living room with log fireplaces, a hot tub, and with every modern amenity to hand. The master villa, which has two bedrooms, is good for families. The dispersal of these freestanding villas befits the solitude of your surroundings, giving you a pleasing level of privacy but also a heightened experience of the landscape’s isolation. The main house, just a short walk from the villas, features a Relais & Chateaux member restaurant, terrace and living area. Awasi is renowned not only for its style, but for tailoring its tours for each individual guest and for serving delectable gourmet food. Guests can choose whatever excursions they want to do, without having to compromise for the sake of a group.

Remota’s bold architecture and interior references its Patagonian setting in a very modern way. Slanting lines, grass covered rooftops and native woods all help to create this effect. The large windows make for an extremely light indoor area with stunning views out across the bay. Remota is located just outside of Puerto Natales, so it’s just over an hours drive from the Torres del Paine national park. However, this does also have the advantage of allowing excursions around the Puerto Natales area, The excursions here are excellent with very knowledgeable local guides, and they are all included in the price. Rooms are very comfortable and offer great views out across the bay. The hotel also has a stunning black marble swimming pool, sauna and open air Jacuzzi for relaxing in after a day’s exploring. All excursions, meals, soft drinks and house wines included.

Housed in the restored, post-Victorian cold-storage factory “Frigorifico Puerto Bories” first built in 1915, the Singular is in fact a National Monument and has been sympathetically and stylishly converted into one of Patagonia’s most elegant exploration hotels. By this we mean its remoteness has in no way inhibited its refinement. Located on the shores of the Señoret Channel, at the end of the Ultima Esperanza Sound, Singular is ideally placed for expeditions to some of Patagonia’s most inaccessible parts and sights. With two of their own boats to explore the intricate fjords, channels and islands, as well as a wealth of other land-based activities, you really are in the best hands. The hotel’s décor has been expertly and creatively designed to a high but understated level of luxury, blended with regional character and the building’s unique history all for a contemporary industrial chic fused with a warm, old-style comfort. All of its 57 rooms command steely Patagonian views over the channel water or rugged plains, and soft carpets, cosy beds and traditional pieces of furniture add a warmth to their contemporary, bunker-style design of bare concrete walls and seamless glass windows. In-between these lie rooms displaying much of the factory’s restored machinery and galleries detailing its history, so Singular acts as much as an offering to the region’s past as it does a hotel. The service and food are both excellent, and apart from the simple task of deciding on whether to go for the Magellenic Lamb or conger eel for dinner, or perhaps what spa treatment you’ll go for to end your day, the bigger challenge is choosing from over 20 different well-thought-out and extraordinary expeditions on offer by Singular. We also highly recommend Pisco Sours at sunset.

It’s this hotel’s bizarrely beautiful shape, designed to imitate that of a sun-bleached fossil on the ruggedly wild shores of Lake Sarmiento, which makes Tierra Patagonia such a striking place to stay. In fact, this sustainable lodge is known worldwide for its innovative architecture, which blends naturally into the landscape. The revitalised pampa, where the complex is based, has benefited from great conservation efforts, as well as focus on minimising footprint in this beautiful area. This impressive blonde-wooded, design-led ‘shell’ houses 40 simple yet sophisticated Scandinavian-style rooms. Their exposed timber interiors create a tangible Sauna-like warmth that contrasts well with the views of the desolate pampas outside. There are family apartments of two adjoining rooms available, as well as the extensive Uma Spa, which is particularly welcomed after a hard day hiking the Torres del Paine National Park, which is simple given the hotel’s superb team of guides and the varied activities on offer here. From horse riding to climbing, this great range of opportunities means you really can take full advantage of your truly magnificent surrounds.

Perhaps the most famous hotel in all of Chile, the Explora Patagonia one of the most stunning settings in the world. Looking quite ‘average’ from the exterior, things could not be more different once inside. There are large picture windows everywhere (even in the bathrooms) to make the most of the stunning vistas surrounding the hotel. Much of the furniture is hand crafted from local wood and slate, and there are many little design touches to make things more comfortable. The hotel also has a large indoor swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzis. All activities are included in the programme as are all meals and drinks. Food is generally of a high standard at the restaurant.

Accessed by crossing the Cristina Channel of Lago Argentino by boat, Estancia Cristina enjoys a truly stunning setting. The journey to the lodge allows excellent viewing of the Upsala Glacier, one of the largest in the region, and once you arrive you are treated to views of the ajestic Norte, Pfifter and Moyano mountains. 20 rooms are split between five cabins and are appointed with warm fabrics and large picture windows from which to appreciate the particularly spectacular views. Service and food are excellent – the Patagonic lamb, fresh vegetables and homemade breads are a delight. There are many activities on offer to enjoy the spectacular surrounds, including hiking, 4×4 excursions and horseriding. Estancia Cristina operates on an all-inclusive basis with transfers, accommodation, full-board, non-aloholic drinks and all excursions included.

Eolo sits on a 10,000-acre estancia in the Patagonian steppe between the town of El Calafate and the majestic Perioto Merino glacier. Surrounded by lakes, vast plains and the imposing peaks of the Andes, this is nature at its very best. The hotel has been built to ensure that wherever you are, you can take in these incredible views. Eolo is centred around a courtyard garden, a nifty bit of architecture that means guests can enjoy the great outdoors whilst being protected from the wild Patagonian winds. There are 17 beautiful rooms characterised by pastel colours and simple lines. Nothing is overly complicated here, simplicity is key when your surroundings are so dramatic. There are no televisions in the rooms, instead guests are encouraged to curl up on one of the sofas that are placed in front of the large picture windows. Eolo was inspired by the historic estancias of the area and you’ll find antiques, maps, telescopes and lots of other traditional touches. The food at Eolo is a real highlight. Excellent local, seasonal produce is used to create a dynamic and exciting menu. The views that await from your dining table make the experience even sweeter. This is an area begging to be explored, and there are plenty of activites on offer. Hiking, horseriding, birdwatching and mountain biking are some of the experiences to keep you busy. At the hotel itself there is an area for relaxation with a small heated pool, dry sauna and massage room. All meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included during your stay at Eolo.

On a steep bank overlooking Lago Argentino a little way outside of El Calafate, Xelena Hotel & Suites enjoys a quiet, majestic location. It is the perfect base from which to explore Argentina’s breathtaking Patagonia area. Comfort and warmth defines the hotel’s personality, and the team pride themselves on the attentive and personalised service offered to guests. Many of the 70 rooms have lake views, and all are extremely spacious with contemporary features. There’s also a large heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool and spa – a real highlight of the hotel – two large dining areas and a bar.

Estancia Puema Hue is a beautiful lodge nestled in the heart of Nahuel Huapa National Park – the country’s first and largest national park. This really is one of our absolute favorite properties in all of Argentina. The lodge is set within 500 acres of wilderness at the southern end of Lake Gutlerrez. The landscape is one of rolling hills, pristine forest, valleys, waterfalls and creeks. Estancia Peuma Hue means ‘house of dreams’ in local Mapuche language and we certainly think it’s a very special place. There are 14 rooms spread across five houses, all with views of the lake. Decor throughout the lodge is very traditional with wooden floors and beams, local textiles and warm colours. There are even fireplaces in the living rooms of each house. Poplar House is the main house of the estancia and as well as having rooms, it is also where meals are served. Food is a real treat here with many of the ingredients grown in their own kitchen garden and orchard. Alternatively, choose to stay in one of their luxury yurts. These canvas yurts are 16ft in diameter and are set on rasied decks. They feature king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms, and are a wonderful way to really immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. There is so much to do during your stay at Estancia Puema Hue, from hiking, horse riding and kayaking to fishing, birdwatching and yoga. Children are very welcome here so this is a wonderful choice for active families.

Llao Llao is one of the most famous hotels in South America. Set on an outcrop of the Llao Llao peninsula, it enjoys a dramatic setting surrounded by the Cerro Lopez and Tronador mountain peaks and the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes. The hotel is split into two wings, the Bustillo and the Lago Moreno, which are connected by a panoramic bridge. There are 205 rooms and suites set across the two wings, traditional in design with many offering beautiful views across the lake and mountains. There are five restaurants offering everything from local Patagonian dishes to international cuisine. The lobby bar is a beautiful space with lots of wood, leather upholstery and antler chandeliers while the Winter Garden is the perfect place to enjoy the Llao Llao Tea while looking out across the incredible landscape. The hotel is set within a 15-hectare park and there are plenty of activites to keep you busy, from cycling and hiking to kayking, fishing and horse riding. There is also an 18-hole golf course. If you fancy simply unwinding, then there is an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, fitness room and spa treatments available.

Las Balsas is located on the shores of Lake Huapi, just outside the mountain village of Villa La Angostura, in the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park. The hotel was built in 1988 and its iconic blue facade has become a feature of the landscape. Rooms are traditional and cosy and enjoy beautiful views across the lake. This is a Relais & Chateaux hotel, meaning that service is top notch and it is the perfect place to come for rest and relaxation. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in the restaurant along with a glass of wine from the hotel cellar which holds around 150 bottles of Argentinian wine. There is also a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool as well as a Jacuzzi, sauna, small gym and massage room.

The Correntoso Lake & River Hotel is perched on an outcrop at the mouth of the crystalline Correntoso River, surrounded by the beauty of the Andes and Nahuel Huapi National Park. The hotel opened in 1917 and has been welcoming guests looking to experience the majestic landscape of Argentina’s Lake District ever since. Rooms are simple but very comfortable and feature huge windows from which to look out across the wilderness. Some of the larger suites have their own deck. Guests can enjoy a fusion of Patagonian and Mediterranean cuisine at the restaurant alongside a selection of fine wines. During the summer, the barbecue grill and mud oven are used to give the distict flavour associated with this region. The hotel also has a lovely pool (half of which remains indoors, the other half out), a hammam and the option to indulge in spa treatments and yoga.

A more modern approach than many of the other lodge style offerings in Patagonia, El Casco is a luxury boutique hotel with contemporary style. The rooms and communal areas are decorated with 160 paintings and sculptures from an exclusive collection, each room themed around a different South American Artist. Set on the lake shore on the outskirts of Bariloche, the hotel is made up of around thirty rooms, many with stunning views of the lake. Facilities include indoor and outdoor heated pools, health club, outdoor jacuzzi, private pier and boat and an excellent restaurant. Service is impeccable, friendly and professional making this an ideal base from which to explore the region.

Located in the heart of the French heritage district of Recoleta in a restored belle epoque mansion, the Park Hyatt is a luxury hotel that offers the perfect base from which to explore this vibrant city. There are 165 elegant rooms and suites, featuring all the modern luxuries that one would expect from a hotel of this ilk as well as period flourishes and detail in keeping with the history of the building. Buenos Aires is a city known for its gastronomy and the offerings at the hotel do not disappoint. Enjoy Argentinian cuisine at Duhau Restaurante and Vinoteca – where there are 7,000 bottles of Argentinian wine to choose from, or Italian at Gioia Restaurante and Terrazas. Satisfy your sweet tooth with afternoon tea at Los Salones del Piano Nobile, then end the day at The Oak Bar with its wood burning fireplace and garden views. When you’re not out exploring the city, unwind at the Ahin Spa. Ahin in local dialect signifies a welcoming ceremony for an honoured visitor and guests visiting the spa are sure to appreciate the warm welcome. There is also a fitness centre and heated indoor swimming pool as well as a lovely garden in which to relax.

The Faena Buenos Aires is a striking design hotel in the waterside neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the brainchild of local empresario Alan Faena and designer Philippe Starck. The hotel is located in the restored El Porteño building, an enormous silo built in 1902 that produced grain for post-war Europe. The decor encapsulates the grandeur of the belle epoque that characterised Buenos Aires at the turn of last centrury. A red, black and white colour scheme runs through the hotel teamed with exposed brick walls and concrete pillars that hark back to its industrious past. Rooms and suites are filled with eye catching touches such as hand embroidered throws and filifree mirrors and feature huge windows which look out over Ecological Reserve, the parks, Río de la Plata and the quaysides of Puerto Madero. Eating and drinking at the Faena is a real treat. Enjoy fine dining at Bistro Sur where the menu is inspired by the finest seasonal Argentinian produce, or opt for something more casual at El Mercado which is inspired by the country’s famous cantinas and the open air markets of Europe. The Library Lounge is an intimate space filled with antique books and crysal chandeliers, while El Cabaret, inspired by the city’s 1920s tango clubs, is where you can catch the award-winning show, Rojo Tango. The hotel also features a spa, fitness centre and an outdoor pool.

The Alvear Palace Hotel opened its doors in 1932 and has remained one of the city’s most iconic hotels ever since. Located in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood, everything about the Alvear is incredibly well thought through with lots of little touches that make it a really special place to stay. The hotel’s 192 rooms and suites are impeccable designed with a mix of Empire, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. Sumptuous fabrics and elegant furnishing are complimented by decorative arts and paintings by Argentinian artists. The larger lounge suites offer butler service so you can make the most of your stay. Enjoy sophisticated French cuisine at La Bourgogne, and a decadent afternoon tea in L’Orangerie before sampling an expertly mixed cocktail at the lobby bar, which has long been a meeting place for well-known members of Buenos Aires society. Enjoying a tipple at the rooftop bar is also not to be missed, with its spectacular views over Alvear Avenue. When you’re not out exploring all that the Argentinean capital has to offer, relax and unwind in the spa, wellness area, fitness centre and rooftop pool with adjoining pool bar.

Set in the fashionable and leafy district of Palermo, Legado Mitico is a beautiful boutique hotel within easy reach of the city’s main attractions and restaurants. Located in a refurbished three-storey townhouse, the hotel draws on the rich historical culture of Argentina. There are 11 rooms each inspired by a famous figure such as tango dancer Carlos Gardel, writer Jorge Luis Borges, and Evita. A warm colour scheme runs throughout the rooms and wooden floors and period antique pieces give them lots of traditional charm. The cultural theme extends into the communal areas with a small library in the lounge where the more inquisitive guest can read all about the historic figures that inspire the decoration of the room. The library opens out onto a small patio where guests can relax with a drink.

Located in the heart of the elegant Retiro neighbourhood, this Sofitel hotel features a perfect blend of modern and classical design. The elegant rooms are decorated in harmonious colours with Argentine leather furniture providing a feel of comfort and class. The hotel’s restaurant, Le Sud, is one of the best in the city featuring gourmet Mediterranean cuisine infused with local Argentine products. The cafe and library are very traditional with a style and elegance reminiscent of the early 20th century and the extravagance of Buenos Aires at that time. A fitness centre, heated pool, and exclusive boutique are available to guests as well as weekly wine tastings and other special events.

Hub Porteño is a historic property set on a quiet street in the heart of Recoleta, and feels more like a home than a hotel. There are just 11 rooms, bright and spacious and filled with antique furniture and more recent pieces from local artisans. The hotel’s rooftop terrace is a beautiful spot with outdoor seating nestled among the lush greenery – a real city centre oasis. Here you can relax with a drink from the bar and a bite to eat or simply sit back with the morning paper. La Pecora Nera Grill specialises in new Argentinian cuisine while the cosy living room is the place to enjoy drinks and snacks. There is also a wellness centre with a sauna, gym and treatment room.

Nuss Hotel is located in a converted convent in the lively are of Palermo, next to the colourful Plaza Serrano. The surrounding streets are lined with boutique shops, excellent restaurants and art galleries. There are 22 bright rooms with city views – some of the deluxe rooms have their own small balconies. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea, drinks and tapas at Deli Lobby Lounge. Facilities also include a spa area with gym, sauna and massage room and a very pleasant terrace with a small pool.