Punta del Este, the achingly hip beach resort
Punta del Este, a seaside resort that can be numbered among the most exclusive in the world, has consolidated its reputation as the South American destination of the international jet-set. Its beaches, its landscapes, an ample supply of superb gastronomy and entertainment as well as its sophisticated night life, all blend to make it a place to fall in love with. Punta is ideal both for those in search of peace and quiet and those who prefer an active lifestyle 24 hours a day.
Punta del Este has beautiful landscapes, with 70 kilometers of ocean beaches and fine-grained sand, dunes and calm waters, or rougher waves for the more adventurous. During the summer the coastline is dotted with pleasant beach restaurants that offer excellent food and wine, gym classes, massage lounges and activities for kids.
A few nautical miles from the Peninsula are two islands, Isla de Lobos and Isla Gorriti.
The first is a natural sea lion reserve, and it can be visited on boats and cruisers that leave from the Port. Isla Gorriti has a large pine forest and charming beaches, as well as two beach restaurants with international menus, with a good offer of fish and seafood.
Excellent boutique hotels and culinary experiences, together with polo matches, sailing cups, and exclusive hidden gems offer our guests a top-notch experience, specially during New Year’s Eve.
Montevideo
With its sleepy old town, unshowy bars and unique music scene, Montevideo is a capital city like no other. The rows of 19th-century townhouses face the local river walk and centric beaches. Music is huge here, spanning everything from opera at the grand Teatro Solís to bossa nova and tango. But what makes the Uruguayan scene unique is candombe a style of drumming inherited from African slaves.
If you are looking for a foodie experience, head Mercado del Puerto. Inside this cast-iron market hall, the city suddenly seems to burst into life. Another option are famous local bars such as…. in the old town, close to many art ateliers.
Carrasco is the most affluent neighborhood in the city. It has a lot of greenery, which makes it very nice to walk around while admiring the big houses and mansions or its long riverside beach.
Colonia & Carmelo – A walk into the colonial past
An hour away by boat from Buenos Aires, you can step back in time at the UNESCO heritage site of Colonia del Sacramento. More than 400 years of history are revealed in the perfectly preserved cobbled streets and colonial architecture on the shores of the river. Renowned for its historic quarter, Colonia is a hodgepodge of Portuguese and Spanish colonial buildings, cobblestone roads, and assorted history-rich sites. The food scene in Colonia is burgeoning with several gourmet Uruguayan restaurants and food shops hocking tasty fare like the chivito, a sandwich comprised of beef, mozzarella cheese, bacon, ham, and a fried egg, served with French fries.
A short distance away is the small town of Carmelo, a perfect, relaxing mixture of provincial life and boutique hotels. The moment you set foot in Carmelo, it’s easy to see why tourists are so taken by this quaint town. Its rustic authenticity presents a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The main streets are lined with small houses, parillas (steakhouses), and friendly locals riding around on bikes instead of in cars. The city’s main attractions, though, are its many outdoor pursuits. Visitors can go horseback riding through the woodlands and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the countryside, head out on a fishing excursion from one of the fishing ports along the Río de la Plata, paddle away the day on a canoe trip, or even have a hand at polo lessons.
