Those interested in the history and authentic Argentinian culture, or anyone in need of a spot of pampering.
Salta, Argentina
The colonial sala, or main house, houses a plethora of seventeenth and eighteenth century antiques and artefacts. The guest rooms are exquisitely fitted out in historical style, with wooden bedheads or old-fashioned iron four poster canopies. Thanks to the subtropical climate, you can step out onto the verandah that wraps around the house and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in comfort.
The estate offers authentic local dishes carefully prepared from freshest local produce. The main building is surrounded by extensive, landscaped gardens that contain local as well as exotic plants, and a swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers to relax during the day.
The hotel has its own stables, so take a ride through the gorgeous countryside that surrounds the estancia, or stop in at the winery for a tasting. You can also organize birdwatching, cattle roundups, local folklore shows or a cookery class.
For a very different kind of history lesson, ask about the spectacular display of horsemanship put on for guests by the local gauchos (Argentinan cowboys), illustrating the history of the ‘gaucho wars’ of independence.