Unwinding at the end of a South America trip without too much travelling.
On the banks of the Rio de la Plata, a 20 minute flight by light aircraft from Buenos Aires or take your time and hop on the ferry to Colonia (50 minutes) followed by a 90 minute drive.
20 cosy bungalows are nestled amongst pine and eucalyptus trees (a few overlook the river), while 24 bi-level suites overlooking the pool offer the same wooden floors, open-beamed ceilings and locally weaved rugs and throws. All have private terraces, enormous bathrooms, flat screen television, wireless Internet and an espresso machine.
The hotel’s restaurant, Pura, is decorated in Balinese style with great views out to the pool and river beyond. South American cuisine is the order of the day using fresh produce from the local farms and markets. Traditional Uruguayan barbecues (“asados”) are prepared in the indoor barbecue pit. There’s also an excellent spa, fitness centre, championship golf course and the two-tier outdoor pool is a real treat.
There’s a wide range of things to do at the Four Seasons Carmelo from horse riding, polo lessons and tennis to cycling, canoeing and cooking classes. The hotel’s farm, La Estancia, where much of the fresh produce is grown, is well worth a visit for a taste of rural Uruguayan life.
Remember to take one of the hotel’s lovely horses for a gallop along the white sand river beaches.