Posada del Faro | Jose Ignacio | Uruguay

For a sleepy fishing village that resolutely resists neighbouring Punta del Este’s glitz, Jose Ignacio still oozes cool and attracts its fair share of hipsters. For laid-back, rustic-chic stay at home-from-home Posada del Faro and enjoy the area’s low key charms.

Perfect for… somewhere to flop at the end of a South American adventure and ideal for cool hunters – Posada del Faro was the first posada to open in Jose Ignacio and set the trend others follow.

Where… in wonderfully mellow Jose Ignacio, a fishing village 30 minutes away from buzzing Punta del Este, just a short flight from Buenos Aires.

And the rooms… just 13 rooms that feel more like an extension of owner Jose Garcia-Arocena’s home than a hotel, decorated simply yet beautifully in purest white with splashes of colour. Most have private decks or balconies overlooking the pool and beach beyond and some a lovely woodburning fireplace if you come a little out of season. There’s a/c in every room for the height of summer.

Food & facilities… a wonderful breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant along with snacks, tea and cakes during the day and into the evening. The restaurant only serves dinner out of season, when many local restaurants are closed. In season, you’re spoiled for choice from extravagant gastronomic feasts to simple diners serving up tasty pasta dishes. There’s also a lovely swimming pool with swim up bar and while there’s no spa, massages can be arranged.

Activities… this is a place to relax and unwind on the beach, soak up Jose Ignacio’s lovely atmosphere, potter and people watch with good food, good wine and good conversation. Can’t sit still for long? Don’t worry as there’s tennis, horse riding, surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing available, great bird watching for twitchers and the hotel offers mountain bikes for you to explore. Punta del Este is just 30 minutes away for golf, casinos and the chance to party from dusk ‘til dawn.

In the know… if you’re considering Posada del Faro for Christmas, beware of the 10-night minimum stay and essential advance booking.


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