A Hotel In The Heart Of Argentina's Wine Country Offers A Luxurious Stay In Its Vineyards
Tucked away in the foothills of the Andes mountains, in the beating heart of Argentina's famed Luján de Cuyo wine country, is a serene escape part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family. Conceived to blend seamlessly with its stunning surroundings, the 55-acre Cavas Wine Lodge estate features luxe rooms in the main lodge and several villas ("casitas"), all exquisitely decorated as stand-alone mini-homes. The Michelin-recommended hotel also boasts gourmet dining and world-class wellness facilities.
This pioneer of sophisticated wine tourism in South America offers visitors a warm embrace, instantly connecting the traveler with the local context and traditional friendly Mendocino welcome. In splendid isolation but just a 40-minute drive from Mendoza airport, Cavas Wine Lodge is a perfect base to explore this celebrated wine region which counts more than 900 wineries. The area is synonymous with the Malbec grape variety, originally from Europe but developed its own personality in the soil and conditions in this corner of the New World — and grew to earn a place of distinction to rival its Old-World counterparts.
Cavas Wine Lodge is a sanctuary among the vineyards
Get away from it all in one of the impeccably appointed casitas, each with its own plunge pool and fireplace. There is also a larger swimming pool at the main lodge with sun chairs. The rooftop Moorish-inspired patio is a splendid perch to watch the sun set over the snow-capped Andes while you nurse a glass of local wine. Starting around $580 per night for a room and well over $1,000 for a villa, this is one of the most beautiful hotels around the world and totally worth the splurge. After waking up to birdsong and the rustling of the breeze through the vines, you can opt for breakfast buffet-style at the main lodge or order a la carte in the room. If you have a busy day ahead, you can request a packed gourmet lunch in the morning to bring with you.
The restaurant focuses on a farm-to-table ethos, and the chef takes full advantage of the locally-grown produce and regional specialties to conceive mouthwatering food and wine pairings. On some days of the week, you can also enjoy an epic barbecue, or "asado," the age-old Argentinian style of eating with a selection of meats cooked over an open fire accompanied by side dishes, a ritual often lasting several hours. The spa invites you to unwind in style, with a full menu of treatments drawing from the latest discoveries in the virtues of grapes and polyphenol-rich grape seed extracts. Enjoy a memorable wellness experience with a vinotherapy bath and sauna.
What to see and do
You may not feel like leaving Cavas Wine Lodge at all. Besides the many dining options, the swimming pool, and the spa, there's plenty to keep you entertained. There is gaucho-style horseback riding among the vineyards, on a noble Criollo horse, pausing every now and then to drink up the magnificent landscape. To hone your dance-floor skills there are twice-weekly tango demonstrations, and for home cooks, the chef will only be too happy to show you how to prepare traditional local recipes such as empanadas or chimichurri sauce.
If you manage to pull yourself away from the luxury embrace of the hotel and spa, the location is in fact a perfect base to explore everything that Mendoza has to offer. Only 30 minutes away from the bustling city, you can wine and dine your way through Mendoza and shop for souvenirs. The staff will be happy to arrange a transfer and point you to all the other different activities available nearby, including golf, mountain biking, birdwatching, artists' studios at Chacras de Coria, and the best wineries for tastings along Mendoza's famed winery circuit. If you are there at the end of harvest time, usually around February or March, you can even catch the "Fiesta de la Vendimia," one of the most important festivals in the country.
If you are looking to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary or are hunting for a honeymoon location (did anyone say destination wedding?), there are few places that can beat this rare combination of exceptional natural surroundings, world-class wine, gourmet cuisine, and authentic sense of place. And since you're in the area, don't miss this pyramid-shaped winery in the heart of Mendoza, considered one of the world's best.