by Geoffrey Ravoire, Luxury Travel Advisor & Marketing Manager

Did you know Uruguay is just across the water from Buenos Aires? I keep on going back to Buenos Aires and fall in love with Argentina a little more each time. But Buenos Aires is not the star of this piece, Uruguay is! 

Uruguay may be the second smallest country in South America, but it is one of its true gems. Very safe, economically stable, and relatively under the radar compared to neighbors Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is rapidly becoming a favorite among the well-traveled. 

Similar to Buenos Aires, I find Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, quite interesting. Montevideo is ranked #1 in South America for quality of life. The city is safe, dynamic, and bordered by 20 kilometers of waterfront promenades and beaches where people sun, jog, and enjoy their maté (the national drink, a very social affair). The architecture, especially in the old town, boasts every style from Spanish to Art Deco, Neoclassic to Postmodern, making every street corner stand out. The food scene is ramping up, with places like Jacinto, Inmigrantes, and De morondanga where the chef prepares every dish from behind the bar. If you need a little pick-me-up, then La Farmacia is your spot. Montevideo hasn’t reached the level of a global city, especially for well-heeled travelers, but it certainly is making its way towards it and I can’t wait to see the evolution next time I go. 

West along the Rio de la Plata, Colonia del Sacramento is a beautiful walled city settled by the Portuguese in 1680. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town feels authentic, charming, and frozen in time. There, you won’t find any international chains nor flashy stores, only cobblestone streets lined with cafés and quaint houses. Should you decide to visit Colonia, I’d suggest you drive out to Narbona Wine Lodge (about an hour drive) to experience life between pampa and vineyard. Not as famous as Argentinian wines, Uruguayan wines are gaining traction. Narbona Wine Lodge is a family-run, 5-guestroom hotel and winery, member of Relais & Chateaux. Be it for 2 nights or a week, a stay at Narbona promises to make you forget everything about the world around – isn’t that the greatest luxury? For any wine enthusiast or experienced traveler, a trip to Bodega Garzon is a must. New World Winery of the World 2018 (Wine Spectator), Bodega Garzon surely is the most spectacular winery in South America. Set in rolling hills, the views of the vineyard and olive grove are magical. Inside, the latest technology and purpose-driven architecture guarantee wines of the highest quality. The panoramic restaurant is helmed by Francis Mallmann, the chef who made the once-abandoned, small town of Garzon famous among the international jet-set and art crowds. During peak season (January and February), expect bustling art galleries and exhibitions around town; the nearby Fundacion Pablo Atchugarry welcomes visitors year-round. 

Uruguay is also gaucho paradise: there are horses everywhere! Gauchos (equivalent to cowboys) can tell you everything about a horse’s personality, traits, and history. These skilled horsemen spend days on end training horses for anything from farming to playing polo. Even if not an equestrian, a morning with a gaucho turns you into an aficionado. One of the best places to experience these horses is Estancia Vik, a ranch hotel with impressive stables. Everything about Estancia Vik is fantastic;  for the horses, stay for the art, food, and tranquility. 

I have been keeping the best for last. Just 40 minutes from Punta Del Este (aka the Miami Beach of South America), Jose Ignacio is a small fishing village turned beach hideaway for the elites. Jose Ignacio exudes pure boho-chic, with stylish contemporary homes tucked in between sand dunes and pine trees, trendy boutiques showcasing small designer labels to stand out back home, and a food scene that rivals the French Riviera. 

Uruguay was the last trip I took in March before the world shut down; maybe that’s partly why it was such a memorable visit. Or maybe it was because I shared this trip with my whole family. It was our one last trip together before we all quarantined in our respective cities and countries. Until we meet again, my family and I have been brightening this quarantine with favorite dishes from La Huella beach club: a nice way to recollect, talk travel, and think of the next place we want to visit.