PUNTA DEL ESTE & JOSE IGNACIO
A favourite with celebrities, Punta del Este is fast being internationally recognised as an exclusive and stylish beach resort.
Punta del Este is the new place to be seen, and the celebrities of South America know it, flocking here for their annual beach breaks. During the day, sun worshippers laze on the white sands and at night music plays and lanterns are lit along the shore for the many beach parties that take place. Once you’ve soaked up enough sun, a number of chic shopping opportunities await, as does the interesting museum and café of Casapueblo. Once a home and workshop of the famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, it now houses a museum, art gallery, cafeteria and a hotel. Further afield it is possible to take a boat out to the nearby sealion colonies and the iconic ‘Mano de Punta del Este’ sculpture. This huge hand on the beach has become an internationally recognised piece of art. Glamourous and feisty, and with an impressive list of private properties, this little peninsula is a great place to spend a luxury holiday in South America.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Bahia Vik
Bahia Vik is a luxury boutique hotel set on 10 acres of beach dunes on the Jose Ignacio peninsula. The hotel offers 10 suites in the main building as well as private bungalows scattered through the grounds. Each room is decorated in a unique style and a range of contemporary Uruguayan and international artists contributed works to complete the stylish and eclectic décor. La Susana restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine and the beach club and bar is the perfect place to relax during the day, enjoy a fresh salad or cocktail and party till dawn.
Estancia Vik
Estancia Vik is a luxury, boutique hotel, located in José Ignacio. The 23 suites are each decorated in a unique style, inspired by the work of a different artist, with impeccable taste and taking inspiration from the traditional estancia style. Facilities include a games room, gym, spa, pool and chapel. The restaurant serves gourmet cuisine, using local ingredients including organic vegetables and herbs. Wine is chosen from the estancia’s own extensive cellar and guests can dine in the restaurant or out in the warmth and open air, taking in the view across the pampas, to the ocean.
Playa Vik
Playa Vik is a luxury, private beach resort, in José Ignacio.The focal point of the hotel is the central ‘sculpture’ building. Made from curved titanium and glass, its 55-foot sliding glass wall opens fully to allow the outside in. Inside, various pieces of art contribute to the décor which includes Japanese Shoji doors. Art is an important theme throughout and is a mixture of works commissioned from local artists as well as international pieces. Facilities in the main building include 4 uniquely designed suites, an Italian-designed bar and kitchen and a light and airy living room.
Hotel Fasano
Boasting fabulous view, Hotel Fasano of Punta del Este is ideal for a luxury getaway to Uruguay. The private bungalows and rooms, all of which are light and spacious, are a perfect place to unwind after a full day of exploring this unique and fascinating area. All feature air conditioning, free WiFi access, safety deposit boxes, minibars, flat-screen TVs and CD/DVD players. If relaxing in your room isn’t your style, there are plenty of other options including a full spa, sauna, fitness centre and indoor pool.
L’Auberge
L’Auberge is a luxury 5-star hotel in beautiful Punta del Este. Each of the 35 rooms is decorated in its own individual style, perfectly blending the modern with unique antiquities and art. Some are located in the tower with a warm and cosy feel, some have Jacuzzis, fireplaces and private balconies. Many room offer breath-taking sea views. The hotel’s gardens are one of the highlights and guests are welcome to relax with a book or take a walk amongst the pretty surroundings.
AWA
The AWA is a boutique, design hotel in Punta del Este – the first of its kind in the sought after beach resort. It is situated between Playa Brava and Playa Mansa and surrounded by verdant forest, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. The 48 rooms range from Superior Deluxe to Suites. All are decorated in soft creams and fresh whites with accents of red and Philippe Starck chairs. The décor of the whole hotel is light, bright and airy and it makes the most of natural materials; wood, stone and water.