Elite Traveler July-August 2016

Las Brisas PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY

Designed and owned by well-known Uruguayan architect Diego Algorta Carrau, this striking, wood-clad, two-wing villa has floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with natural light. There’s an open-plan living room with an L-shaped sofa and, with his daughter Sofia, Carrau commissioned all the furniture from local craftsmen using reclaimed wood wherever possible. What really makes this special, though, are the outside spaces, which are perfect for large groups: the vast wooden deck has a parilla (BBQ grill), a long, reclaimed wood dining table that seats 12 and a couple of sofas. There is no pool here, but ultra hip Montoya surfing beach and La Barra are only a few minutes’ stroll away. Special amenities Daily housekeeper, pre-arrival grocery shopping. Chefs, babysitters, barmen and other staff available on request. Size 2,690 sq ft Number of bedrooms Four Weekly rate From $3,600 Contact info@brazilianbeachhouse.com, +598 2605 6913, brazilianbeachhouse.com Atelier House SAINT JAMES, BARBADOS Designed by architect Alistair Downie (of British firmHarper Downie) and perched on a ridge above St James on the west coast of Barbados, this four-year-old modernist house is surrounded by a lush garden planted with palm trees, lilies and bougainvillea. The double-height open-plan living space has a wall of glass that can be pulled back to maximize the views of the terrace, pool, and ocean beyond. All white interiors feature bespoke stonework, design classics such as B&B Italia chairs and Moooi lights, a mezzanine study area and custom artworks. Three of the bedrooms lead out to terraces on the pool side of the house, while the upstairs master has a balcony on one side and a large roof terrace on the other. Special amenities Housekeeper, chef on request and a concierge service that can organize anything from private yoga lessons on the rooftop terrace to spa treatments. Size 5,821 sq ft Number of bedrooms Four Weekly rate From $8,907 Contact holidays@themodernhouse.com, +44 20 3795 5920, themodernhouse.com