Elite Traveler September-October 2016

elite traveler SEPT/OCT 2016 117

TOP SUITES

PAMPERED IN THE PAMPAS

DUHAU SUITE Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt

Like a green ocean, the Pampas lap the edges of Buenos Aires. Famously fecund, this is the beef-rearing ranchlands and bread basket of the country. Drive down dead straight roads to take in the vast horizons, flat but for the curve of the planet. Art Deco civic palaces by Francisco Salamone enliven the small towns, some of which still boast tiny old pulperías – general stores-cum-saloons – where gauchos used to strum guitars and get into fights. Base yourself in a dreamy ranch in Buenos Aires Province and indulge in alfresco feasts, horseback riding across the plains and serene slumbers.

LA MANSIÓN PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires This 1,937 sq ft suite (bottom) is a grand setting for living, entertaining and working. The bathroom is decorated in a range of Italian marbles, and a 204 sq ft balcony adjoins the living room, with sublime views over the garden, pool, tower and Jockey Club. $12,100 per night, with butler service Daniela Lezcano, sales manager tour & travel, +54 11 4321 1629, daniela.lezcano@fourseasons.com, fourseasons.com cuisine at La Bourgogne. From $6,050 per night Estefania Agostino, reservations manager, estefania.agostino@alvear. com.ar, alvearpalace.com On the hotel’s top floor, the 1,722 sq ft Duhau Suite (top) enjoys 360-degree views from a wraparound terrace, plus an elegant living space, including dining and sitting areas, private pantry and a master bedroom with connecting bath. Amenities include butler service and whirlpool tub. From $7,870 per night buenosaires.park.hyatt.com This palatial 1,894 sq ft suite (middle) is all chandeliers, Slavonian oak floors, original artwork and French fabrics, with dining room, sitting room, bedroom, two Botticino marble bathrooms and butler service. Its corner position affords fine views of Avenida Alvear. Sip cortados in the lobby bar; dine on Franco-Argentine Restaurant Le Sud serves some of the best French cuisine in the city and its prime location, on the curving street Arroyo, is quiet and shady, despite being just a short walk from the hubbub of the center. The 1,620 sq ft Imperial Suite is an Art Deco-style ROYAL SUITE Alvear Palace Hotel IMPERIAL SUITE Sofitel Buenos Aires

La Bamba de Areco, San Antonio de Areco This colonial-style ranch is close to the historic Camino Real (Royal Highway) running from Buenos Aires to the silver mines of Alto Peru. Sumptuous rooms and suites are arranged around manicured lawns with a pool, stables for the native criollo horses and space for a lavish barbecue. General manager Guillermo Savino is a genial host and can advise on the history of the ranch, region and activities to try out in the area. From $7,000 per night for the whole estancia (May-Aug) or $9,100 (Sept-Apr). Includes horse rides, carriage and bicycle rental, meals, drinks and taxes, Guillermo Savino, guillermo.savino@ labambadeareco.com, +54 2326 454 895 labambadeareco.com Las Viboras, Dolores The 22,000-acre estate of Elsa Dodero – former Miss Chile and wife of polo player and landowner Jimmy Dodero – and her three polo-playing daughters, Giga, Sandy and Carolina, surrounds a characterful nine-bedroom country house built in 1827, and extended and modernized in the 1940s. Stretching from deep in the Pampas all the way to the

La Fortuna, Salto Imposing chateau in the heart of Argentina’s soy-growing country that once served as a prominent Franco-Argentine family’s weekend home. The estancia ’s seven guest rooms are stately and elegant and the staff very attentive. Gastronomy is a signature here, including an indulgent high tea. Guests can work off the steaks and desserts by cycling to nearby Berdier. The ranch can be exclusively hired per night (minimum two nights) with use of the chateau and grounds, meals – including full asado (barbecue) – carriage rides, horseback riding, pool and solarium. Amenities include wine cellar, private cinema and baby grand piano. com.ar, +54 9 11 5700 5173, estancialasviboras.com.ar Atlantic coast, it’s the ultimate retreat for those keen to play at cowboy living. Enjoy a family barbecue in the expansive gardens, help the staff round up the herds of Angus or set off on a bird-watching expedition. From $3,000 per night for the ranch, including all food and activities, Magdalena Noceti, info@estancialasviboras.

apartment occupying its own private floor, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, living room with home theater, dining rooms, bar, kitchen, plus city and river views – previous owner, shipping magnate Nicolás Mihanovich, had insisted that the Río de la Plata, the source of his wealth, be visible

From $6,050 per night Carrie Wilder, cwilder@ massimo-partners.com, estancialafortuna.com

from the upper floors. From $5,222 per night sofitel.com

GRAND SUITE Hub Porteño

A reception service can arrange visits, such as architecture-themed tours, private shopping, speedboat rental, or a wine or food tasting at the acclaimed in-house Tarquino restaurant. The 1,000 sq ft suite has crystal chandeliers, a super-king bed, two marble bathrooms – one with Jacuzzi – and a 400 sq ft terrace. From $1,085 per night hubporteno.com