A LUXURY GAUCHO EXPERIENCE
In the fertile grasslands surrounding the Argentine capital, is the charming Estancia La Bamba de Areco. Steeped in history, it offers the perfect environment for guests looking to unwind and learn a little more about the emblematic figure of the gaucho, the Argentine cowboy.
A two-hour drive from the Argentine capital is the historic estancia. Dating back to the 19th century and still maintaining its period charm, La Bamba de Areco combines all of the character of a historic cattle ranch, with the grandeur, comfort and service of a modern hotel.
The drive in takes guests a long a beautiful tree lined avenue, with plane trees dating back over a hundred years and birdsong filling the air. Soon the dark red buildings of the estancia come into view and you’re welcomed with a beautifully chilled homemade lemonade and a cool towel by the estancia’s hosts.
Surrounded by perfectly manicured grounds and two polo pitches, Estancia La Bamba de Areco has a distinctly homely feel to it. Guests are encouraged to explore the estancia and its extensive grounds, which include the master house, stables and inviting outdoor pool, which is surrounded by loungers and shaded by trees. The main house includes a library, lounge, dining area and even a billiard room. It is also where a number of the estancia’s bedrooms are found.
Each of the estancia’s eleven bedrooms are named after champion polo horses and all have been decorated to maintain the period style of the property. Dark wooden floors, antique furniture and local textiles offer a simple, yet elegant environment for guests.
A variety of activities are available at the estancia, including mountain bikes, gentle horseback riding, bird watching, and visits to the nearby town of San Antonio de Areco – famously one of the oldest towns in all of Argentina and home to a number of artisan leather and metal workshops and boutiques. During the polo season, guests can watch a match at the estancia and for those less comfortable on horseback, they also offer horse drawn carriage rides around the grounds.
Meals at La Bamba de Areco are beautifully prepared in either the main house or in the pulperia, the oldest building in the estancia and dating back to the 18th century. Traditionally the pulperia would have been somewhere the gauchos would come to sing, dance and dine, but nowadays it has been converted into a beautiful lounge and outdoor barbecue area, where you can enjoy a traditional Argentine asado. Guests are invited to eat together around the large wooden tables, but private dining can also be organised. The menu itself is typically Argentine, including salads, sweetbreads, chorizos and various cuts of beef, all accompanied by delicious wines.
ESTANCIA LA BAMBA DE ARECO, PAMPAS
La Bamba de Areco, at a glance
- Eleven cosy and characterful rooms, each of which has been beautifully styled to offer guests a luxury gaucho experience
- Only a 2-hour drive from Buenos Aires and a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Argentine capital
- Delicious dining options, including a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue)
- Part of the highly esteemed Relais & Chateaux group
For leisure and pleasure
- Various excursions are available at the estancia, including riding, carriage excursions and mountain biking
- Relax by the large outdoor swimming pool and shaded by trees
- Enjoy a treatment at the estancia’s spa
- During the polo season, guests are invited to watch games and training take place on one of the estancia’s two polo pitches
- Visit the historic town of San Antonio de Areco, one of the oldest towns in all of Argentina and only 13km from the estancia. It’s home to a wonderful gaucho museum and also a number of craft workshops
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