Uruguay
As South America’s second-smallest country, Uruguay is home to more cows than people—a hint at its vast rolling countryside and wild Atlantic beaches. On Gray & Co. custom trips, travelers enjoy boutique accommodations, farm-to-table meals, and plenty of bespoke adventure.
A “playground of the elite,” the stylish yet understated boho-chic beach enclave of José Ignacio is a global magnet. Most travelers fly from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este, then continue just half an hour to the Atlantic coast and José Ignacio. Vik Retreats’ three art-filled properties rank among the area’s top stays: modernist Playa Vik overlooking the ocean; contemporary Bahia Vik set among the dunes and home to beachfront La Susana; and traditional Estancia Vik, nestled in the rolling countryside. Other favorites include Luz Culinary Lodge, a seven-suite retreat on 35 acres with on-property restaurant Nur. And of course, the iconic La Huella—beach-chic, lively with DJ-spun tunes, and known for its fresh fare grilled over open fire. Argentine star chef Francis Mallmann also has a cozy outpost in the nearby gaucho town of Garzón.
Beyond the food and hotels, this region is ideal for custom bike rides. Spin through gentle green hills, along wide beaches, and past gauchos herding cattle. Stop at Pablo Atchugarry’s sculpture studio before coffee at La Linda in the fishing village of Manantiales, known for its galleries and restaurants. Continue by bike to the trendy surfer town of La Barra for more boutiques and cafés. Other experiences range from hiking and birdwatching on the lagoons to kite-surfing, paddling, surfing, polo, art tours, horseback riding, and beyond.
Moving inland, the hamlet of Pueblo Edén is just an hour from José Ignacio. Surrounded by virgin Uruguayan forest, the striking, sustainably designed Sacromonte (“Holy Mount” in Spanish) hotel and vineyard features four modernist glass cabins scattered across 250 acres. Guests can bike to the Brazilian-Uruguayan–owned Viña Edén Winery, where a terrace overlooking the hills is the perfect place to sip local Chardonnay or Tannat. Back at Sacromonte, dinner might be a traditional barbecue of beef, garden vegetables, and homemade empanadas—served al fresco at your cabin or on the terrace with friends and family. As the sun sets, don’t forget to applaud—it’s a beloved Uruguayan custom.
