After Carmelo, we traveled five hours via car down the coast, stopping in Montivideo for lunch but our final destination was the Vik Estancia in Jose Ignacio.
Jose Ignacio is a chik, bohemian and casual city where unique art galleries meet the chill beach. It's the "Hamptons" of South America, where Argentinans ferry over an hour or two to there summer homes for a quick getaway. In the high season, catch a polo match, kite surf, stroll the beach or venture out through the town of Punte del Este.
The Vik Estancia was recommended to us by a dear friend whom I respect and knew couldn't steer us wrong. She travels the world and I was intrigued that this was one of her favorite spots that she visits over and over again. I'm so glad we ventured there. It was amazing.
We stayed on one of three Vik properties in Jose Ignacio: The Vik Estancia. It was a majestic horse farm sprawled out on enough acreage that you felt like you were in the middle of nowhere but you were actually just a few miles down the road to bustling activity; my favorite scenario. Kayak through the estuaries, play tennis on the grass lawn, go trail riding via horse back, be wined and dined or just simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The Vik Hotels are the brainchild of Alexander Vik, a regular on the Forbes wealthiest list, who has an obvious appreciation for nature, animals, art, wine and great food as evidenced by his properties. Out of curiosity, we visited the other two neighborhing properties in Jose Ignacio and they each had their own flare, sparking imagination with beautiful works of art (some had incredible, fanciful murals) and offering whimsical delight at every turn as well as ultimate comfort. His new chilean property looks to be spectacular too.
What really impressed me was this grand estate catered to just twelve grande rooms; each of the twelve guest rooms were specially designed by one of the owners favorite artisits. The common areas were plentiful and works of arts in themselves.
The pool had beautiful elegant lines with symmetrical archways overlooking the pastures.
The common areas were spectacular. They took full advantage of their space by putting on fun events so the guests could meet each other. Anyone staying at a Vik property could attend. A barbecue was hosted by the property here; we dined with such a lovely couple, Peter and Susan.
The dining room.
My husband and I had some heated ping pong matches. I underestimated his abilities.
We had a couple of unseasonably, colder rainy days. I chilled by the roaring fire they set up in this room. Even though it looks big, it had a way of being cozy.
The Estancia was abundant with wildlife.
I fed the horses sliced apples or carrots almost daily. I rode a beautiful mare, Morena, a couple of times; it was a great way to see the property.
Yep. Snakes were everywhere and I was warned that most of the time, they were poisonous.
The town of Jose Ignacio is small, charming and beautiful in its elegant simplicity.
This was the view from one of our favorite dining spots in Jose Ignacio, La Huella. Muy bueno.
After dining at La Huella, we ran into this guy. Seemed like an old soul to me. Those eyes.
Polo is huge here but of course, so is soccer. They start young.
The road that leads out of the Estancia.
