Recommend October 2011 - (Page 72)

luxury in the wilderness, by BEST continued from page 70 OF PATAGONIA Guestroom at The Singular Patagonia in Chile. argentina The idea for BOP originally came from the Alvear Palace Hotel, the grande dame of Buenos Aires properties, which understood a decade ago that its very upscale guests were seeking new destinations—in town, outside town, in the wild—that deliver both comfort and authentic experiences, and the Alvear Palace was perfectly positioned to serve as the hub for the marketing of Patagonia. Located in the upscale Recoleta district, elegance is everywhere in this historically important hotel, combining Empire- and Louise XVI-style furnishing with French decorative arts. The hotel’s 210 rooms—100 of which are suites—come with personal butler service, fresh flowers and fruit baskets, large marble bathrooms with Hermes toiletries and jacuzzi baths (in most). Among the hotel’s bars and restaurants are two of the city’s most illustrious establishments: the bird cage-like L’Orangerie for buffet lunch or afternoon high tea and La Bourgogne restaurant, a gastronomic legend. Guests asking at the desk for the best tango show in town will certainly be directed to Esquinas Carlos Guardel, the only BOP attractions member. Double room rates with breakfast and taxes from $875. It’s a short flight to the Lake District and San Carlos de Bariloche, where outside town on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Llao Llao Hotel & Resort captures the Patagonian majesty, in both setting and facility. This historic 172-room hotel is one of Argentina’s best. Set in 72 october 2011 stunning surroundings, it has its own marina on Lago Moreno, a sybaritic spa, an 18-hole golf course and awesome lake views from the pool. There are five dining venues, and the newest addition to guestrooms are the more spacious 43 suites and studios with wide windows and terraces, air conditioning, and massive bathrooms in the Moreno Wing—designed to please Americans. Double room rates start at $595 with breakfast. You fly south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, and drive 30 minutes farther across the prairie to reach Eolo, a Relais & Chateaux property, offering a luxurious style and stunningly set in the remote La Anita valley, within easy glacier reach. This is an exclusive hideaway with just 17 huge suites (premium suites on the second floor) with grand beds and bathrooms arranged around a central courtyard. Minimally decorated with impeccable taste, there are floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere—guestrooms, bar, dining room and library—framing unparalleled views of the valley and Lago Argentino. A personal guide helps plan excursions that take guests riding to find flamingos at the lagoon, walking on glaciers, returning to the lodge for a dip in the indoor pool, sauna time, and fine wining and dining. The all-inclusive rate here does not include excursions off the property, such as to Puerto Moreno. Allinclusive double room rates start at $740. continued on page 74 recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Coworth Park, London
Tour Talk: Cox & Kings
Paws Up Ups "Glamping" to New Heights
"Alpine" Adventure at Four Seasons Resort Vail
Hotel Beaux Arts Miami
Out & About in New York City
Adventures on Hayman Island
It's the Good Life at The Leela Kovalam Beach
Peninsula Shanghai & Hong Kong
Silversea's Silver Spirit
Thailand Travel Planner
Luxury in the Wilderness, by Best of Patagonia
Savoring St. Vincent & the Grenadines
CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla
Luxurious Egypt
A Good Turn for Bern, Switzerland
Mexico's Luxury Trail

Recommend October 2011