If it’s January when you are in Buenos Aires, don’t go looking for friends in town. Instead, head directly for where everyone else is partying it up – in Punta del Este, the hedonistic summer resort for South America’s super –rich.
The good times are back at his Uruguayan sand spit, whose popularity has been a virtual yardstick for the Argentine economy. Nearby Jose Ignacio might be more fashionable now, thanks to the sometime presence of Martin Amis and Isabel Fonseca, but Punta has the best places to stay.
Lodging in Punta is expensive, but becomes considerably cheaper if you buy a package through a travel agency or ferry operator. The Conrad Hotel, located in the heart of Punta del Este and only 20 minutes from the international airport, is the only Las Vegas-style casino and luxury hotel in the Punta del Este region. The hotel, which faces Gorriti Island and is only a short walk from La Mansa Beach and it is best known for its bikini fashion shows and casino, is the peninsula’s most expensive option.
The peninsula remains the central reference point, dividing Punta in 2 zones: Playa Mansa, to the west, lapped by the still waters of the River Plate, and Playa Brava, to the north, extending up to the Atlantic coast.
Along both beaches, summer paradores ( Marangatú at Parada 7 Playa Mansa is one of the best ), offer services ranging from sun-loungers and beach games to lunch – and all with a sea view.
As you progress north out of the peninsula the beaches become progressively less populated, and the high-rise buildings replaced by mansions and exclusive resorts. After 6 miles, the panorama abruptly changes at Punta’s most happening patch: la Barra.
Mantra Hotel and Casino has 100 luxurious and spacious rooms, a sparkling swimming pool, Spa and health centre area second to none. Located in the small town of La Barra, it is placed on a hilltop amongst trees with some spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and 20 km from Punta Del Este and 40 km from the Domestic Airport.
At La Barra you will find clubs, bars, restaurants, galleries and modelling agencies. Jose Ignacio, 40 km ( 25 miles ) north of Punta, is more discreet. This tiny town is a must-visit for its white sands, dusty roads and internationally acclaimed restaurants. Josè Ignacio’s most scenic hotel is La Posada del Faro with 12 individually designed rooms.
Where To Eat In Punta
Fifteen minutes from the seaport, La Burgogne (http://www.labourgogne.com.uy/ Pedragosa Sierra and Avenida de la Mar Punta Del Este 598-42/482-007) is considered to be one of Punta´s best restaurants. Star chef Jewn Paul Bondoux picks the herbs from the restaurant´s organic garden to spice up traditional dishes like rack of lamb and rabbit in mustard sauce.
For dinner, we favour La Huella, (598-486) 2279, http://www.paradorlahuella.com/ , a rustic beachside spot in José Ignacio that serves grilled fish and sushi. But the ultimate insider spot is Marismo, a restaurant in José Ignacio that is known for its tasty slow-braised lamb and rough-hewn décor of wood tables in the sand, lit by candles and heated by a bonfire (nights can get chilly). Here's the phone number: (598-486) 2273.
These restaurants open in high season, from December to February.
How to get to Punta del Este:
Aerolineas Argentinas and Uruguayan airline Pluna fly several times daily from Buenos Aires domestic airport ( Jorge Newbery ). It is a 50 minute flight and the flights arrive at Punta´s Laguna del Sauce airport, 10 miles ( 16 km ) away from the city.
Another way to get to Punta from Buenos Aires is by boat and road. From Puerto Madero terminal, Buquebus has at least 2 ferries a day to Montevideo ( 2 hours and 35 minutes ). Montevideo is located 140 kilometres ( 87 miles ) from Punta del Este. It takes 2 hours and 30 minute-drive.
If you are going to Punta next summer, let us know and we will send you a very useful list of restaurants, cafés, beaches, shops, private parties, private lounge bars that you should visit during your holidays in Punta.
No comments:
Post a Comment