Why Uruguay Should Be Your Next Luxury Beach and Culture Escape

Looking for your next off-the-radar destination that combines beautiful beaches, world-class wine, and rich cultural experiences? Uruguay is the ultimate hidden gem in South America for luxury travelers, foodies, and curious explorers alike.

From the boho-chic shores of José Ignacio to the historic streets of Colonia del Sacramento and the cosmopolitan flair of Montevideo, Uruguay offers an irresistible mix of laid-back luxury, coastal charm, and authentic Latin American flavor. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a foodie escape, here’s why Uruguay belongs on your travel radar now.

José Ignacio is an amazing place to stay, 1 hour drive time from Punta del Este Airport and 2 hours drive time from Montevideo Airport. It is a small peninsula into the sea, which forms two wonderful beaches: La Mansa, to the west, quieter with magical sunsets and La Brava, to the northeast, larger and great for water sports. In this seaside town you will feel the coolest and trendiest atmosphere, in a very laid back environment and in contact with nature. 

What will you find in Jose Ignacio? 

Great beaches, incredible sunsets by the sea, the best restaurants, many options for water sports (kayaking, surfing, kite surfing, stand up paddle), trendy stores, fine art galleries, surprising wineries nearby, private parties and more. Above all, incredible hotels and houses for rent. 

Near Punta del Este we deeply love La Barra - Manantiales: 20 minutes from Punta del Este city (known as La Punta) you will get to a very lively area La Barra and Manantiales, with beautiful beaches like Montoya, nice stores and laid-back gourmet restaurants, such as the popular O’Farrell Kitchen, Narbona and Elmo restobar.

Suggested Length of Stay and Season: 

Stay between 3 to 7 days, depending on the time of the year. Punta Del Este and José Ignacio, Uruguay's main beach destinations, are ideal for our summer, specially from late December to the end of January. This is your place if you are looking for the best events, great DJs, wonderful sunsets, bonfires and cool parties at the beach. Everything has become quite trendy.

Uruguay offers beautiful beaches and the nearby delightful countryside, in a perfect mix of ocean, vineyards and wineries, olive trees and pine forests, modern art and trendy design stores. Plus fantastic horseback riding, biking and hiking, unforgettable sunsets, to make your stay in Uruguay a lovely experience.

Where to Stay:

In La Barra - Manantiales:

Fasano Hotel: an amazing and contemporary property, with discreet sophistication within a preserved area of 490 hectares near La Barra, between the countryside and the sea. It is strategically located at the top of a rocky hill with a privileged view. It features a main building with 10 bedrooms and 20 bungalows.

Plus leisure areas with 2 restaurants, a bar, a poolside bar, a great spa and a private river beach. Within the complex there is a golf-course, tennis courts, a full equestrian center and polo fields. Beach service is provided in Jose Ignacio, 30-minutes car drive. 

In Jose Ignacio:

Bahia Vik: the best option for families and the only Vik hotel right on the beach. The largest accommodation is 2 bedroom bungalows for 5 people maximum. Bahia Vik features: 4 incredible swimming pools, a laid back restaurant, plus La Susana, a super cool restaurant next to the hotel, and a spa. All rooms are immersed in incredible art. 

Playa Vik: great for couples. On the rocks and overlooking the beach, it offers incredible views of the ocean. Beach service at Bahía Vik, 5 minutes car drive. It features incredible rooms surrounded by art, a great restaurant with 100% delicious gluten free dishes and delightful fish barbecue; plus its dreamlike infinity swimmingpool. Here, you will experience “the best sunsets in the world”. 

Estancia Vik: a Virtuoso colonial-style building immersed in the countryside and surrounded by impressive art, just 15 minutes away from the beach. It can be enjoyed all year round, offering fun activities like horseback riding, polo, kayaking, paintball, etc. Beach service at Bahia Vik. Delicious cuisine, guaranteed with the best barbecues. Important: there are no connecting rooms.

Posada Ayana: perfect for couples. They also have a Villa for up to 6 people. We love every detail, the infinity pool and the Skyspace - Ta Khut - by the acclaimed James Turrell. Turrell combines natural and artificial light in his Skyspaces, creating a unique and magical sensorial experience. Important to know: Posada Ayana does not allow children. 

Luz: a charming culinary wine lodge with a bohemian style, between the ocean and countryside. Sophisticated 6 suites surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and a lake. Enjoy the pool, play tennis, go for a run through the vineyard, bike or take a go-cart on the land, schedule a massage, practice yoga or meditation. Luz produces wine and olive oils. They offer amazing culinary experiences.

Anastasio Hotel & Beach Club: a nice and comfortable option with great location and direct access to La Brava beach. You can choose a suite at the Hotel (children from 16 years old) or a Vila in the apart (children are welcome). Anastasio offers beach bar and restaurant.

Wineries

Bodega Oceánica José Ignacio:  a surprising oceanic winery and olive grove, close to the Ocean.

Bodega Garzon: an impressive winery in the lovely village of Garzón, a real gem not far from Jose Ignacio and an ideal getaway. This is a premium and modern winery overlooking stunning rolling hills. It also has a fantastic restaurant and they also offer great picnics in the vineyards. 

Viña Eden: another surprising and modern winery immersed in a fantastic countryside landscape in the tiny village of Eden, 45 minutes from Jose Ignacio.  Perfect for a day, great restaurant.

Sacromonte: this is a sustainable luxury wine Lodge and beautiful winery in Sierra Carapé, just one hour away from Jose Ignacio. Here you will enjoy terrific wines and a perfect wine paired lunch.  

You can easily add on time in Argentina with a ferry ride away form the capital city Buenos Aires. It’s a perfect pairing for wine and steak lovers to spend time in both countries. Make your trip even more enviable? Take a jaunt to Mendoza with a stay at the Cavas Wine Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux.

The best thing? You can enjoy summer again, while we’re enduring winter in North America.