These Are the Three Argentinian Hotels among the Best of South America

In this note, find out which they are, what features make them be in the ranking, and why Mendoza (the city where they lie) is the perfect destination for a top-notch trip.

Camouflaged with the Andes mountain range, surrounded by the green hues of infinite vineyards, with wine cellars that any wine expert would envy, a strong wine-culture identity, superb gastronomy, and a reduced number of rooms so that the experience is as exclusive as luxurious. Those are the common features of the three accommodation places in Mendoza, Argentina, selected by Candé Nast Traveler (the worldwide referent tourism magazine) among the best hotels in South America, according to the Readers' Choice Awards 2021.

We know it’s difficult to resist Mendoza’s charms. Actually, its Wine World Capital title works perfectly well as a magnet for all travellers’ compasses. Yet, this pre-existing landscape and taste equation gets better with the experience a five-star resort can offer. In a destination where touristic quality keeps enhancing and improving, the bar is raised, resulting in these hotels. Come and get to know these places where sleeping surrounded by grapes becomes an experience every luxurious bucket list should include.

1. The Vines Resort & Spa 

They went from dreaming about having their own vineyard to becoming the founders of one of the region’s best hotels. In 2005, Pablo Giménez Riili and Michael Evans started their projects with an ambitious goal: producing their own top-notch wine. This first-hand contact with the beverage made this accommodation resort, born in those lands, be a fair reflection of the national vine culture.

It stands in the 15th position with 96.01/100 points. As you may imagine, every detail was carefully thought out for tourists’ pleasure —from its 21 villas designed by the famous local architects Bormida & Yanzon to a spa with views that stimulate relaxation. Josefina Rivas, sales manager, explains, “We stand out thanks to our deep commitment to high levels of hospitality and the continuous search for authentic experiences for our guests.” 

However, The Vines’ restaurant makes the difference. Siete Fuegos has secured its place as one of Mendoza’s unmissable gastronomic places —in a destination with such a culinary level, this is no mean feat. The creative mind behind these recipes worthy of worldwide palates’ love is Francis Mallmann, the Argentinian chef awarded the Grand Prix de l´Art de la Cuisine in 1995.

2. Cavas Wine Lodge 

“The luxury concept has changed. Before, it was associated with majestic things. In Cavas Wine Lodge, it is about relaxing, what’s classic, the charm of plants, candles, or the room architecture.” This is the description offered by Cecilia Diaz Chuit, cofounder of the hotel, together with Martín Rigal. This philosophy explaining that the quality concept comes from details and relaxation made them win the Relais & Châteaux prestigious French signature, and today they have the 19th position with 94.72/100 points. 

It is located in Luján de Cuyo (30 minutes to the south of Mendoza city), and, again, privacy is crucial. It consists of 18 rooms, which can be considered flats, with personalised service and separated from the main building in order to get deep inside the vineyard nature. Each is isolated and has a private swimming pool and its own portion of vines, creating beautiful panoramic views and a safe experience in this post-pandemic context.

With the phrase “The first hotel dedicated to the wine and its experiences” as a presentation letter, the resort has a seasonal and organic product restaurant, an underground wine cellar with superior level labels, varied spa services including from wine therapy to yoga, sustainable practices to preserve the environment, and collaboration actions with local communities. 

3. Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort 

This place was born in 2014 with a concept designed by Alberto y Juan Tonconogy, father and son, respectively. The former is a recognised architect who captured his vision in the creation of the building. The latter is an expert and worker of the Mendoza wine industry. The stone and wood-centered design, wine culture traditions, and warmth that only a family project can provide are fused to give birth to this resort. With 90.09 points, it stands in the 25th position of the Readers' Choice Awards 2021.

With vineyard plots, its own winery, and organic production of this purple elixir, we can say they don’t lack knowledge on the subject. The seven rooms, nine suites, and villas separated and built-in the vineyards provide this offer with diversity and integrate it with the rooted wine concept. Florencia Amaya, sales and marketing manager, explains, “The accommodation fee includes activities, such as a visit and tour around the vineyards and winery.” 

Sustainability is also a main figure. The commitment to the environment is claimed with recycling practices, water care, and the choice of organic products. If the raw material is not from their own organic vegetable garden, they look for local producers. An integral and tended experience, ideal to closely enjoy Mendoza identity.