Premium Argentina is one of the world's most interesting destinations: because of the radically different landscapes in one country, the sophistication of Buenos Aires, and because the devalued peso makes "luxury" cost proportionally less than in any comparable South American destination. This guide covers the lodges, winery hotels and premium experiences worth the investment.
Patagonia premium: the legendary lodges
Patagonia is where Argentina has built its most distinctive luxury scene. All-inclusive lodges where the price covers private guides, meals, wines and daily excursions.
- Eolo (El Calafate): the premium Perito Moreno lodge. 17 rooms, view of Lake Argentino, private excursions. USD 800-1,500 per night all-inclusive.
- Aguas Arriba (Lago del Desierto, El Chaltén): boutique lodge at the foot of Fitz Roy with only 6 rooms.
- Estancia Cristina (Lago Argentino): historic estancia in a remote zone reached only by boat.
- Llao Llao Hotel (Bariloche): Bariloche's classic. 100 years of history, golf, spa, view of three lakes. USD 400-900.
- Arakur Resort (Ushuaia): the most luxurious at the end of the world. Beagle Channel views, spa, signature cuisine.
Mendoza: winery hotels and premium wine tourism
Mendoza has a winery-hotel scene unique in the world. You sleep inside a vineyard, eat signature cuisine with Andean views, and taste the wines at their origin.
- Cavas Wine Lodge (Luján de Cuyo): 14 villas with private pool and Andes view. Spa, premium dining, wine tourism. USD 500-900.
- The Vines Resort & Spa (Valle de Uco): 22 villas in the middle of vineyards. Francis Mallmann's Siete Fuegos restaurant. A must.
- Casa de Uco: winery and hotel in Valle de Uco with only 16 rooms.
- Bodega Salentein Lodge: stay at one of Argentina's most architectural wineries with the Killka art gallery.
Buenos Aires: 5-star hotels and exclusive experiences
Buenos Aires has a concentration of 5-star hotels worthy of Europe. The best are in Recoleta, Palermo and Puerto Madero.
- Alvear Palace Hotel (Recoleta): the Belle Époque classic, 100 years of history. Legendary afternoon tea, 2 Michelin star restaurant.
- Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau (Recoleta): 1934 palace + modern tower. Spa, contemporary Argentine cuisine, underground wine cellar.
- Four Seasons Buenos Aires (Recoleta): the celebrities' favorite. Historic mansion + modern tower.
- Faena Hotel (Puerto Madero): designed by Philippe Starck. Rojo Tango cabaret-tango is a unique experience.
Premium experiences in Buenos Aires: dinner at Tegui (best restaurant for years), Rojo Tango show at Faena, polo at La Martina, leather shopping at Casa López or Carpincho de Recoleta.
Salta and the North: lodges among vineyards
Salta has its own premium scene, especially in Cafayate and the Calchaquí Valleys:
- Patios de Cafayate (Grace Hotel): historic winery hotel (Bodega El Esteco). 32 rooms around colonial patios. USD 250-400.
- Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort: among the vineyards, with pool and restaurant overlooking the mountains. USD 200-350.
- House of Jasmines (Salta): old estancia with gardens, pool and view of Lerma Valley.
- Bodega Colomé (Molinos, Calchaquí Valleys): founded 1831, Argentina's oldest working winery, at 2,300 m, with the "Altura Máxima" vineyard at 3,111 m — among the highest commercial vineyards in the world. Hosts the only James Turrell museum dedicated entirely to the artist outside the United States.
Iguazú premium
There's only one luxury option inside the National Park: the Gran Meliá Iguazú (formerly Sheraton), the only hotel with direct view of the falls from the room. USD 400-700. Boutique outside the park: Awasi Iguazú (all-inclusive, 14 villas, USD 1,200+ per night fully included).
Premium experiences to add
- Helicopter flight over Perito Moreno Glacier: USD 600-900.
- Lunch by Francis Mallmann at Siete Fuegos (Valle de Uco): book months ahead.
- Polo day at a Pampa estancia: with class, match and asado. USD 400-600.
- Private yacht in the Beagle Channel: Ushuaia with private guide. USD 800+.
- 7-course pairing at Catena Zapata (Mendoza): world-class winery experience.
