Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
340
Expensive
El Casco Viejo Patagonia Lodge
Finds
There are only thr ee rooms at this
little gem of a fishing lodge r un b y the smiling Taylor sisters, whose grandfather , an
immigrant from Texas, owned the entire Chapelco resort until a few years ago. The lodge
is a ne w building that r eplicates the old family homestead entir ely, with heaps of hear t
and soul. It's at a tr uly treasured location, at a bend in the gentle Q uiluihue River with
a fabulous fishing hole right in fr ont. Rooms are very spacious, with a lush farmhouse
style, giant beds, and lots of windo ws. Food is typical countr y cooking, delicious and
unpretentious. The best moments ar e at sunset, when the fish ar e jumping, the fr esh-
baked cakes are being served, and silence prevails. Besides fly-fishing, there are horseback
riding and trekking activities (as well as an 18-hole golf course) right out the door. Rates
include all meals and transfers. The lodge also is open to the public as a teahouse with
reservations.
Ruta 234, K m 57.5, L oma A travesada de Taylor, San M artín de los Andes .
&
02972/411253.
www.
chapelcogolf.com. 3 units. $240 (£162). MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; horseback riding; library.
In room:
Safe.
Loi Suites Chapelco
Opened in February 2008, this is the first fiv e-star hotel in
San Martín, hugely impor tant for the to wn. The location, with sunset vie ws across the
golf course, is lovely. The hotel has a business feel to it, with long corridors, empty spaces
and formal (albeit ex cellent) service. Rooms have Asian-inspired details, par ticularly in
the modern, massive bathrooms. Furniture is chunky and heavy, and wool, leather, and
hide predominate in accents. Only two of the junior suites and most of the studios hav e
decks; the lofts are cozy. The spa focuses on water-based treatments. Laminate floors, thin
doors, and mediocr e amenities keep the Loi fr om being a tr ue five-star. But the lo vely
views, excellent restaurant, and sle w of activities make it the best place to stay in the
area.
Ruta 234, Km 57.5, San Martín de los Andes.
&
02972/410304
or 11/5777-8950 in Buenos Aires. www.
loisuites.com.ar. 85 units . $170-$196 (£94-£108) double; $450-$625 (£303-£422) suit e.
Amenities:
2
restaurants; lounge; wine c ellar; indoor/outdoor pool; golf c ourse; spa; game r oom; horseback riding;
conference center.
In room:
TV, minibar, safe.
Rio Hermoso Lodge
Finds
Sometimes a place just gets it right. There is sub-
lime luxury to be had at this delightful mountain lodge that 's on the S even Lakes Road
south of S an Martín de los Andes. I t's natural without being r ustic, peaceful without
being too isolated. A gentle riv er str eams b y, bir ds chirp abo ve, and one feels deeply
relaxed. Inside, the background color is white, but with the presence of much wood and
the dotting of such bright colors as purple, y ellow, and pink, the lodge feels aliv e and
energetic. Rooms have giant windows overlooking the greenery. Bathrooms are a mixture
of wood and stone, with large windo ws. A suite upstairs is ideal for families. O utside,
there are paths leading through lush forests. This lodge also makes a good coffee break if
you are driving the Seven Lakes Road. Just call first.
Ruta 63, K m 67, Paraje Rio Hermoso (2k m/1
1
/
4
miles south of San M artín, just off the S even Lakes Rd.).
&
02972/410485.
www.riohermoso.com. $250-$350 (£169-£236) double . MC, V.
Amenities:
Restau-
rant; library; TV room; Wi-Fi.
In room:
Safe.
Ten Rivers and Ten Lakes Lodge
Moments
With undoubtedly the best view in
all of San Martín, this tiny and cozy log-and-stone lodge is secluded and romantic. Next
to the lo vely Arrayán teahouse, wher e fabulous br eakfasts are served, this boutique inn
originally opened as a lodge for fly-fishers. They still have excellent fishing packages, but
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