To experience the essence of Argentina, travelers need only to combine the sights and sounds of Buenos Aires—known as "the Paris of South America"—with a trip to Patagonia, the southern region of the country thats scenery runs the gamut from steppe-like plains to glaciers and the beech- and conifer-blanketed Andes Mountains.
The town of
Guests will have no shortage of activities to keep them busy. Whether it's playing golf on the property's 18-hole course, hiking among the dozens of trails, hitting the nearby slopes for skiing or relaxing in the indoor and outdoor pools, the resort prides itself on its adventure components. Activity sheets listing hikes, yoga classes and other activities are distributed to guests daily.
There are eight different categories of rooms, each with its
own character and style. Request the
Agents can contact Gilda Fuentes ([email protected]) or Veronica Peralta ([email protected]); both work hard to meet all requests they receive. Fuentes can set up activities such as a private horseback riding trip. Also, Head Concierge Daniel Cosavella ([email protected]) can arrange for a number of customized services, including private hiking tours, heli-skiing in the El Boson area, private boat tours and romantic dinners at the lake. General Manager Carlos Burgoo has hosted guests such as Robert Duvall and the Clintons.
A highlight during our trip to Bariloche was the half-day
excursion to Roca Negra. Driving up the mountain in four-wheel-drive jeeps is
quite an experience. The road is very bumpy, so travelers will feel a bit
jostled, but the ride is worth it for the views from the top. The little café
perched on top of the mountain offers stunning views of Bariloche, the
surrounding lakes and miles upon miles of the
For a true taste of local Patagonian fare, have travelers go
to Parrilla de Julian (
For a more elegant experience, visit Llao Llao's signature restaurant, Los Cesares. Fare ranges from freshly caught salmon and succulent duck to a variety of savory beef filets. Special wine and food tastings can also be arranged. The more casual Asador Criollo restaurant, also on property, features typical Argentine asado (barbecued meat).
In
All rooms have private butler service, and the two-to-one,
staff-to-room ratio exemplifies the premium placed on service. Opt for one of
the Presidential suites, which offer a separate sitting room, dining room and
Jacuzzi bath. The premier deluxe suites are also an excellent option—they have
flat-screen TVs above the Jacuzzi bathtubs. The best rooms are those on the
eighth and ninth floors, which boast vistas of the River Plate, Recoleta parks
and
Head Concierge Alejandro Noya ([email protected]) can arrange for private Mercedes-Benz transfers, give shopping recommendations in the areas of arts, antiques and haute couture and arrange private tango lessons with some of the city's top dancers.
The hotel is also a popular site for weddings, which are hosted in any of its 12 ballrooms. Agents may contact Wedding Coordinator Sandra Ofner ([email protected]). General Manager Olga Petroni plans to launch a spa in the first half of 2007. Rooms are bookable over the GDS and via The Leading Hotels of the World's web site.
One of the highlights of Alvear is the food. L'Orangerie
is consistently voted one of the best breakfast buffets in
La
After spending a few days in
Getting There, Getting Around
Book your clients in business class on LAN; the seats are spacious and the
service is exceptional. LAN flies into both