An Art Lover’s Guide To Punta del Este, Uruguay
"In 1907, the windswept stretch of coastline in Uruguay we now know as Punta del Este, welcomed its first tourists. A handful of families from Argentina and Montevideo boarded the Golondrina vessel and set out to discover the raw beaches and rich farmland that dot the peninsula. Since then, Punta del Este has seen its fair share of vacationers from the surrounding areas but has largely evaded the global tourist circuit, and that is what makes it magic.
While it is referred to as "The Hamptons or St.Tropez of South America," only four airports fly directly to Punta del Este. Its remote location is exactly what's put it on the map. Apart from a buzzy season from mid-December to mid-February, it remains a calm, paradisical haven for locals. For the majority of the year, its galleries, boutiques, and beaches exist for the few who cherish the quiet of the off-season.
Punta del Este's rolling coastline is divided into two regions. There is Brava meaning "fierce" and Mansa meaning "tame," referring to the oceanic currents present in each. The coast has long served as inspiration for artists, and has since become a free-spirited haven filled with the hotels, restaurants, and shops that have sprung from it. So to all of you art lovers looking for a must-hit list, this is it.
Where to Stay:
From design-forward bed and breakfasts to art-filled hotels, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation in Punta Del Este. In the peninsula's two trendiest regions, La Barra and José Ignacio, families and larger chains alike have dreamt up properties that have become destinations in their own right.
In the bohemian town of La Barra, the most luxurious stay is undoubtedly Fasano Las Piedras, a hotel that reveals itself as an architectural jewel surrounded by nature. Laid across almost 1,000 acres of bountiful farmland, guests can swim in a river club, relax at a spa, set off on a horse ride, and plenty more without leaving the property. Its neighbor, Aguaverde Wine Lodge, is similarly luxurious but uniquely positioned atop a sprawling vineyard with jogging trails and artfully-designed rooms and villas. Those looking for a more boutique experience will be enchanted by the adults-only utopia that is Casa Flor. With a permanent and dynamic exhibition of works by local artist Nicolás Caubarrere, this stay is only one block from the beach.
In the bohemian town of La Barra, the most luxurious stay is undoubtedly Fasano Las Piedras, a hotel that reveals itself as an architectural jewel surrounded by nature. Laid across almost 1,000 acres of bountiful farmland, guests can swim in a river club, relax at a spa, set off on a horse ride, and plenty more without leaving the property. Its neighbor, Aguaverde Wine Lodge, is similarly luxurious but uniquely positioned atop a sprawling vineyard with jogging trails and artfully-designed rooms and villas. Those looking for a more boutique experience will be enchanted by the adults-only utopia that is Casa Flor. With a permanent and dynamic exhibition of works by local artist Nicolás Caubarrere, this stay is only one block from the beach.
Those with an affinity for the contemporary will be delighted to know that James Turrell's first Skyspace in South America is found just steps from José Ignacio's Playa Mansa. In late 2021, the artist unveiled Ta Khut, the temple-like structure topped with a 20-foot dome made of white marble sourced from the Laas Valley in Italy. There are indeed more traditional art-going experiences, with several galleries, fashion boutiques, and design shops that attract global attention. A few recognized favorites include Monoccino, La Boutique Paris, Galería del Paseo, La Esteña, Sentido José Ignacio, and Xippas Gallery.
While there is plenty of art to look at, Punta del Este is also laden with all kinds of adventures for art lovers. With an outpost in The Hamptons, an open-level Vinyasa class at The Shack Yoga is as artful as it is spiritual. An equally meditative scene, the lush Arboretum Lussich is a botanical garden and museum spread over 470 acres and planted with trees and flowers from all over the world. Of course, a trip to a coast blessed with infamous breaks would be incomplete without a surf lesson. And you can finds yours at the Escuela de Surf La Olla on Playa Brava.”
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