Latin Luxury

I love South America and you will find lush natural surroundings punctuated with interesting architecture, vibrant arts, delectable dining and plenty to do. I still can’t get used to dining so late! The locals seem to go out to dinner at 10.p.m. but I have become a fan of Malbec wine. I was sent on an assignment to write an article on luxury hotels for the travel industry publications and will share with you my experience.

SANTIAGO, CHILE, is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It offers easy access to snowy tall peaks, stunning beaches and part of Chile’s picturesque wine country. The hotel W Santiago has set a new standard of luxury for the city, with a wonderful rooftop pool with a view of the Andean peaks. Peruse the hotel’s El Mundo del Vinos a soaring 45 foot wall of wine featuring 6,000 bottles and comprising the largest selection of Chilean and international wines in the city. You can arrange a tour of a winery and have your favorites shipped home. I always carry two padded wine cases, so I can put the wine bottles in my suitcase. I have also been able to buy good Malbec wine in my local supermarket in Los Altos.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA. With energetic nightlife, delicious food and wine, an exciting art scene and unique shopping, this city is a wonderful place to visit. The five star Palacio Duhau I love staying at. They offer tango lessons which is a fun experience. Go to a tango show. Something I wanted to do on this trip was visit the Recoleta Cemetery to see the grave of Eva Peron, wife of the ex-President, and the person who the musical Evita was about. I went at 6:30 a.m. and was shocked to see that there was a queue of people that early in the morning, with flowers, standing in line to say a prayer at the grave. It is the family tomb, and she is buried 18 ft. below ground to thwart vandals. I was surprised there was still such interest among the local people considering she died sixty years ago of cancer at age 33.

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY. Sharing the coast of the grand Rio de la Plata with Buenos Aires, the capital city of Montevideo has much of the excitement, shopping, dining, arts and music. On the exclusive beach is the gorgeous Sofitel Montevideo Casino and Spa. The National Heritage site has been renovated last year with 93 rooms and 23 suites. Not to be missed is a performance in the historical Teatro Solis, a lovely opera house attracting talent from around the world. Try dinner at the hotel’s opulent Restaurant 1921.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL. The town is famous for its beach culture and the annual Carnival. The grand Belmond Copacabana Palace is in an ideal location. They just renovated it in anticipation of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. This town is always packed with tourists, no matter what time of year you go.

LIMA, PERU. The sprawling capital of Lima is a mixture of small neighborhoods. One of the most elite is San Isidro, where the Lima Golf Course is situated. Stay at the five star 83 room County club Lima Hotel and you get priority tee times.
CARTAGENA, COLUMBIA. With narrow cobblestone streets lined with palm trees and colonial buildings draped in bougainvillea, the old walled city is wonderful to visit. Sofitel Legend Santa ClaraCartagena is a former 17 century convent, great location in the historical center. Fantastic boutiques for shopping, I was spoiled for choice when choosing a handbag and shoes. No matter where you go in South America, the leather goods are a bargain. The hotel will arrange for you to have a VIP shopping experience, with high quality and great priced emeralds in mind.

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.

Photo Courtesy of www.acheshelp.com