The month of October is all about Argentina. Summer in Argentina is right around the corner which means the trees are blooming, the cities are vibrating, the warm weather is finally here, and the long awaited polo season is finally here.
After visiting this part of the world three times in the past five years, it’s safe to say that this month will be one of my favorite months on the Posh Voyage’s blog.
Starting with the Patagonia region, today we are featuring our favorite hotel in the mountains of Patagonia, Llao Llao.
Experience Patagonia in a luxurious setting that perfectly combines the rustic of nature with the plushness of a 5-star hotel. Situated spaciously between the Moreno and Nahuel lakes and the Cerro Lopez and Tronador mountains, this is hotel is breathtaking in a non-understated way. The hotel was built in 1938 while the territory was completely un-inhabited. A fire partially destroyed the hotel in 1940, but it managed to come back and reopen at Llao Lao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa. The hotel is handcrafted from Cypress and Pine-hemlock trees and contains two wings: Ala Bustillo and Lago Moreno.
The Bustillo Wing is part of the original hotel overlooking the Cerro Lopez mountain peak and Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes. The charming history of the hotel is found imbedded within each of the 162 rooms, 11 studios, and 12 suites. The Lago Moreno Wing is a blend of classic Llao Llao style and modern Patagonian design. The Lago Moreno Wing comes with 43 deluxe studios, 17 Lake Suites, 2 Master Suites, and 1 Royal Master Suite overlooking Lake Moreno and Mt. Tronador. The standard rooms are on the smaller side, but a tall person could fit in them just fine! Our favorite room would be the Lake Moreno Cabin. It has majestic views and all the amenities of the hotel while feeling like you’re on your own private land. It has two bedrooms- perfect for a family or couples’ getaway.
This resort is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. They have every outdoor activity imaginable including windsurfing, kayaking, hiking, and even mountain repelling. They offer 4 types of guided walks: Aerobic, Recreational, Nordic, and Naturalistic. Depending on your inclination towards hiking, each of these walks offers something different. The hotel staff’s favorite walk is the Recreational walk. The guide will take you on a 2-3 hour trek to gorgeous destinations depending on the weather and group’s personal opinion. If you’re there in the winter I would opt for the Nordic Walk, they provide you with telescopic poles to keep you from slip and slide.
Llao Llao also has a gorgeous mountainside private golf course, offering 360 degree views of the lakes and mountains. If you’re not a cold weather fan, this is the perfect place to escape the winter and enjoy the outdoors in the summer weather December through February. Or, if you’re in the mood for some skiing mid-July, Mount Catedral is open to the public in general. Personalized and exclusive assistance could be found in our mountain lodge “Llao Llao” at the base of Mt. Catedral during the months of July and August.
Those who have stayed at Llao Llao rave about the exceptional service and surprise those with even the highest of standards. Many people cannot go just once, most of their guests are returning for their 3rd or 4th time! Picture yourself sitting by the fire after a long day of skiing or hiking enjoying a courtesy sunset cocktail, is it perfection? If so, I think it’s time to head to Patagonia.
Photographs courtesy of the property.