Bodega El Molino de Cachi

A charming colonial-style boutique hotel and bodega in an idyllic setting, close to the small town of Cachi in northwest Argentina

Long before the pretty town of Cachi, 3 hours south west from Salta, became a desirable destination, Nuny and Alberto Durand found this magical spot in the picturesque valley west of the town, where a 17th-century watermill ground the local corn. Around it, with exquisite taste, they built a beautiful colonial-style house with just 6 bedrooms - a chic yet peaceful and traditional country finca, where guests receive a warm welcome.

The rooms are very elegant indeed, cleverly marrying local weavings and colonial touches with luxurious finery for some modern pampering. Open your windows to beautiful views of the unspoilt valley, fringed with golden alamo trees and framed by indigo snow-capped mountains. Opposite, the bright square of scarlet is a field of peppers laid out to dry. The air is pure and the silence complete. Discover the ruined pre-Incan city of Las Pailas nearby, take tea on the terrace with Nuny’s perfect scones, then dine in style under a crystal candelabra with Alberto’s superb wines. El Molino is a very sophisticated retreat indeed.

Highs

• This is a very stylish small hotel - everything was created with panache and to a high standard
• The blissful location, in a quiet valley west of Cachi, provides gorgeous views, lovely walks and utter peace and tranquility
• You’ll get personalised attention - Nuny and Alberto welcome you like old friends
• Alberto’s tiny bodega makes world-class high-altitude wine. Tours can be arranged if you want to see how it’s made
• You can explore the glorious Valles Calchaquíes, with unspoilt villages alongside snow-capped Andean mountains
• Excellent local tours can be arranged through the Durands' son's travel company

Lows

• There are no televisions or phones in the rooms. The helpful staff will bring you anything you need, but expect to switch off from the wider world
• This is an intimate, small hotel - it’s not for big groups or crowds of young people
• You’re 6km from Cachi and 3 hours from Salta so you may well need to hire a car, but the roads can be challenging in poor weather
• Guests usually dine together, meaning less privacy, though it’s a rare chance to chat to Nuny and Alberto and other Argentines (many speak good English). If you’d rather dine alone then just ask - there’s plenty of space
• Don’t expect extravagant gastronomy - the food is mostly simple local fare