Cavas Wine Lodge

Heavenly boutique hotel and glorious spa designed in charming modern style, in the heart of Mendoza wine country

Unquestionably one of the most stylish places to stay in all Argentina, Cavas is luxurious and hip without being remotely pretentious. Set amid vines against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, all is designed for pleasure. The airy entrance lounge is filled with striking sculpture and modern paintings. There's an intimate Moorish spa with wine-inspired therapies, and charming bilingual staff who make you feel immediately welcome. Owners Cecilia Díaz Chuit and Martín Rigal are widely travelled and have brought the highest international standards to this hotel.

The wineries nearby produce excellent wine, and Cavas offers cuisine to match. Sip sauvignon blanc under a shady pergola as you choose from a menu of exquisite modern Latin American cuisine. At night, wind your way through lamp-lit vines to your individual Gaudi-esque creation: your suite has uninterrupted views of the snow-capped Andes and its own divine plunge pool. Inside are swirling organic walls, immense beds, roll-top baths with views; outside, your private deck and plunge pool. Step up to your roof terrace, order a local malbec and survey the mountains as the moon emerges. Utter bliss.

Highs

• Fabulous architecture and innovative interior design
• Amazing rooms: luxurious space and privacy, utterly breathtaking views
• Exquisite food - top-notch and distinctively Latin American, a real draw
• We loved the delicious Bonarda wine - the hotel's own - served as a welcome drink on arrival
• Beautifully calm spa: gorgeous pool with open views of vines, private rooms for treatments and jacuzzis
• Superb wine tastings with an expert sommelier, or tours of nearby wineries with guide and driver

Lows

• It’s pricey – but worth it for a treat
• You’ll need to book ahead as the hotel fills up fast for the popular periods – especially for the wine harvest in March, when you need to give 5 months’ notice!
• Children under 12 are regrettably not allowed – but then this makes for a very calm atmosphere
• During autumn and winter months, rooms can take a while to heat up