Awasi Mendoza

Rooms

From the main building, you see several strange and intriguing curved structures rising up from the regular rows of vines. Surely not? Yes, these are the guest rooms, and as you’re shown along a winding path to your own private cabin, prepare for a most unexpected surprise.

What might seem otherworldly from the outside is interiors-magazine-plush inside: curved white walls, concrete floors and irregular archways give interesting glimpses of far-off spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows let in dazzling sunlight. Huge beds are dressed with pristine white linen, offset by warm earthen-tone textiles. Little niches hold rustic sculptures to remind you that this is rural Argentina. Sliding doors open directly onto your private, screened-off deck, complete with comfortable loungers, a plunge pool and an outside shower - all beautifully lit for night-time dips. Back inside, the bathroom has a huge claw-foot roll-top bath, also with open views, plus plenty of wine-based toiletries, sumptuous towels and bathrobes, all encouraging you to linger. Climb up steps curving around your little home to find a private roof terrace with a fireplace, and clear views across the vines to the Andes beyond.

There are 2 types of room: Luxury Rooms, which are the 'standard' ones, and more expensive Front Row Rooms, which are more private (as you have no neighbours). All have air conditioning, WiFi, safe boxes, hairdryers, and phones. There’s a minibar too, and you can make delicious leaf tea with a selection from Teeson provided. Staff can arrange for the sofa to be made up as an extra bed for children over 12.

The newest additions are 3 villas, which we haven’t had a chance to see yet: 2 Vineyard Villas, and a Two Bedroom Villa – which can be booked with the use of either one or both double bedrooms (if booked for 2, the second bedroom is blocked off). All are at least twice as big as the rooms and are decorated in the same elegant style, plus you get the added bonus of a living room, a hot tub, and complete privacy. The Two Bedroom Villa also features a full kitchen. 

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Central heating
• Coffee / tea making
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Plunge pool
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

Mendoza is the place in Argentina for wine, and it’s perhaps not surprising that food here is of the highest standard too. Our grilled calamares with rocket salad was gorgeous, and was followed by delicious freshly made ravioli filled with ricotta and walnuts. There are surprising delicacies, too, such as the locally reared chivito (kid), expertly cooked so that it’s perfectly succulent, and melt-in-the-mouth grilled squid served with piquant black beans.

Tables are smartly laid either in the elegant dining room, or on the terrace with its vineyard views and pergola of vines. Great trouble has clearly been taken to make sure that your fine wine - from a superb list - will be met with the kind of accompaniment it deserves. The lodge has its own sommelier, who will give you a personalised tasting and a quick course in the wines of Mendoza in the hotel's own cave, an atmospheric room under the main building with wonderful stained-glass tables.

Features include:

• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Wine is a main draw here: book a guide and driver for a day tour (normally three stops, including one for lunch) with plenty of time for some serious wine-tasting; Trapiche and Familia Zuccardi are big-name wineries, Tempus Alba is smaller but fabulous (and Carlos Pulenta’s inspiring Bodega Vistalba, with magnificent architecture, is nearby)
  
  
• Or set off by bicycle to visit wineries - ask for a map, and make sure you have a packed lunch or have booked ahead for lunch at a bodega (reservations are generally required)
  
  
• Head to the spa: Moorish in design, it has a central courtyard with a fountain and loungers, plus a sauna, Jacuzzis and treatment rooms - some with twin baths, so you can be pampered à deux
  
  
• It’s worth getting out into the mountains: ask staff for a guide, or hire a car and head off towards Chile, with marvellous trekking in the foothills of Aconcagua en route. However, a day trip wouldn’t give you much time to walk, so maybe add this to the end of your itinerary
  
  
• Mendoza's superb landscape is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities, including rafting and horse riding. Los Potrerillos, just an hour away, is a good base and very picturesque
  
  
• You can play golf 15 minutes away, or take cooking lessons at the hotel
  
  
• Skiing is possible from late June to September: world-famous Las Leñas is in the far south of the province, or the humbler Los Penitentes is 2 hours away
  
  
• Mendoza, just 20 minutes away, is one of Argentina’s loveliest cities: wide tree-lined avenues, pretty plazas and some great boutiques, galleries and restaurants. We recommend The Vines of Mendoza tasting room and information centre, plus the excellent restaurant and wine bar Azafrán

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Golf
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Hot tub
• Museums / galleries
• Private guided tours
• Rafting
• Sauna
• Shopping / markets
• Spa treatments
• Swimming
• Trekking
• Well being
• Wine tasting
• Yoga

Kids

Children over 12 are welcome, and all rooms have a sofabed.

Family friendly accommodation:

Book the Two Bedroom Villa for two double rooms (1 can be a twin), a sofabed and a full kitchen.

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Awasi Mendoza is in the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza, 35km (a 20-minute drive) south of Mendoza city.

By Air:
Mendoza El Plumerillo (35km away) is the closest airport, with direct flights from Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.

From the Airport
The drive from the airport takes around 45 minutes, and staff can arrange a transfer if you'd prefer not to self-drive.

By Car:
We generally recommend hiring a car to explore the area, as the wineries are spread out and the scenery is stunning. Google maps or Satnav are helpful, as the roads are badly signposted.