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 striped headboards and bright red and teal 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 Corner Rooms, which are more private (as you have no neighbours) and come with a Nespresso machine. All have air conditioning, safe boxes, hairdryers, TVs (ask for a DVD and CD player if you want one) and 2 phones; some have internet access. 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 Grand Villa - which can be booked for either 2 or 3-4 people. 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, either a hot tub or Jacuzzi, and complete privacy. The Grand Villa has a full kitchen; if booked for 2, the second bedroom is blocked off.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box

Eating

Mendoza is the place in Argentina for wine, and it’s perhaps not surprising that the food produced here is of the highest standard too. Cecilia and Martín’s vision for the restaurant was that it should provide simple, elegant food with a distinctively Latin American flavour, rather than the French aspirations of many top Argentine eateries.

The chef trained in Buenos Aires’ best, Oviedo, and creates truly inspired dishes using locally sourced vegetables and fresh seafood from just over the border in Chile. 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.

Cavas’ restaurant is really one of the finest in the region, so while you might lunch elsewhere if touring bodegas, make sure you dine here every night: you won’t be disappointed.

The lodge also 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.

Those staying in the Grand Villa have the option of self-catering as it has a full kitchen. But if you did want to dine in-villa (or under your pergola, or on your rooftop), perhaps ask that a professional make use of your kitchen instead, and request a private chef to cook for you - the food that the chefs whip up really is spectacular.

Features include:

• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• 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
  
  
• Wine is the other main attraction here. Book a guide and driver to pick you up in the morning and take you to 3 wineries in a day, stopping at one for lunch and allowing plenty of time for a serious tasting at each. There are big wineries such as Trapiche and Familia Zuccardi, as well as smaller ones such as the fabulous Tempus Alba. Carlos Pulenta’s inspiring Bodega Vistalba, with magnificent architecture, is nearby
  
  
• You could also 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)
  
  
• It’s definitely 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 you may wish to 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 for these and is very picturesque. Ask staff for a guide, who will meet you the night before your expedition to discuss what you’d like to do
  
  
• You can play golf 15 minutes away
  
  
• Skiing is possible at 2 places in Mendoza, from late June to September. The world-famous Las Leñas is in the south of the province, but the humbler family resort of Los Penitentes is just 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
  
  
• Back at the hotel, take cooking lessons in local cuisine

Activities on site or nearby include:

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

Kids

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

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Grand Villa has a second bedroom, a sofabed and a full kitchen.

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Cavas Wine Lodge 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. It's served by several direct flights per day from Buenos Aires, as well as some flights from other Argentine cities and Santiago de Chile - click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
The drive from the airport takes around 45 minutes, and Cavas Wine Lodge can arrange for a transfer; enquire when booking. A taxi will cost a similar amount.

By Car:
It’s a good idea to hire a car to explore the area, as the wineries are pretty spread out and the scenery is stunning. See our car rental recommendations - and get a map to make sure you know where you’re going before you set out, as the roads are badly signposted.

By Bus:
Mendoza can be reached by a long 16-hour bus journey from Buenos Aires. This might sound like torture, but with fully reclining coche cama seats, it’s actually pretty comfortable. Once in Mendoza, travelling by bus to the bodegas is not practical, since they’re spread out and buses are infrequent.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.

More on getting to Argentina and getting around