A little Tango for wellness in Argentina
Argentina, country of tango and incredible meat, might not be top of mind when it comes to wellness but with a new government finally (for better or worse), a steady recovery which includes investment in infrastructure and their “Authentic Argentina” campaign things are steadily changing (again, for better or worse). With access to the finest mineral salts and endless amounts of clean air this might just become one of the hottest luxury destinations for wellness. Maybe that’s Evita’s secret all along?
The country itself - with glaciers in the south, the Andes in the west, the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires on the Atlantic Ocean side and a host of unexplored regions in the north - has everything a wellness seeker could ask for. In fact, especially state of the art spa facilities at various properties dotted everywhere, thermal spas (with volcanic, magmatic or telluric origins) to discover, open spaces and of course plenty of untouched gaucho (cowboy) lands for retreat.
Some of the country’s best, I’ve uncovered for you:
* Entre Cielos Hotel & Spa - Mendoza
Hidden away in the center of Mendoza’s best Malbec region Lujan de Cuyo, is where Entre Cielos awaits on eight acres of beautiful land. The hotel has a mere 16 rooms, including a “vineyard loft” with outdoor jacuzzi - perfect for stargazing or post spa treatment private relaxation. Here they pride themselves on being “the first traditional spa and hamam in Latin America” and they have taken this commitment to the thousands of years old concept seriously. For detox, and of course relaxation, they have devised a six stage circuit that combines heat and water plus various massages. After this circuit the spa has an array of vinotherapy (using grapes from the surrounding vineyards of course) treatments that includes grape seed exfoliation and grape extract wine baths. Of course, they also have the usual traditional massages with natural oils and aromatherapy treatments. http://entrecielos.com/spa.html
* Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Golf Spa - Bariloche
Right in the extraordinary Patagonia area of Argentina is where the Llao Llao resort takes care of all your wellness needs. The resort, with an 18 hole golf course, is surrounded by incredible natural beauty - Cerro Lopez and Tronador mountain peaks and the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes. And so on this 15 hectare piece of land is where they host their 43 suites. And most importantly, the spa with a sauna. Besides for the array of massages, monotherapies and aqua therapies that they offer here their speciality is “Smart Dren Treatments.” This includes Edematous Fibrosclerotic Panniculopathy (for cellulitis this treatment improved micro-circulating body conditions through the mobilization of adipose tissue and lymphatic drainage), adiposity (to reduce the volume of localized adipose tissue), stretch marks (the treatments is based on skin toning, drainage and micromassage through ultrasound and drainage) and post cosmetic surgery (with a focus on rehabilitation, eliminating edema, stimulating skin toning and preventative scarring). Be sure to check in with their in-house nutrition expert whilst you’re here. http://llaollao.com
* Four Seasons - Buenos Aires
Madonna, who’s renowned for taking her wellness seriously, famously stayed here while shooting Evita. If you’re taking a suite it has beautiful views over the city, but for something a little more exclusive they have The Mansion next door where you could create your very own wellness retreat with bells and whistles. The Four Seasons takes everything and their spa seriously, which it regards as a full-day retreat. The signature treatment, the Porteño Tango (“porteño” meaning “locals”), makes use of music to guide the massage, while Argentinian hot stones, grape oil and mineral salts, plus algae from the southern part of the country, deliver all the antioxidants you need. There’s a personal trainer on hand at all times if you want to work up a sweat in the gym and they are more than willing to bring in any kind of wellness expert you might require including nutrition and fitness maestros. http://www.fourseasons.com/buenosaires
Correntoso Lake & River Hotel - Villa La Angostura
If you’re interested in being near a lot of water, for its natural healing powers head to the Nahuel Huapi Lake where the Andean Patagonia is at its most beautiful. The peaceful hotel itself is celebrating 100 years in 2017, as a historic retreat for nature lovers and guests looking for a low-key escape. In fact the property is perfectly placed for snow, forest, water escapes - and that includes fly-fishing, trekking, horse riding and all kinds of winter sports. The highlights are, of course, the herbal hammam and spa. Here they tap into the ancient art of herbs to use in their authentic hammam. The focus here in terms of treatments are the basics - massage and massage. But getting that right, with some of the best therapists in the country is an art in itself. Find yourself going for a daily massage and working out the body’s kinks. With the surrounding mountains and water yoga classes (with views) are offered a few times a day - to aid in all that body work. http://www.correntoso.com
* Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt - Buenos Aires
Located in an old Palace, the Park Hyatt was able to maintain the regal attitude but with all the amenities required by a 21st century traveler. The older part of the hotel (the original palace building) has fireplaces and exquisite chandeliers which means you might decide to move in and take over the kingdom. The Spa, Ahín, signifies a welcoming ceremony for an honorary visitor in the native Mapuche language; and that’s exactly how it feels. It’s all belle époque grandeur, even in the spa. They have two private suites (with special tubs) which is the ideal place for treatments fit for a Queen or King. Their special programs, often aimed at those getting married, can span a few hours - the Renew Ritual Remodeller for instance lasts for four hours which includes a massage, a scrub, a detox mud treatment, facial and special attention to the hands and feet. After treatments, having tea, under the trees, in the courtyard is where the most peace could ever be found in this city. http://www.buenosaires.park.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
* House of Jasmines - Salta
Originally owned by actor Robert Duvall, this boutique property is a Relais & Chateaux finery. With a new owner, an aesthete, the laid back country living energy comes through strongly. Located on a ranch (estancia) near the Chilean border on the west of the country it has just seven suites and endless amounts of access to nature. But it is really the vast open spaces, and those Eucalyptus trees, that makes it a place to spend a whole lot of time in. The spa, their pride and joy, includes a hammam, sauna and three treatment cabins. The treatments here include a “House of Jasmines” (full Body relaxing massage, with a wide range of aromatic essential oils) or Lymphatic Drainage (sedative massage that helps the elimination of the body liquids and toxins) or a hot stone massage, reflexology or a Thai Massage. Spend the morning biking around the area and then come and relax in the spa for the rest of the day - it’s the Argentine way of life. http://www.houseofjasmines.com
* Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa - Tierra Del Fuego
Close to the most southern tip of the country is where Los Cauquenes welcomes seekers of fresh air and beauty. The only high end hotel on the Beagle Channel Beach (with snowy Andes in the distance) offers 54 rooms and suites with private access to this very beach. Besides for the usual snow activities that they are known for, the spa (“the spa at the end of the world” as they call it) here takes ancestral techniques into account along with the latest in health and wellness trends. They have 24 types of treatments but their special spa experience is a “spa circuit” which comprises of sauna, hydrotherapy, a facial, a massage and finishing up with time to relax in their unique ‘indoor-outdoor’ heated pool with panoramic views of the Beagle Channel and extraordinary mountain range. It’s simple, as nature intended. http://www.loscauquenes.com
Faena Spa - Buenos Aires
What they call an “oasis of holistic therapies” is exactly what the mind, body and spirit ordered. The Faena Spa, near the water in the capital city, blends ancient healing rituals from around the globe and stresses the importance of firstly awakening a new consciousness and secondly to restore well-being fully. A tough call? But they’re up to the task. The spa offers a package for every chakra - the frown, the throat, the heart, the solar plexus, the sexual, and the basic chakra. The solar plexus chakra’s treatment for instance comprises of a yoga session followed by sauna and time in the hammam, a Biologique Recherché facial (plus head massage) and then a healthy lunch and pranic healing. The treatment ends off with a “Twin Hearts” meditation which cleanses, aligns and energizes the chakras which they believe will leave one feeling “at peace” and with “utter joy”. The session are usually four to six hours long and need a commitment - but the results are evident. if you’re staying longer in BA you could join one of their courses specializing in pranic energy. The teachings are about techniques to deal with energy dysfunctions, perceiving the aura and chakras and then developing the ability to clean and energize them. Here, it’s about learning to self-heal. http://www.faena.com/
Book these, and more, with the help of the good people at travel specialists Abercrombie & Kent USA who books wellness specific travels for seekers of pampering, and better health: http://www.abercrombiekent.com