At the end of April, I had the pleasure of joining a group of ten wonderful ladies on an unforgettable Fam trip to Argentina, generously hosted by Argentina Travel Partners (ATP) and Air Europa.
Flying in Style with Air Europa
A major power outage across Spain tried to throw a spanner into our plans but thanks to our VIP lounge access at Gatwick (complete with complimentary food and bubbles), we were quite happy to wait it out in comfort. From Madrid, Air Europa’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner was a dream indeed — sleek, modern, and super comfortable. The crew was great, making sure we felt taken care of from take-off to landing.
Welcome to Buenos Aires
On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Merina from ATP and our brilliant local guide, Lucelia. Our home for the city stay was the stylish Palladio Hotel MGallery, located in the heart of the elegant Recoleta district. The rooms were spacious, beautifully designed, and complete with balconies — not to mention the friendly staff who made us feel right at home.
One of the real highlights was a gourmet lunch at Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau, with views of the serene gardens, before heading off on a walking tour of the city.
Into the Pampas: La Bamba de Areco
Day two took us out of the city and into the serene Argentine countryside. We visited La Bamba de Areco, a stunning luxury estancia set in the heart of the Pampas.
Those feeling adventurous saddled up for a horseback ride across pristine polo fields — a total thrill for the more experienced riders in the group. The rest of us kicked back and soaked up the view, especially during our open-air asado (Argentine BBQ).
Malbecs & Mountains
After falling in love with the buzz of Buenos Aires, we headed west to the serene wine country of Mendoza — where every glass comes with a view, and every experience feels like a warm invitation to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
A Scenic Start in the Foothills
On arrival, we were whisked off to Puesto del Indio, a stunning new property perched on a hillside with panoramic views stretching across the city and beyond. Our base for the next three nights was the Diplomatic Hotel, perfectly located in central Mendoza. The rooms were vast and comfortable, and it was the perfect launchpad for exploring Mendoza’s most prized gems — its vineyards.
A Blend of Flavours in Luján de Cuyo
The following day, we journeyed into the heart of the Luján de Cuyo region to discover one of the many memorable stops of the trip: Lamadrid Winery, where we learnt the differences between grape varieties before donning our winemaker hats and blending our own bottles — custom label and all.
Cooking, Sipping, and Soaking in the Views
Next up was Cavas Wine Lodge, a romantic, offbeat gem nestled among the vines. We were greeted with aprons, Panama hats, and an array of fresh ingredients laid out under the sun. With guidance from the chef, we whipped up a mouthwatering Argentine feast for our lunch.
Hidden Gems Among the Vines
That afternoon, we explored the luxurious Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites in Chacras de Coria, a serene retreat reflecting the creative spirit of Argentina’s first female winemaker. We then visited Entre Cielos, a peaceful haven with a zen garden, hammam spa, and intimate vineyard charm. Finca Adalgisa followed — a family-owned gem steeped in history, offering chic Scandinavian-style suites and unforgettable tapas under the stars.
Uco Valley: Wine Country at Its Finest
No trip to Mendoza is complete without venturing into the breathtaking Uco Valley, and we started the day at one of the region’s most iconic destinations: Casa de Uco. The setting was nothing short of cinematic — sprawling vineyards, wide-open skies, and the snow-capped Andes towering in the distance.
Lunch was a decadent affair at The Vines Resort & Spa, a renowned property home to 21 luxurious villas (with another 12 on the way!) and a new spa opening soon. We even had the rare chance to peek into the outdoor kitchen where preparations were underway for Siete Fuegos, the fire-driven culinary masterpiece by celebrity chef Francis Mallmann, offered only twice a week.
Lakes, Lodges & Last Tango in Buenos Aires: A Bariloche Escape
After the sun-soaked vineyards of Mendoza, we jetted directly to Bariloche, a seamless two-hour hop that saved us a trip back through Buenos Aires. Nestled in Northern Patagonia’s lake district, Bariloche is pure magic — where snow-capped peaks meet mirror-like waters and every corner feels like a postcard.
We were warmly welcomed at Estancia Peuma Hue, a secluded and soulful retreat, where horses roaming freely, and cabins tucked into the landscape, as well as homemade treats galore. From horseback riding to kayaking, we embraced the crisp Patagonian air before cosying up with hearty meals in the lodge’s rustic comfort.
With perfect weather the next day, we soared up the nearby cable car (10 minutes to the top) to soak in panoramic views of the Andes and Lake Nahuel Huapi, followed by a visit to the iconic Llao Llao Hotel, a grand lakeside property split between its elegant old Bustillo wing and sleek, modern new side.
As if the day couldn’t get better, a surprise sunset catamaran cruise awaited us — complete with fleece-lined ponchos, wine, charcuterie, and the golden glow of the setting sun over the water.
Back in Buenos Aires the next day, we settled into the Sofitel Recoleta for our final night, a stylish and welcoming city hotel ideal for a final night together. We dressed up for a night of glitz and glamour at Faena Buenos Aires — think red velvet, oversized bathtubs, and pure theatrical flair. After a decadent Italian dinner at Bistró Sur, we slipped into the adjoining theatre for the Rojo Tango show with our tiramisu dessert — Argentina’s most celebrated intimate tango performance, and a truly unforgettable finale to our journey.
Thank you to Argentina Travel Partners and Air Europa for taking us on an unforgettable whirlwind tour of just some of Argentina’s never-ending highlights.
For more information on Argentina or any adventures with Argentina Travel Partners, please contact millie@americas.co.uk
