Showing posts with label Argentina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Argentina. Show all posts

Monday, February 3, 2014

LA BAMBA DE ARECO –A WORLD OF CONTRASTS

NEW YORK, NY (02/14) A little more than an hour from Buenos Aires in the heart of Argentina’s tranquil Pampas countryside, lies La Bamba de Areco, a unique experience awaiting travelers who seek the authentic and the truly different.  One of the oldest estancias in the country, it was recently renovated as a boutique hotel with attention paid to every detail.  From the luxurious accommodation to the celebration of the Gaucho tradition, La Bamba de Areco will awe and relax at the same time.

La Bamba de Areco is nestled in the midst of a magnificent park off the El Camino Real (the road to the north).  Here, you can watch a Polo match, view a horse whisperer work his magic through superlative horsemanship, ride horses, take a carriage ride, lounge by the pool, go mountain biking, learn about the life of the Gaucho, go fly-fishing, and have a massage.   Enjoy exquisite Argentinian cuisine, including mate (special tea)tasting and a true asado (Argentine barbeque) in the vine-covered outdoor dining room.   Indulge in the breathtaking beauty of the Argentinian night sky with a state-of-the-art telescope.  Stay for a while in this paradise or take a brief break as an overnight or day trip from Buenos Aires. 

The colonial style ensemble is approached via an avenue of ancient plane trees off of a dirt road.  La Bamba de Areco houses rooms and suites spread throughout three buildings, with several reception rooms, dining room, library, bar, billiards room, massage room and a boutique where local artwork and leather and silver goods are sold.  The 11 air-conditioned guest rooms and suites are furnished with antique colonial furniture, dark wooden floors, local textiles, and South American art that adds a smart, modern look.  Each has been named after a famous polo pony.  All have views of the stunning countryside and no phones or televisions are there to disturb the romantic atmosphere.

Today, La Pulperia, the oldest building at Le Bamba de Areco, is a luxurious retreat for reading, relaxing or having a glass of wine.  Be enchanted by its charming history.  The building served as a shelter for horses and carriages, hence the name La Pulperia, meaning stables.  It was later converted into an inn where the gauchos would gather to sing, dance and dine.

La Bamba de Areco also serves as the base for the international polo team that bears its name and has two of the best fields in Argentina.  Guests may watch the team play here during the polo season. 
The spacious stables that house the owner’s 18 polo ponies is newly built.  But with the careful attention the owner paid to historical accuracy, it is difficult to detect the difference between the stables and the older buildings.  Walls were painted with traditional blends of pigment and cow’s blood, true to the region’s heritage.

Locally sourced regional food is a major feature of a stay at La Bamba de Areco.  Homemade pastry, croissants and pains au chocolat, and homemade jams highlight breakfast.  Lunch comprises empanadas, traditional asados with beef, lamb or pork, pancakes with dulce de leche and wines from Mendoza.  A more formal, three course dinner with chicken or filet mignon and homemade sorbets ends the day.  Meals may be enjoyed with other guests or in private.

La Bamba de Areco deftly combines total comfort, elegant décor and fine food against a spectacular landscape, magnificent horses, unbroken traditions, and historic architecture.  It is the best of many worlds. 

Rates start at $580 from May 1 to August 31, 2014 and $700 from September 1 to April 30, 2014, per room per night sharing.  A rate for a day stay is $140 in the low season and $180 in the high season.  Rates include accommodation, meals, drinks, horseback riding, pool, mountain biking, trekking, badminton, bird watching, fishing, carriage trips, and bocha. 

For reservations or additional information on La Bamba de Areco, visit www.labambadeareco.com or call 011 54 11 4519 4996.  Email reservations@labambadeareco.com

Friday, January 10, 2014

AUSTRALIS OFFERS FREE AIR FROM SANTIAGO FOR CRUISES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH

SANTIAGO, Chile (01/2014) –Expedition cruise operator Australis announces free air round trip between Santiago, Chile, and the ports of Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina. The airline savings of approximately $900 applies to four-, five-, and seven-night cruises booked for February and March.

For the four-night itinerary fly from Santiago to the departure point for the cruise in Punta Arenas, Chile. The cruise ends in Ushuaia, Argentina, where travelers will fly to Santiago via Buenos Aires. Rates for the cruise start at $2,410 per person sharing, depending on the cabin. Choose from the following departures: February 22 and 26 and March 1, 6, 8, 13 and 29.

The five-night itinerary is a new Tierra del Fuego by Land and Sea launch. Begin and end in Punta Arenas.  Rates for the cruise start at $2,815 per person sharing, depending on the cabin. Choose from the following departures: February 5, March 8, March 23, March 24 and April 7.

The seven night itinerary is a round trip cruise.  The trip will begin and end in Punta Arenas. Ushuaia is the halfway point. Rates for the cruise start at $3,958 per person sharing, depending on the cabin. Choose from the following departures: February 3, March 6, March 8 and March 29.

The cruise is an all-inclusive experience and includes accommodation, all meals, an open bar, shore excursions and on board entertainment. The deal is good as long as supplies last. For more information, visit www.australis.com/landing-enero/ticket-aereo-incluido_en.html.

Friday, August 16, 2013

SHORT AND SWEET, MEET THE REBRANDED FLEET

SANTIAGO, Chile (08/2013) – Expedition cruise line Australis has rebranded its name and logo in order to have a more consistent brand worldwide. Previously, “Cruceros Australis,” the new shorter title will enhance the company profile and resonate with consumers, as the word “Australis” means “South” – and this cruise line explores the southernmost regions of South America.

From Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina (the southernmost city in the world), Australis follows in the path of Charles Darwin, using Zodiac boats for land excursions and a closer look at the pristine geography. Lectures from experts in their field accompany the sightings of the day. In Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the highlight is a visit to Cape Horn, known as the “End of the Earth,” and the last territory before arriving in Antarctica.

Australis employs two ships – Via Australis and Stella Australis – each season from September through April. The company’s 2013/2014 season will soon be underway, complete with three-, four- and seven-night itineraries. Keep an eye out for itineraries resulting from new partnerships (e.g. National Geographic photographer Tommy Heinrich and explora).

Rates for an Australis cruise start at $1,389 per person, depending on the season and itinerary. This includes airport transfers, sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. For more information, visit www.australis.com.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

PATAGONIA IN A NUTSHELL: INTIMATE ENCOUNTER WITH 7-NIGHT ITINERARY

SANTIAGO, Chile (07/2013) – For the first time ever, Cruceros Australis offers a 7-night itinerary through pristine Patagonia. Noted as the only cruise specialist to take passengers on land at Cape Horn – along with many other high-adrenaline excursions – Cruceros Australis provides an intimate encounter with this region. Bonus: with this itinerary, passengers have a choice of activities to further explore Punta Arenas Chile or the most important city in Tierra del Fuego – Ushuaia, Argentina.

With Zodiac boat excursions one to two times a day and complementing lectures from expedition leaders, passengers receive the full impact of the region. (Keep cameras at the ready to capture the photogenic Magellanic penguin along the way and perhaps the unpredictable elephant seals in Ainsworth Bay.)

Should the halfway point be Ushuaia, Argentina – the southernmost city in the world – passengers choose between a four-hour Tierra del Fuego National Park visit and a two-hour Prison/Yamana Museum visit (explore, explore, explore). If the halfway point is Punta Arenas, Chile, passengers can visit two museums and/or the public cemetery, which tells the story of the city in silence. Of course, the pinnacle of the trip is sailing to Cape Horn National Park, 
known as the “End of the Earth” and the last territory before arriving in Antarctica.

A sample itinerary can look like this:

Day 1: Departure from Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2: Disembarkation at Aguila Glacier and Condor GlacierDay 3: Disembarkation at Garibaldi Fjord and Pia Glacier, then sail through Glacier Alley
Day 4: Disembarkation at Ushuaia
Day 5: Disembarkation at Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay
Day 6: Disembarkation in Chico Sound
Day 7: Disembarkation at Brookes Glacier and Ainsworth Bay
Day 8: Disembarkation at Magdalena Island and arrive at Punta Arenas

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience. Rates start at $2,765 and include airport transfers, sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare.

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

CHRISTMAS IN PATAGONIA: CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS OFFERS DEALS FOR THE SEASON


While there won’t be reindeer, cruise specialist, Cruceros Australis, invites travelers to a Christmas with Santa Claus and penguins this winter. With Zodiac excursions and complementary lectures, Cruceros Australis conveys peace on earth with the natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. A big bonus for families looking for quality time together: kids cruise free.

These two four-night expedition cruises depart December 21, 2012 and December 22, 2012 with your choice of Ushuaia to Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. Either way, the route involves Patagonia’s signature wildlife and environment: fjords, canals and glaciers.

While on board, revel in the season as you pass by the raised Christmas tree, enjoy a special Christmas dinner and meet with Santa who will make an appearance with gifts for the children.

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience including sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare. Rates start at $2,187 per adult for these departures, and children 15 and under will sail free (one child per adult).

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS COMMEMORATES WHALE CONSERVATION WITH SPECIAL DEPARTURES


This year marks the 30th anniversary of the vote to end whaling. To show future generations the importance of the conservation of whales and dolphins, cruise specialist, Cruceros Australis, invites travelers to come to Patagonia and join one of four special departures that will take place early 2013. With Zodiac excursions and complementary lectures, Cruceros Australis displays both the beauty and history of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego at the bottom of the world.

These four-night expedition cruises include special programs that incorporate the observation of humpback whales in the Strait of Magellan to effectively demonstrate that education is part of conservation. Guests are taken to Francisco Coloane Park, Chile’s first marine park. In this protected area, they will be on the lookout for humpback whales and will be able to speak with a leading scientist while surrounded by the typical landscape encountered in Patagonia: fjords, canals and glaciers.

The newest ship, Stella Australis, will host the first departure on January 12, 2013. The Via Australis will then take over for February 4, February 20 and March 8, 2013 departures.

Day 1: Departure from Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2: Humpback whale watching around Carlos III Island
Day 3: Disembarkation at the bays of Garibaldi and Pia Glaciers
Day 4: Disembarkation on Hornos Island and Wulaia Bay
Day 5: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina. Check-out is 8am
(Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed due to their natural habits and constant movement.)

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience including sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare. Rates start at $1,989 for these departures.

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

MANTIS ADDS FIVE-STAR CASASUR ART HOTEL IN BUENOS AIRES TO ITS PORTFOLIO OF EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES

Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA - The Mantis Group, marketers/managers of upscale boutique hotels, resorts and game reserves across the world, has added the five-star CasaSur Art Hotel in Buenos Aires to its portfolio of luxurious properties.

CasaSur Art Hotel is a charming boutique hotel located in Recoleta, the city’s exclusive arts district, a lively area teeming with galleries, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. The hotel comprises 36 guest rooms, from smart Executive suites equipped with wifi, a working desk and a French balcony, up to the Grand suite located on the 12th floor, offering panoramic views of the city from its wide, private deck. All rooms are decorated in shades of brown, beige and white, creating a stylish, rotogravure-like effect.

The hotel’s deluxe wellness center offers full-day and half-day spa packages, and its fine dining restaurant called Croque Madame caters to the sophisticated palate. Breakfast is served buffet style, while the sit-down menu items are a mix of regional and international dishes. At five o’clock, guests settle in to the lobby bar for tea and artisanal pastries; grilled sandwiches (the signature “croques”) or tapas and wine selected from the most prestigious Argentinean estates.

Because of its popular location, the CasaSur Art Hotel is ideal for exploring the neighborhood on foot. Beyond Recoleta’s shops and galleries, the district is home to La Recoleta Cemetery, an historic burial ground as renowned for its eclectic architecture as for those entombed in its many mausoleums, among them the country’s “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” former first lady, Eva Peron. After taking a walking tour of Recoleta, visit greater Buenos Aires. With its excellent climate, French and Italian-influenced architecture, bustling arts and music scene, many museums, great cuisine and seductive tango studios, the city is considered one of the most desirable destinations in the world, often compared to Paris.

For reservations: email reservations@mantiscollection.com or visit: www.casasurhotel.com