Estancia La Bamba de Areco, San Antonio de Areco

Vast swathes of land where the traditions of the Gauchos live on, estancias offer an unmissable glimpse of Argentine culture and nowhere does it quite so well as Estancia La Bamba de Areco. Blending quintessential charm with a secluded location amid the Pampas, 11 rooms and suites dot immaculate polo grade lawns to form one of Argentina’s oldest colonial estancias whilst a sun-dappled pool and Relais & Chateaux worthy restaurant bring touches of modern luxury. Dusted off with a host of activities that take full advantage of the rugged beauty of the surrounding area, the result is an enchanting hideout, where the Gaucho lifestyle lives on in a luxurious new light.

Location

Whether horseback riding and mountain biking in the hills or enjoying a relaxing hot stone massage and a genteel game of bowls in the tranquil gardens, La Bamba offers authentic insight into life in the Pampas. Just a quick hour and a quarter drive north of Buenos Aires, you’ll go from tango in the streets to polo on the fields in no time.

Your Room

Estancia La Bamba de Areco is dotted with sunset-hued buildings amid vast verdant expanses, yet you’ll find just 11 rooms and suites leaving you to feel as if you have a whole estancia to call your own. Honouring traditional estancia style, rooms are clad with dark wooden floors and antique colonial furniture but brought up to date in a juxtaposition of local textiles with modern art. Named after famous polo horses, the rooms at La Bamba have a transporting sense of magic that, without the distraction of TVs and telephones, you’ll have no reason to return from.

Why we like it

Estancia by name, estancia by nature. At La Bamba, you truly do get the authentic estancia experience with the property also home to an international polo team whom you can catch in action during the Argentine polo season between September and December. Elsewhere, the old stables of La Pulperia have now been transformed into relaxing spaces, perfect for nursing a glass of Malbec, but thoughtful touches such as vintage photos and touches of leather and silver remain to keep Gaucho history alive.