hotels & wellness

The smart and sleek design sense of Fasano Hotels is celebrated from Brazil to this corner of Uruguay. With breathtaking views of natural landscapes, the concrete bungalows ooze with elegance. The complete package at this high-end compound (think: golf, tennis, restaurants, Equestrian Centre, River Club, Beach Club, local experiences) lures an international A-list for overnight stays and year-round living.

LA BARRA / LAS PIEDRAS

CNO. C. EGUSQUIZA + PASO DEL BARRANCO, S/N

FASANO.COM.BR

+598 42670000

Posada Ayana became a haven of hip through the 2020 crisis with arty offerings like movie night and intimate concerts in its luxe living-room lobby for in-the-know locals. The Austrian owners have added five more rooms to their classy casa overlooking the Mansa beach. Now with 17 in total, Ayana has more space for international (adult-only) vis- itors who will, no doubt, be flooding the area to visit their new James Turrell Skyspace installation.

JOSÉ IGNACIO

DEL MARINERO + DEL TIMONEL POSADA-AYANA.COM

+598 91929262

A fashionable fixture that popped up when José Ignacio was still a humble fishing village, Posada del Faro remains a gem. The swanky spot feels like a perfect breezy beach-house rental with high-end ho- tel perks. It attracts a discreet crowd to its 15 whitewashed and cozy rooms on and off season, just steps from the sand.

JOSÉ IGNACIO

CALLE DE LA BAHÍA + TIMONEL FARO

POSADADELFARO.COM

+598 44862110

This eight-room posada, dreamchild of Swiss-born plastic surgeon Jian Farhadi, is an impressively fresh addition to the chic boutique stays in José Ignacio. The Luis Barragán-inspired hacienda touts itself as a “culinary wine lodge” and sits on 35 sprawling hectares with vineyards and olive trees. A retreat at Luz means tennis, swimming, a spa, a pop-up restaurant by Argentine chef Martín Milesi, a Gin Bar, and an exclusive stress-free stay, just a short drive to the beach.

JOSÉ IGNACIO

CAMINO ESCUELA 41

LUZ.COM.UY

+598 99401210

From Carrie and Alex Vik comes a collection of high-end hotels jam- packed with art and luxury. Dotting the José Ignacio area, Vik Re- sorts cover every tasteful tourist’s mood – Estancia Vik (polo and posh nights), Playa Vik (fishing village high-life), Bahía Vik (by-the-sea so- phistication), and Wanderlust (backpacker chic). The Viks love of art and creativity is splashed over each and every hotel room, all full of commissioned work of local artists.

JOSÉ IGNACIO

RUTA 10, KILOMETRO 182,500

VIKRETREATS.COM

+598 94675838

Yogi and Shack mastermind Isabella Channing moved her beloved feel-good establishment to Bahía Vik hotel and is now busting out more moves than her steady yoga schedule: think ballet for kids and adults, personal training, retreats, bodywork, and facials.

JOSÉ IGNACIO

RUTA 10, KM. 182.5

THESHACKYOGA.COM

+598 94494555

Yoga, pilates, and a whole lot more can be found at this stylish sanctu- ary on the road from José Ignacio to Pueblo Garzón.

JOSÉ IGNACIO

CAMINO ING. SAINZ MARTÍNEZ, KM. 2

LASMUSAS.COM.UY

+598 92007334

In the heart of the forest and one block from the sea, Casa Flor is a homey chic hideaway run by Alfonso and Juan Manuel. The two young surfers run the exclusive beachy scene like their own home and are often on hand, chilling with guests or helping them navigate their vacation dreams.

LA BARRA/ MONTOYA

CASA FLOR HOTEL BOUTIQUE

CALLE EXPLORADOR Nº9 + VICTORIA

CASAFLOR.COM.UY

+598 91847945