Destinations

If you’re ready for a warm-weather escape this winter but are searching for a fresh alternative to a beach vacation, consider heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina — the place some call “the Paris of South America”. Buenos Aires has a rich history and a culture that melds great aspects of both Europe and Latin America. You’ll find an exciting city vacation, and your dollar will go far — with a current exchange rate of slightly more than 3 Argentina Pesos to 1 US dollar. That adds up to terrific meals for significantly less than they would cost in many other cities. You can learn how to Tango at night and when daybreak arrives, scour the city’s boutiques, antique shops and art galleries for great finds.

You’ll also find luxury hotel prices that are relative bargains, compared with many other destinations. The Four Seasons Buenos Aires provides the excellent customer experience you would expect from its location in the exclusive Recoleta neighborhood. The nearby Park Hyatt (view pictures here) and Alvear Palace are also excellent luxury hotel options.

The newest boutique property in Buenos Aires — the Axel Hotel — is targeting the large gay and lesbian travel market. The Axel’s rooms are contemporary and comfortable and the staff in this hotel located in the San Telmo neighborhood is friendly and eager to help. The Axel hotel also has two swimming pools — one on an outdoor deck and one indoor pool perched on the rooftop with a glass bottom, allowing guests several floors below in the atrium lobby to see swimmers floating overhead.

If you’re looking for another great destination near Buenos Aires, consider continuing across the Rio de la Plata to the Four Seasons Resort Carmelo, Uruguay, which is surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees. Here you can relax in your bungalow or bi-level suite, enjoy a swim or spa treatment, or go horseback riding or cycling — to name just a few of the resort’s many diversions.