Destinations

From guest blogger Jeanne Parrent, Founder of Boom Voyage.

Chase the winter blahs with a visit to Buenos Aires. Posh hotels, wonderful restaurants, the tango, and it’s one place in the world where your dollar can still go farther. Buenos Aires is home to almost half of Argentina’s people. Visitors often describe the city as reminiscent of Paris with its European-style squares, broad streets and lively cafes. There are excellent shopping and great museums by day, and a very active night scene including the city’s famed tango clubs, where you can watch or dance as you fancy.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Buenos Aries is eat. The city is known for its vibrant restaurant scene with more than 3,500 eateries. World-famous Argentine beef is showcased in parrilladas (open fire cooking) and asadors (steak houses). Along with standard steaks are organ meats and sausages, all set off by the traditional chimichurri sauces. Try Cabana Las Lilas for a wonderful and upscale dining experience, but come hungry! While eating here is not cheap, Argentine wines offer excellent value for the price. When you’ve had enough beef, the city also offers lots of ethnic dining options.

This city almost does not sleep. Dining is late by US standards, and dancing and fun go on in the city’s bars and tango clubs until dawn. An excellent and historic tango show is offered at Esquina Carlos Gardel, named for the popularizer of the national dance. Find your own favorite spot to tango among the many clubs in Palermo Viejo.

Where to stay? There are lots of upscale choices, but the undoubted grande dame of the city is the Alvear Palace Hotel, which has reigned undisputed since the 1930s. She has kept up with the times, though, opening a new 8,000 square foot spa last June. There are also excellent Park Hyatt and Four Seasons properties here.

If you want to take in more than just the city of Buenos Aires, consider a visit to one of the many estanchias (guest ranches) within a few hours of the city for a taste of true gaucho life. If you are a nature lover, the Tigre Delta offers islands, beautiful scenery, bird watching, and trails. Finally, take a ferry ride to Uruguay and the city of Colonia (a day trip) or only three hours travel time, but a world away in relaxation, add a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Carmelo in Uruguay. Here you enjoy unmatched privacy, romantic ambience, and a host of activities including spa, golf, horseback riding and pools while you unwind after your urban adventure in Buenos Aires.

Approximately 30 minutes south west from San Francisco, and beautiful drive at that, Half Moon Bay is the place to retire to from the hectic pace of life in Silicon Valley.

Place to Stay: With a truly incredible golf course, as well as stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Ritz Carlton has created an oasis in Half Moon Bay. In addition to bringing your golf clubs, be sure that the kids come along as well: the Ritz has an excellent family program designed to entertain and educate children of all ages.

A must is to enjoy a cocktail at Sundown on the patio while watching the waves crash against the coast and listening to sounds of the hotel’s resident Bagpiper. Since opening the hotel has employed a Bagpiper to welcome the arrival of evening, which is an excellent reminder to head to Navio for an incredible array of seafood and local fare. While the deserts there are spectacular, I would recommend joining friends around the fire pits outside for Smore’s and hot chocolate, the perfect capper to any fun filled day.

Fun to do: What better way to escape from the world of technology than to go horseback riding on the beach. Many reputable places dot Half Moon Bay though we tend to gravitate to Sea Horse Ranch. From the Ranch you will ride along well maintained trails before ultimately ending up at Sunset Beach. Rental rates start at $40.00 per person per hour but group rates can be negotiated in advance.

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.