The best wine country you’ve never visited? Just south of Mendoza, Argentina. And the best hotel just waiting for you to stay? The Vines Resort & Spa, a stunning property whose heart and soul revolves around the wine country in which it is nestled. Located in the Uco Valley, known best for its Malbec wines, the all-villa Vines Resort blends old-world luxury with modern romance that is the perfect setting for a vinophile’s dream vacation (by the way, no kids under 12 allowed).
The terroir of the Uco Valley is one of the region’s main draws, with its views of the Tupungato Volcano in the north and the Andes mountain range to the west. As such, the 21 villas of the Vines Resort all pay homage to its beautiful surroundings by leveraging indoor and outdoor designs; this isn’t a hotel where you’ll be spending much time trapped in your room. Whether you opt for a two-bedroom villa (featuring over 2,700 square feet of indoor and outdoor space) or a more modest 1,000 square foot one-bedroom villa, you’ll have access to private decks and stunning views either of the property’s garden, the Andes mountain, or the rooftop terrace.
Rooms are outfitted in neutral, earthy tones that underscore the understated luxury of the entire property. The focus, after all, should be on the natural surroundings, which is why the villas boast large windows that offer unadulterated views of some of the best winemaking land to be found. Indeed, some villas even come with outdoor showers and tubs, so you can maximize the amount of time you spend enjoying the vistas.
With “spa” in the property’s name, it’s no wonder that the Vines offers world-class treatments that take place in indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a covered outdoor jacuzzi, and a private garden with a river-inspired river feature. Don’t miss the temperature-controlled pool with stunning views of the Andes (and chef-created snacks offered poolside).
Of course, you don’t have to make your way to the spa to experience this level of pampering. Rather, all villas come with expansive bathrooms with walls made of local stone, as well as signature spa products. The water pressure from the showerheads is perfect for relieving stress and tension – either if you’ve just arrived from the outside world or are looking for some reprieve from the day’s activities (like exploring the 1,500 acres of vineyards or horseback riding).
Indeed, activities are part and parcel of a complete stay at Vines; whether your preference is to be guided through the countryside by gauchos (Argentine cowboys), practice your sun salutations in the vineyard, take a heli-skiing excursion right from the resort, or making your own wine blend in the on-site winery, the Vines has an activity for your adventure and activity level. Of course, it would be foolish to leave the property without having indulged in just a little bit of wine – there are hundreds (really, thousands) of bottles kept in the cellars, which are paired beautifully with Chef Francis Mallmann’s local ingredient-centric creations. Have a meal at Siete Fuegos (Seven Fires), which pays homage to the Chef’s love of open-flame cooking; given the country’s focus on cattle, that open-flame will likely touch beef, which pairs beautifully with Malbec or other robust reds from the Uco Valley.
For those who are truly beguiled by their stay at the Vines, purchasing one of the villas is an option. Of course, you could take things a step further and also consider purchasing a private plot of land within the vineyards and start bottling your own wines as your special keepsake.
A delight for both the epicurean and adventuresome, the Vines Resort and Spa is one property that you’ll come back to again and again and still never want to leave.
Top Takeaways
Location: Uco Valley, Argentina
Address: Uco Valley, Ruta Provincial 94, km 11,Tunuyán, M5565 Mendoza, Argentina
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Winery chic
Food + Drink: Dine on-site at Siete Fuegos, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Given that the resort is a winery, there’s plenty of wine to be found as well.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Don’t miss the chance to learn from the winemakers with hands-on experiences.
Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool; Fitness center; Spa; Restaurant; Bar; Excursions
What’s nearby? Plaza Distrital; Plaza San Martín; Plaza Barrio Los Blancos; Parque de la Estación
Rooms: 21 suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $900/night
Closest Airport: Francisco Gabrielli Airport (MDZ)
