Being my first time traveling to South America by way of LAN Airlines, the start of my journey was off to a good one that will live in my mansion of memories forever. LAN is the leading international airline that caters to the South America region and they sure do know how to make you feel comfortable and assure you that with each trip you fly to Latin America, it will be with LAN. Not only was it my first time to South America but flying there in Business Class added to one of the many reasons why LAN gets my vote. From the great hospitality of its staff, 3-course meals with the finest wine of South America, to their impressive 40-plus movie selections to keep you entertained during your flight. Business Class aren’t the only guests who receive the many perks, guests in Economy receive the same treatment… minus the recliner seats. In a matter of a workday schedule, you’ll arrive in one of South America’s most beautiful cities, Buenos Aires.
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Places to Stay
Moreno Hotel
Moreno 376 (C1091AAH)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cradled in the heart of San Telmo in Buenos Aires lays the Moreno Hotel. Formerly a printing house designed by Hungarian architect Johannes Kronfuss and now a contemporary hotel that still holds dearly onto their old school self pull elevator. With spacious rooms with high ceilings, king size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, your nights rest will be one to charge your battery after a 10 hour flight. If you attend the Moreno with a lover, be sure to visit the “Sky Jacuzzi” private area on the terrace that allows guest to enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” and a remarkable view of the city and near by buildings such as “Basilica de San Francisco”, the “Casa Rosada”, the “Plaza de Mayo” and the “Cabildo”.
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Posado Puerto Bemberg Hotel
Fundadores Bemberg (CP 3374)
Puerto Bemberg,
Libertad – Misiones – Argentina
If you make your way to the Atlantic Jungle in Igazu, there’s no other place to stay other than the Posado Puerto Bemberg. A 400-acre estate that belongs to the Bemberg family lays a part of a conservatory for 5000 native plants and trees, organic vegetables and fruit trees. Our Host, Emilio who lived three years without any electricity took us on a trail walk through the jungle to scenes of waterfalls for the perfect mediation sessions and native bird and animal watching. Back in the hotel, you’ll be amazed with their library of over 2,500 books all about South American and Argentinean culture, dine on mouth watering meals like Pacu fish with herbs such as I had. To end the night, walk down to La Cave, their wine cellar that holds over 1,500 bottles. Posado Puerto Bemberg is a perfect getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle that allows you to be one with Mother Nature.
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Faena Hotel
Martha Saltti 445 (C1107CMB)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
From the creative minds of Alan Faena and Philippe Stark is the Faena Hotel, which wears the crown when it comes to hotel design and amenities in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires. Walking through the front door alone will give you a sense of something special to come but with each further step in the hotel, you become astounded by beauty. Each room gives you a taste of mid-century classical and modern furniture, fully mirrored bathroom and red velvet curtains. Equipped with home entertainment centers. Trust me when I say this, TV will be one of the last resorts of entertainment when staying at the Faena. Take a trip down to the spa and sauna, which will melt away all your troubles and stress. Faena turns into a full resort with tango shows, live band performances in their lounge, fully equipped gym, beauty salon and business centers.
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Palermitano Hotel
Uriarte 1648,
Palermo Soho
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Located in the heart of one of my favorite neighborhoods, Palermo Soho of Buenos Aires is the cozy luxurious boutique hotel, the Palermitanto. Only a few steps from everything that you will need, from fashion boutiques, more-than-you-can-count cafes and restaurants and one of my favorite things to look for when traveling, amazing street art. Palermitanto features sixteen stylish rooms for the creative and distinguished travelers. Adorned with modern European and contemporary designs, you’ll rarely have to use the overhead lights with the abundance of natural light. I measure hotels by their bathrooms and Palermitanto makes my list as one of the best for hotels I’ve stayed at.
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Places to Eat
Caseros
Avenida Caseros, 486
San Telmo, Buenos Aires
As soon as I reached Argentina, Caseros was the first place for me to eat and it was a start to many delicious meals to come. Located in the beautiful and quiet area of San Telmo filled with elegant architecture on tree-lined streets, Caseros makes you fell as though you’ve taken a short break from the city and can now enjoy a filling meal. As soon as you walk in, you can get a feel of the ambiance that you will be in for a treat. Starting off with the ceviche and plantain chips appetizer, with an explosion of flavor that will make your mouth salivate each time you think about it. For my entrée, I ordered the chicken stuffed with herbs and slightly grilled potatoes, with a glass of their limeonade, which turns out to be a sought out drink after noticing more than half the restaurant was indulging in it as well. Caseros had many items on their menu that I wanted to try and would definitely visit on my next trip to Buenos Aires. With decent prices for their appetizers and entrée starting from 19 pesos to 39 pesos, you can’t go wrong with Caseros.
Isabel
1664 Uriarte
Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires
The second restaurant I dined at wasn’t exactly a restaurant but more of a tapas bar for the “cool”. The food is decent. As a seafood lover, I was glad to taste their grilled shrimp, sashimi, octopus and the other delicacies for carnivores. The décor of Isabel is one of their strong points. Their ceilings are designed with black tip light bulbs and fully mirrored bathrooms. If you need to take a cigarette break or get some alone time with the cute Argentinean you’ve been making eye contact with across the restaurant, take your drink and visit their marble courtyard with a fireplace.
L´Abeille
Arroyo 872
Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of the first swankiest places we dined while in Argentina. L´Abeille is more than just a restaurant, you can come in with a few friends and have a few cocktails from hand-chosen ingredients imported from all over the world. If you ever make it there, be sure to try their Chiwi (Jack Daniel’s, soda, sugar, fresh mint and fruit pulp). L´Abeille also offers a selection of quality cold-dishes such as Uruguayan caviar, crepes, blinis and fresh oysters. The atmosphere and décor with ebony paneling and uniquely lit bar makes it a great place to have a drink and unwind for the evening. As long as you don’t mind the view of beautiful Argentinean socialites to business executives putting final details on mergers, enjoy the evening at L´Abeille.
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Nuss
El Salvador 4916 (C1414BPP)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nestled in the heart of my favorite neighborhood, Palermo Soho lays the Nuss Hotel. Once a Spanish-style convent, Nuss has transformed into a boutique hotel. After our city tour of Buenos Aires, it was time to fill our stomachs with more delicacies. We started with a traditional Caesar salad, and waited for our bacon wrapped steak with boiled potatoes. Cooked well and eased the stomach growling, it was time for dessert. Cheesecake with blueberries and raspberries and a chocolate ice cream to end your meal after you’ve just held a conversation with local kids about their favorite rap artist, 50 Cent.
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Gardiner
Av. Rafael Oligado 6211 esq. La Pampa
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Our last dinner during our stay was at Gardiner. Decorated with finesse with dim lights and filled with the who’s who of the Argentine social life, there was no disappointment in our menu selections. You can have the choice of dining indoor or outdoor but during our stay, which was their winter, indoor was the best and only choice. Like many of the restaurants in Argentina, you will find a huge Italian French and Spanish influence. Red wine is almost a necessity with any meal you have, my choices would be Malbec to provide that blend with my salmon with Yamani rice and shrimp. Others at the table partaked in Argentine steak that will be some of the best you’ve tasted. Gardiner is definitely a place to bring your spouse, friends and family and bask in the moment of the Argentine good life.
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And just like that, it all comes to an end.
