Known for its unique beach lined coast and verdant interior, Uruguay is definitely a must visit South American country. The beautiful culture of this country is like no other, and one of their most visited places would have to be Jose Ignacio. This upscale, classy, and a bit flashy village turned resort has recently been visited by some of the wealthiest celebrities and business tycoons around the world. From the cocktail bars, spas, 5-star restaurants, exclusive beach resorts, and state-of-the-art fitness centers, José Ignacio will definitely give you a vacation experience like no other. If you’re planning to travel to José, here are a couple places you must visit and things you should do to get the best out of your experience.
Kitesurfing scene at Laguna Garzon
Where to Stay
Bahia Vik
Bahia Vik
Set in a more residential styled area, this sleek hotel is just 1 kilometer away from the famous José Ignacio Lighthouse. Their modern styled rooms are also filled with funky art pieces making it quite different from other hotels in the area. Free wifi is also included along with complimentary breakfast, various walking distance restaurants, two tennis courts, a sauna, outdoor pool, and game room.
For a more luxurious hotel experience, you should definitely consider staying at the Setai hotel. Offering 25k square foot beachfront lodges, only ten rental villas available, and housing just 40 residencies, you really get a feeling of exclusivity like no other. On top of that, the hotel houses one of the best restaurants in town styled under a Moroccan themed tent. Known as the most exclusive resort in the country, this 5-star retreat features only the best of the best. The world-renowned architecture of Denniston makes every inch of this place simply picturesque.
Casa Suaya
Casa Suaya Boutique Hotel
We stayed here the two times we visited Jose Ignacio and we loved this place. In the morning you are awaken by the birds singing outside the window. The rooms oversee the beach and the ocean. Suaya has meticulously created a rambling beachside estancia offering four acres of rolling pampas, horse pastures and sandy dunes.
What To Do
Manantiales
A must do activity that should be on every itinerary is going to the Manantiales. Here you can take up one of the workshops at the Atchugarry Foundation. You will be immersed with International Sculptures throughout the 30 hectares that depicts a great level of diversity and dignity in each piece as well. At this lovely park, you will be near some of the best local eats nearby as well including a Fish Market that offers some of the best fresh gazpacho and codfish sandwiches. There is nothing like a relaxing day filled with art and good food surrounded by nature.
The Lighthouse
As you walk through the center of Punta del Este, you may initially think it’s all just upscale and fast-paced places. However, as you cruise through a bit closer to La Barra, you will get to experience some of the most amazing waves for surfing in the world. One of the main landmarks of the country is their picturesque lighthouse in José Ignacio. When you go inside any of the lighthouses but specifically the one here, you will get a glimpse of the gorgeous South Atlantic ocean. You will also get to have a better view of the entire town with such wonderful silence and tranquility.
Beach Hopping
Lastly, no vacation to Jose Ignacio is complete without going to their world-famous beaches. The fine sand, clear water, and not so populated beaches make them simply some of the best beaches in the world. A few of their best beaches include La Mansa, La Posta del Cangrejo, Bikini Beach, and of course La Brava. Unlike most beaches in western countries, the beaches here are always so well maintained making them some of the country’s greatest pride.
Laguna Garzon
Take a kitesurfing class in one of the schools in the area or simply enjoy the beatutiful view of the colorful kites dotting the blue sky. The scenery is purely stunning.
Where to eat
Marismo is designed to get you up close and personal with nature. The dining experience is like no other as well where your feet will be rested on soft sand directly under the stars. A fire pit is always at Marismo as well to create a relaxing rustic feel for visitors. However, aside from the top-notch atmospheric features of the restaurant, the food is also simply to die for. They offer an array of fresh, local, and seasonal products making their menu ever changing. The best part is that all their dishes are cooked in their firewood brick oven. To dine here, you must make a reservation quite early in advance, as it is one of the most popular places to eat at in the country.
Although about 45 minutes away from José Ignacio, Bodega Garzón is still worth the trip to visit. Another unique world-class winery that consists of over 524 acres of vineyards houses some of the best wine in the world. World-class Chef Francis Mallmann also owns a restaurant here that offers live fire cooking as well as just a taste of the wine at the vineyard. In the restaurant, you’ll get a panoramic view of the mountain ranges, vines, and unique nature of the country all while enjoying some delicious food. The various flavors infused in their dishes makes it clear as to why it’s considered to be a must stop visit when staying in José Ignacio.
Posada La Huella, photo via Pinterest
Hands down one of my favorite places in Jose Ignacio. The atmosphere simply can’t be more casual chic. The food is amazing and the crowd is beautiful. From their artisanal pizzas to wine, coffee, and main dishes, there will be something for everyone in the family at this laidback restauranat. The atmosphere in this restaurant is also a 10/10 being located right on the Playa Brava.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or not, you will slowly become quite a lover of wine after this amazing tour experience. This all-inclusive daily-ops wine tour includes transportation, three-course gourmet lunch, a visit to 2 wineries trying eight wines, and a chance to meet the owner of the vineyard. At the wine experience, you will also get to go on their horse riding adventure, experience their bodegas, and even go on the country’s first hot air balloon. Overall, there is so much to do at the wine experience making it definitely worth the visit.
Shopping Spree
The best way to complete any chic and stylish vacation is by having a much needed shopping spree. The boho-chic aesthetic of José Ignacio also offers some of the best bungalow-esque stores you can think of. From cultural items to designer pieces, you will get a run for your money when it comes to shopping. The local vendors that can be found in Osklen offer some of the best boiled wool sweaters that are often designed with intricate fabrics. Definitely a must visit place when it comes to shopping. Manos, Sentido, La Rambla William, and Plaza de Los Artenesanos are also fantastic places to go shopping.
One of the best things about visiting José Ignacio is the fact that although it is super chic and upscale, it never gets crazy busy in comparison to other upperclass travel destinations. Everything to do and see is often only walking distance, and so you really get to maximize the activities you get to do in a short period of time. Just make sure to write down a list of all the things you want to do and places you want to see to keep things efficient. Being organized will make the entire vacation a lot less stressful and more fluid. With the things enlisted above, you will undoubtedly get to make the most out of your time in the country and experience the Uruguay beach coast in a way not many people get to.
Photos by Belle Vivir, unles otherwise noted.
