The eighth instalment of the globe-trotting series takes in the glamorous upmarket resort of Punta del Este. Located in the southernmost tip of Uruguay, the town boasts both white-sanded beach and huge golden bays, and is a major destination for hedonism and indulgence.
With the high season sitting between December and March, the pace of life here is remarkably laid-back, geared towards rising shortly before noon and partying long into the night. Here, we present a snappy guide to some of the major highlights of this world-class holiday destinations.
Beaches
There are over 20 miles of pristine beaches that line the coasts of Punta Del Este. The most famous ones are Playa Mansa and Playa Brava – for good reason. Their white sands attract people from far and wide, but like all beautiful beaches they are a victim of their own success and can get quite busy at times. For a more relaxing beachside experience, head to nearby but much quieter Las Delicias or Pinares, or if you’ve got your party head on, get yourself to La Barra or the aptly named Bikini Beach for DJs, drinks and dancing.
Do
• Visit the La Mano – the ‘Hand Statue’ rising from the sands of the Atlantic.
• Marvel at the summer houses of the obscenely rich drug barons.
• Watch one of the most amazing sunsets you’re likely to see on our fair planet.
• Surf conditions are great, as is the wind – so get involved whether its windsurfing, surfing or body boarding. The snorkelling is revered too!
Eat
Splashing out...
Lo de Charlie – Intimate seafood bistro
One of Punta’s more expensive restaurants, Lo de Charlie is an intimate bistro with pale violet walls and an open kitchen. You can order a pile of chipirones, or baby squid, sautéed with onions along with an orgy of side dishes like pommes lyonnaises; and — to avenge Steve Irwin — pan-seared stingray with an aromatic saffron sauce. All that, plus a bottle of fruity Uruguayan viognier and cheese-flavored ice cream.
On a budget...
Marismo – South American cuisine
This restaurant is known for its tasty slow-braised lamb and rough-hewn décor of wood tables in the sand, lit by candles and heated by a bonfire (nights can get chilly). Open in high season, from December to February.
Stay
Top end...
Estancia Vik
Set on a seemingly endless landscape of Africa-evoking plains, but just a few minutes from the surf towns of the Punta del Este coast, Estancia Vik José Ignacio is the all-white, art-adorned dream home of a half-Norwegian, half-Uruguayan billionaire with a taste for isolation, contemporary design, and char-grilled meat. Each of the 12 suites has been designed and decorated by a local artist, and if your interests include polo, barbecues, modern art, outdoor pursuits or sun-soaking lethargy, you've come to the right-place…
www.vikhotels.com
Cheap and cheerful...
El Viajero Manantiales Hostel
20 minutes away from the centre of Punta del Este and only 2 km away from La Barra you'll find Manantiales Hostel. Located in the middle of the forest, it boasts four terraces a swimming pool and hammocks. You can enjoy food and drinks, relax and have a sunbath during the day, and drink a cold beer while listening to good music and enjoying a delicious 'asado' (typical uruguayan BBQ) under starry nights.
www.manantialeshostel.com
And for your aural engagement, Sunset Sessions - Punta del Este features sun-kissed cuts to blow away the winter blues; the ideal soundtrack for a night of the exotic.
