Nice holiday resort in Argentina or Uruguay?

[CarverFan]

Can anyone recommend a holiday resort in Argentina or Uruguay suitable for young kids (under 4) and grandparents? Is there anything along the lines of Club Med? Thanks!

 

[chris]

Four Seasons Carmelo, Uruguay:
http://www.fourseasons.com/carmelo/

 

[fifs2]

Four Seasons Carmelo, Uruguay:
http://www.fourseasons.com/carmelo/

I'll second Chris' s recommendations in terms of my own fun stays there as I like the spa treatments, a pool, the gym and tennis courts and the great accommodation BUT for small kids the pool is a bit cold on even the hottest day and whilst beautiful wouldn't pass any Health & safety laws in US or UK.. The horseriding is good, the casino entertaining for the oldies but I'd honestly say you'd be bored after 3 days there and the flies will start to get to you anyhow..serious mosquito location this one. I love the place but it may lack the life and stimulus that younger kids and old parents need if Club med is your style.

Carilo in Argentina is a resort with more variety of things to do. It has the beach and the hotel pool, the spas, the sports facilities, kids' playgrounds and a good choice of restaurants and shops so I'd think it may be more in line with what you're looking for. The best accomodation options are large bungalows where you can live like a family but with all of the faciilities..just google family vacations in Carilo and you'll get lots of options. Mar de Plata and Pinamar are very big resort towns with loads to do but quite frankly there's just so many people there in tourist season that it ruins the experience (for me at least). I've also heard great reviews for Mar de las Pampas but I've never been.
Best of luck with the search.

 

[chris]

I recommended Four Seasons because I thought the poster wanted a resort in the sense of a private hotel with spa, etc. Carilo is very nice but very crowded in summer, especially February and there is no resort hotel complex like Four Seasons.

 

[alexandraeason]

I highly recommend Playa Vik - they have a beautiful green hotel on the ocean and an estancia a few miles from the ocean both in Jose Ignacio. The staff is super professional and there to assist you in every way. Not an ounce of luxury is spared - and its a green hotel! Both hotels are kid friendly The owners modeled their "retreats" to be home away from home. We've vacationed there twice and plan on returning. Went with our 1 year old and friends 2 year old. Each time families were there.

http://www.vikretreats.com/

 

[fifs2]

I recommended Four Seasons because I thought the poster wanted a resort in the sense of a private hotel with spa, etc. Carilo is very nice but very crowded in summer, especially February and there is no resort hotel complex like Four Seasons.

No need to be defensive, I didnt mean to insult your opinion ..I LOVE the Four Seasons too but having been there with a child under 3 and grandparents just offering the benefit of my direct experience! The oldies are easy to pacify with a beer at the pool but the under 4's are seriously demanding and need mega stimulus and TFS just doesnt have that..which is why I still love it as a parent whose kids will soon both be over 4 and where I will be heading again in 2012!

 

[CarverFan]

Thanks all, those places look nice but still looking for something a bit more family orientated if anyone else has any idea. Will try googling Carilo...

 

[chris]

I wasn't being defensive. I just didn't think of Carilo as a resort whereas Four Seasons definitely IS a resort. Not sure Argentina has what the poster is looking for.

 

[CarverFan]

Chris, I think you're right, they don't have that kind of thing here. Actually club med has an Argentine site, www.clubmed.com.ar but so far it's for booking elsewhere...

 

[Matt84]

Hello, just logged in to clarify that what CarverFan specifically asked, an Argentine or Uruguayan version of Club Med, is called "Solanas" for the beach and "Las Lenas" for ski. Yes those places are the exact copy of a club med.

solanas was designed for families and it's stood the test of time. It's west of Punta del Este, Uruguay. google "punta ballena". tranquil swimming beach, a cove actually, no surf (unlike the violent waters of carilo), hiking trails, grouts, and the safety of being in a closed compound within an already safe country.

you may book here
http://www.alquilerengreenpark.com.ar/es/eldepartamentosolanas.html
or
http://www.solanasvacation.com.ar/
or
I know an owner who rents

that said, that playa vik looks as beautiful as expensive (but a bit far from the sea...), but don't take your family to carmelo...