Known for its distinctively European flavor, culture and sensibility, Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers many alfresco experiences, such as picturesque parks and open-air spaces that are interspersed throughout the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Amidst the urban landscape, unexpected outdoor escapes are always a joy to discover, such as the multi-tiered gardens at Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, as well as the nearby Tigre Delta area, just a short boat ride away from the city. Here are our favorite places to eat, sleep and play during a visit to Argentina’s bustling capital.
Eat
A restaurant, bookstore, flower shop and garden combined, the lovely Casa Cavia is filled with wondrous details that appeal to locals as well as tourists seeking an exceptional meal.
With a tranquil ambiance, this classic-style manor house features a courtyard accented with fountains and statues, offering a retreat where customers can enjoy a relaxing dining experience and peruse the on-site shops. Inside, the bright and modern minimalist decor allows the food to take center stage. Fresh salads, seafood and meat specialties are artful as well as delectable.
According to founder Guadalupe Garcia Mosqueda, Casa Cavia has introduced a new chef: Julieta Caruso, former head chef of the world-famous Mugaritz restaurant in Spain. Creating a menu with unique dishes influenced by literature, she hopes to shine a spotlight on the fusion between food and the written word.
www.casacavia.com
Sleep
A palace and a former private residence, the majestic Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires hotel is located in the city’s exclusive Recoleta district and known as one of the most luxurious destinations in Buenos Aires. With 165 guestrooms, including 39 suites (some with fireplaces and crystal chandeliers), the hotel features a design that blends the modern and traditional, as the property encompasses two distinct buildings: the palace, which was built in the 1930s, and a second, modern structure.
The iconic property, which opened 10 years ago, features grand, multilevel lush gardens that are situated between the two buildings, bridging the old and new. Offering a hidden oasis in the midst of the city, the gardens feature spacious patios, seating areas and fountains, and guests are treated to an emerald-hued panorama from the rooms that overlook this splendid area.
The property’s exceptional restaurants, including Los Salones del Piano Nobile, provide sprawling garden views as well. For a unique gastronomic experience, the hotel features a Masters of Food and Wine series with delights created by the property’s chefs (and chefs from other Park Hyatt properties).
buenosaires.park.hyatt.com
Play
Situated about 30 minutes from the city center, the Delta Tigre is worlds away from the bustle of Buenos Aires. Sightseeing tours provide relaxing excursions along the marsh-like river, with glimpses of modest homes atop stilts, local fisherman and a fair number of commercial watercraft floating by.
For a luxurious experience, visitors can spend the day at Isla El Descanso, a private island resort on the banks of the Parana River surrounded by an expansive sculpture garden with meandering walking trails, bucolic footbridges, gorgeous flowers and foliage. It’s no surprise that celebrities — including musicians such as Madonna and U2 — have escaped to this magical 40-acre property for an afternoon, as it offers solitude and rustic beauty.
Owned by nature-loving entrepreneur and art collector Claudio Stamato and his partner, co-creator Andres Felipe Duran, the gardens have evolved over several years and feature thought-provoking, inspirational and whimsical sculptures and other works by a number of respected artists. Isla El Descanso also features a swimming pool and a lake and can accommodate both small and large groups. Guests can arrive via boat or, for a more exclusive experience, via helicopter.
www.islaeldescanso.com
