Conrad
Punta Del Este:
The South Atlantic at Your Feet
Glamorous
Punta del Este (or Punta, as most call it) is the
place to go to for sun and fun in January and February. There
are many fantastic beaches along this coastal strip, with
the Atlantic on one side and the quiet waters of the Rio de
la Plata on the other: One stretch of sand caters to sporty
types, another to supermodels and the jet set, another to
families and one just to teenagers. Punta is also well known
for its beachside residences, lush pine forests, manicured
golf courses, polo fields, land and watersports and exciting
nightlife. Not to mention afternoon tea at L’Auberge
in the distinguished Parque del Golf area. The tea salon overlooks
a garden and pool (and is famous for its homemade waffles).
And you can shop for one-of-a-kind artifacts at the weekend
crafts market at Plaza Artigas.
As for accommodations, the enchanting Conrad Punta del Este
Resort and Casino, a luxury Hilton property just steps from
La Mansa beach, dominates the social scene and has long been
the favorite of wealthy South Americans looking for nonstop
entertainment. This hotel offers everything from fashion shows
and Las Vegas-style reviews to poolside barbecues and torchlit
swimming pools. It is renowned for its enormous 24-hour casino
with 430 slots and 63 tables for baccarat, roulette, blackjack
and poker. The concierge is a good source for the best bars,
discos (La Boîte is an upscale in-hotel club free for
guests) and boutiques along Calle Gorlero, Punta’s main
street. The Conrad also boasts five restaurants, from refined
dining to casual, poolside cafes. And personal trainers are
happy to assist you with your favorite sport or help you train
on the machines at the on-site health club. At the spa, you’ll
feel your stress melt away.
If that doesn’t do it, there’s always the magical
scenery: You can watch the sun rise and set while lounging
on your open terrace with its postcard-perfect views of the
sea. In addition, there are 24 luxury suites and a lounge-style
theatre suitable for dinner parties. Nearby places of interest
include Gorriti Island, with 18th-century fortress ruins;
Lobos Island, one of the world’s largest reserves for
sea lions; José Ignacio, where local fishermen share
the idyllic, rustic landscape with the rich and famous; and
La Barra del Maldonado, the beautiful inlet where locals go
to escape the crowded beaches. Come here once and you’ll
return to the “coolest” vacation spot in the southern
hemisphere again and again.
