Created by a half Norwegian half Uruguayan billionaire, the Viks of Uruguay, all of which are in José Ignacio, are synonymous with art, design and wine.
Once a sleepy fishing village on the Atlantic shores of Uruguay, José Ignacio is understated and somewhat resembles Southern France.
Drawing in a mixture of A-listers, as well as the Brazilian and Argentinian in crowd José Ignacio is the place to be seen.
There’s surfing, funky beach clubs and shoreside beach shacks serving up grilled seafood and jugs of white wine sangria.
Bahia Vik
True to Vik’s style, curated works of art and sculptures runs through the property. Rooms are unique and each designed individually by a host of Uruguayan artists.
The stars of the show are undoubtedly the 14 villas. Minimalist constructions of steel and glass, they have floor to ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Large infinity pools are dotted around the property with full views of the ocean. Head out for a sundowner when the pools take on a mirror-like quality.
At the on-site bistro El Zodiaco, the ocean is visible from every table. Look upwards and there’s an impressive ceiling mural by Musso depicting the zodiac signs.
Sip ice-cold caipirinhas at Bahia Vik’s own beach club followed by a supper of grilled octopus on the sands.
Serving up a blend of Uruguayan and Mediterranean dishes, food is one of the highlights of staying at Bahia Vik. Indulge in fresh seafood caught off the Uruguayan coast paired with bottles of Vik’s signature wine produced at their Chilean retreat in the Millahue Valley.
Playa Vik
Perched on the side of La Mansa beach, Playa Vik takes prime position on José Ignacio’s seafront. A modernist building where design is svelte and sleek, curated art fills the interiors.
There are three suites all with sweeping views of the ocean. If you’re travelling with friends, opt for one of the six casas that have two or three bedrooms.
There’s an impressive, black granite tiled infinity pool that perches on a slope, making the ocean seem as if it is in reaching distance. Small lights show the Southern Hemisphere’s stars making after hours dips all the more tempting.
Surfing, kite surfing, sailing and water skiing are all on offer for those looking to get active in the water
Estancia Vik
Set amongst 1500 acres of windswept grass plains, Estancia Vik is just moments away from surf town José Ignacio. Polo, art, design and food enthusiasts are well catered for. With only 12 suites, the property retains the feel of a private home. The sandy shores of José Ignacio are just a few moments away and a private beach deck is reserved exclusively for guests of Estancia Vik.
With a string of polo ponies on site, grab a mallet and play a few chukkers on their manicured polo field. Explore the Atlantic coastline on horseback and go for a gallop along the shores. Ethereal full-moon rides can also be organized. Play gaucho for the day and ride around the windswept pampas of Uruguay’s vast open countryside.
To indulge your estancia owning dreams, go for one of the expansive master suites and take in the views of the pampas.
There’s a gorgeous swimming pool in the courtyard or a lagoon for refreshing post chukker dips. Windsurfers and canoeists can also venture out onto the lagoon.
Food is often grown on-site with local fishermen bringing in the catch of the day. Select your wine from a 5,000 strong bottle wine cellar that houses Vik’s signature bottles produced at Vik’s winery in Chile.
Heading west, Punta del Este is a 40-minute drive away. Inland, explore the village of Garzon, an enclave of high-end restaurants including Argentine chef Francis Mallmann’s Bodega Garzon.
Any of Bahia Vik, Estancia Vik and Playa Vik combine well with a coastal roadtrip through Uruguay taking in the remote beaches of Rocha, the historical Portuguese outpost of Colonia del Sacramento and the vineyards of Narbona Wine Lodge. José Ignacio is easily accessible from both Montevideo and Punta del Este international airports.
