A secluded Relais & Chateaux retreat enveloped by Patagonian native forest, gazing across the glacial waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
A high-end take on the traditional Argentine estancia, this romantic lakeside hotel sits against the beautiful backdrop of the Andes within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, just beyond Villa La Angostura. It has just twenty rooms and private villas, making for a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Featuring its own jetty, an award-winning chef and a stone-built spa, it’s perfect for those who like their outdoor adventure with a side of indulgence. It also holds serious sustainability credentials as Latin America’s only certified B Corp hotel.
What we love about Las Balsas
- Ten beautifully-designed rooms in the main house, plus ten modern glass-and-wood villas raised on stilts in the woods, each with wall-sized windows and private balconies.
- The excellent restaurant that makes the most of local produce and Patagonian freshwater fish, with panoramic views across the lake.
- The private jetty and beach for direct access to sailing, fly fishing, kayaking and wild swimming, all with specialised, English-speaking local guides.
- The excellent wine cellar, wine-tasting lounge, and well-stocked, cosy reading room.
- Spa and fitness centre overlooking the lake with heated in-out pool, gym, sauna, hot tub, pilates classes, and treatment rooms.
- Its forward-thinking approach to sustainability, from water- and energy-efficient practices to birdlife conservation and community outreach.
The fascinating and infinitely rich landscapes that surround Las Balsas compel most guests to explore.
Hike through ancient forests and pass glaciers, kayak among the islands of the lake, or ride through rivers and up mountains to reach breathtaking viewpoints. In the colder months, there’s skiing and snowboarding at Cerró Bayo and Cerro Catedral.
For those who’ve come to Las Balsas to switch off, spoil yourself in the spa, sink into a loveseat in the reading room, or find a secluded bay to enjoy a picnic.
End each day with a candlelit dinner, soft tango playing in the background.
Las Balsas Hotel is just outside the small town of Villa La Angostura in Argentina’s Lake District.
The Lake District, located in the northern region of Patagonia, is made up of the Andes mountains, valleys with hundreds of lakes, lagoons, rivers, and unique native forests that are vital for global biodiversity.
San Carlos de Bariloche airport is just over an hour away from Las Balsas. There are daily flights to Bariloche from other Argentine cities such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Salta. It’s also possible to fly directly to Bariloche from Santiago de Chile.
When to Travel
The Lake District is a year-round destination with each season offering visitors something different.
For hikers, we recommend spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom, or autumn, when the mountains burn with rich shades of orange.
Water sports are the highlight of the summer, whereas in winter there’s skiing and snowboarding.
The fly-fishing season typically extends from November to April.
ENQUIRE NOWLooking for more inspiration? Learn more about our bespoke holidays and adventures in Argentina, or discover our other luxury properties.
