HOT OFF THE PRESS! We bring you all the details of a dazzling new design hotel concealed within stunning Uruguayan countryside: Sacromonte Landscape Hotel…
Setting the stage: 13 steel-framed glass cabins were constructed in Montevideo, transported across Uruguay to Maldonado, reassembled with minimal impact on the land and positioned within a landscape of swaying grasslands, spring-water reservoirs and hills lined with rows of Tannat, Merlot and Carbenet Sauvignon vineyards. But what makes these cabins extraordinary?…
The Disappearing Act: The front exterior of each cabin has been finished with a one-way mirror facade to reflect the scenery it faces. You know when unattractive modern buildings ruin the natural beauty of a landscape? Well this has accomplished the exact opposite effect; the cabins’ spectacular design makes them miraculously camouflaged, whilst amplifying the beautiful landscapes that surround them, ensuring natural views are uninterrupted.
The visual effect of these invisible cabins, as the sky’s ever-changing light and colour dances off them, is incredible. The roofs are further camouflaged with a bed of foliage, and those cosying up inside can enjoy amazing views whilst being concealed within.
Stylish Outdoor Living: An open-plan bedroom, living and dining area at the front of each cabin looks out across a private wooden deck and rolling sierras beyond. Minimalist in style, single skin rugs are laid on cool dark stone floors and king-sized beds are topped with thick woollen throws, giving each cabin a little softness against the neat lines of their rectangular living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows place the great outdoors at centre-stage, commanding your attention.
Separated by a light oak-panelled wall, each cabin has an en-suite bathroom, kitchen and little reading space. The back of each cabin has been designed to resemble stacked logs, providing each cabin with extra privacy, whilst still in keeping with the aesthetics of outdoor living.
Fireplaces are lit as the sun sets to give warmth and light as you gaze over open wilderness beyond. Each terrace includes a sunken private plunge pool, which we’d recommend enjoying by starlight with a glass of local wine.
This combination of contrasting styles; rugged, outdoor living spaces with modern, minimalist design techniques, gives Landscape Hotel Sacromonte its individuality. A fusion of nature and technology with a stunning result.
Organic Farm: An organic farm provides fresh produce to the Landscape Hotel Sacromonte restaurant, which sits on the hilltop with a spacious deck overlooking the 250-acre property. Specialties include BBQ’d veal and succulent wild boar, served with seasonal vegetables and a range of home-baked goods.
Grape Vines and Olive Groves: Landscape Hotel Sacromonte is perfect for wine-lovers, offering high-end wine experiences from both its own winery as well as the region’s finest small boutiques wineries. On the property, indulge in tastings of locally produced wines in gorgeous settings, whether on a private picnic in the olive groves after hiking along a beautiful nature trail, or around a roaring campfire as local gauchos slow-roast special cuts of lamb for an evening feast.
Getting Around: Each cabin comes with a dedicated off-road electric buggy for exploring the grounds.
Art Fields: Sacromonte Art Fields is a new project to showcase artwork from regional artists in an outdoor setting. The pieces will remain in the landscape and can be visited up close on a hike, horse-ride or using the off-road buggies.
Horseback Wine Tours: Horseback ride across the sierras on Arabian horses, stopping off at boutique wineries and olive oil producers for tastings (you can travel by 4×4 if preferred). The property is also home to a pristine forest and gentle streams, where flowers grow wildly and woodland creatures come to drink. Take a ride or hike with a naturalist guide to learn about local flora and fauna.
When to Travel: Weather is beautiful from December to February. Combine a trip with a few days on the beach at Punta del Este or Jose Ignacio, about 45 minutes away. Travel in low season to experience a quieter side of Uruguay, if you’re happy with a cooler climate.
