Rio Ancho Lodge perches on the banks of the Rio de La Plata in Uruguay, an hour’s ferry ride from Buenos Aires. Owner, Marcelo Susevich, has developed a keen eye for detail after years living and working in Europe, “We want our guests to feel they’re in a place where they can choose privacy and solitude, or socialise with other guests. Both are equally possible at Rio Ancho”.
Good food is central to the experience here. Buenos Aires super chef (Pura Tierra), Martin Molteni, has been drafted in to design a menu that reflects the natural flavours of the region. “We wanted to offer a different style of gourmet kitchen, one that makes the most of local produce. We knew Molteni would be the best man for the project. He believes, as we do, that good food starts with fresh, local flavours”.
When it comes to burning off some of those flavours, guests can pedal to the charming Portuguese colonial town of Colonia (45mins) or take a dip in the river. There are also tastings at Uruguay’s oldest winery and visits to nearby cheese and olive oil producers. Jose Ignacio, the chicest of Uruguayan beach resorts, is 3hrs up the coast by car.
Rio Ancho offers just three suites – including a Master Suite complete with an outdoor Jacuzzi – so if you’re travelling in a small group, you can have the place to yourselves. Excellent service, stunning views and campfires on the beach make for a romantic and indulgent experience.
