Carmelo, UruguayEl Faro
Carmelo Resort & Spa
Riverfront vineyard lodge
El Faro Carmelo, Uruguay
Opened
1999
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness ResortOutside the door
The house
HyattRiverfront vineyard lodge
Balinese woodwork and private vineyards surround the estate, where days revolve around riverfront walks and local Tannat.
“Interiors are restrained and contemporary, with warm woods, soft natural light, and an openness that keeps the focus on the outdoors.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
With just 24 suites and 20 freestanding bungalows it certainly doesn’t give off that big-resort vibe.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Boutique wineries and quiet country roads surround the property, and Buenos Aires sits a short boat ride across the water.
The rooms
Freestanding bungalows have hand-carved four-poster beds, wood-burning fireplaces, and open-air showers on private garden terraces.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated indoor pool looks onto pine trees, and double cascading waterfalls spill across the tiered outdoor basin.
The spa
Holistic bodywork and a dry sauna sit inside the spa, centered on an indoor stone fountain and Buddha alcove.
Gym and yoga studio
Yoga sessions run in a waterfront timber pavilion, and the vaulted gym has cardiovascular training machines.
At the table
Pura prepares traditional Uruguayan barbecue overlooking the pool, and Mandara Bar pours evening cocktails beside the vineyards.
How it began
Developer Eduardo Cantón shipped decorated stilted rice barns from Indonesia's Toraja people to scatter across the estate in 1999.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.