Santa Catalina Jesus Maria, Argentina
Opened
2005
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
Colonial revival estancia
The estate recreates traditional Argentine manor life, where days revolve around cattle rhythms, polo lessons, and rides through the foothills.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
French-Alpine hoteliers Raoul and Stéphanie Fenestraz swapped Courchevel for the Argentine pampas in 2003, built their own estancia from scratch, and somehow persuaded Shakira to stay in the Master Suite.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The 17th-century Jesuit estancia of Santa Catalina sits seven kilometers down the road, beneath the quiet slopes of the Sierras Chicas.
The rooms
Rooms have working wood fireplaces and hand-carved furniture, with windows looking straight out over pastures and grazing horses.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The unheated outdoor pool sits on a stone terrace in the gardens, looking out across the open countryside.
The baths
A circular whirlpool sits inside the spa, flanked by a dry Finnish sauna and a Turkish hammam.
The gym
The glassed-in gym faces out across the grounds, with stationary bikes, weights, and outdoor yoga on request.
At the table
Produce from the organic gardens and beef from the adjacent ranch supply dinner. Wine tastings take place in the wood-paneled cellar.
How it began
Maison Fenestraz hoteliers completed this 170-hectare Spanish colonial revival manor in 2005, employing regional craftsmen to fashion carved timber and murals.
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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.