362129 5 Location 523903 <p>Our vacations almost always involve urban escapes focused on museums, cultural events, shopping and dining. The Four Seasons name and the beautiful pictures of their resort in Carmelo swayed us this time, however, and we booked a three-night stay. What a great idea. We had a wonderful time and learned that resort vacations can be just as interesting, educational and fun as urban escapes. </p><p>If you choose the plane (instead of the boat) to get to the resort, the adventure in Carmelo actually begins in Buenos Aires. The fifteen-minute flight is both exciting and a bit nerve-racking, unless you’re accustomed to landing on a grass field. It’s also a great way to transition from the enormity of Buenos Aires to the middle-of-nowhere vibe of Carmelo. But don’t confuse the Uruguayan customs official for a porter (as our flightmates did) – he just might want to look through your luggage, so let him do it! </p><p>The resort is classic Four Seasons, with a mellow, Asian-influenced style that seems strangely at home in the middle of South America. It’s a beautiful place where the sounds are not car horns and buses, but the wind blowing through the pines and the rhythm of your life slowing down to a more relaxing pace. Once you’re accustomed to clear vistas with no buildings or development and calm nights with no traffic or sirens, you’ll wonder how you’re ever going to go home. </p><p>Unless you don’t like the outdoors (why would you come here then?), the best options here are the bungalows. The two-level suites are very nice, but the bungalows allow indoor/outdoor living and seem to fit the surroundings in a way that the suites just don’t capture. The square footage includes the biggest bathroom we’ve ever had in a hotel, an outdoor shower, a spacious bedroom and an outdoor sitting area with views toward the river. It really is paradise among the pines. </p><p>Despite its secluded location, activities abound: golfing, tennis, horseback riding, yoga exercise classes, and spa treatments. The hotel offers day trips to a local winery and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Colonia – well worth the time and money. We also thoroughly enjoyed a trip to the local restaurant/winery Finca Narbona for dinner. </p><p>The only negative we experienced was an incident involving money missing from our room that was not really dealt with by the management – a surprising misstep by a company that is normally tops in service. Otherwise, the service was very good although a bit too laid back. </p><p>If you’re worried you won’t have enough to do here, don’t be. If you’re worried you won’t enjoy the surroundings, don’t be. Just go. You won’t want to leave. </p> 2006-09-10T12:37:37-07:00 1101004801 2005-10-21T17:00:00-07:00 0 16 221649 2153287 362129 0 0.0 2005-10-18T17:00:00-07:00 Published 0.0 2006-09-10T12:37:37-07:00 94701 0