Hosteria Las Balsas, Bariloche
Location
Villa La Angostura (Bariloche, Argentina)
Description
Las Balsas is a small intimate hotel on the northern shore of lake Nahuel Huapi, 100km from Bariloche, in the Lake District. One of only two Relais & Chateaux properties in Argentina. Lots of wood, ample rooms and large windows. The food is fresh and natural and changes with the seasons. The whole area, much of it protected under the National Park system, is one of outstanding natural beauty, with snow-capped volcanoes, cascading rivers emerging into serene lakes, and dense forest.
Activities
Activities nearby include fishing (either trolling on the lake or fly casting the rivers with expert guides), windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing (in summer!), cycling, walking and riding. Speedboats and rubber rafts are also available. In winter skiing is possible at Cerro Bayo, only five minutes away. Picnic lunches can be prepared for adventurous excursions.
Accommodation
There are two suites and thirteen bedrooms all differently appointed - all except two overlook the lake. On the ground floor is a large sitting area, bar, and separate restaurant. The food is fresh and natural and changes with the seasons.
Our comments
Las Balsas is extraordinarily peaceful in a lovely location. As it only has a few rooms it tends to get booked up far in advance, particularly at Christmas and Easter. It is a particularly good option as part of a circuit of the lovely 'seven lakes' if you hire a car in Bariloche or San Martín de los Andes.
When to go
November to April, unless you are there for the skiing. The scenery changes with the seasons as the trees change their foliage.
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Client comments and reviews
“We had the most sensational lunch at Las Balsas, it is a lovely hotel. ” - FW, February 2008
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