Muy Caliente! Yvonne’s Highlights from “Emotions 2024” Latin America
At Y Travel, we believe in the power of firsthand experience and continuous learning in order to craft unforgettable journeys for our clients. Our commitment to attending niche trade shows strengthens supplier relationships, keeps us ahead of industry trends, and ultimately provides us with the knowledge to stay at the forefront of creating bespoke itineraries and exquisite ‘ungoogleable’ experiences for our Y Travellers. Earlier this year, our director, Yvonne Verstandig, attended the exclusive Emotions 2024 Luxury Travel Show in Buenos Aires, exploring the latest in luxury hotels and experiences in Latin America. Join us as Yvonne shares her highlights from Emotions 2024, with a circumnavigation of this incredible continent - from the tropical north to the southern fjords - with all the vibrant European-influenced cities, stunning landscapes, ancient civilisations, colourful indigenous cultures, culinary delights, and natural wonders in between! Vamos!
Yvonne in Patagonia
CENTRAL AMERICA
Central America, with its vibrant ecosystems and cultural richness, is a paradise for travellers and the perfect place to start our Latin American journey. Yvonne was particularly enchanted by the Cayuga Collection's portfolio of small independently owned, boutique properties, with each embodying sustainable luxury by blending exceptional guest experiences with eco-friendly practices, waste reduction initiatives, biodiversity conservation, and community support. In Costa Rica, Arenas del Mar in Manuel Antonio National Park combines beachfront luxury with wildlife spotting, including the park’s iconic sloths. Senda Monteverde offers a contrasting experience in the cloud forest, where guests can immerse themselves in lush mountain greenery and keen ornithologists can spot several native bird species. Hotel Aguas Claras on the Caribbean Coast provides an Afro-Caribbean-influenced stay with unique artistic details and mother-daughter hospitality. Panama’s Isla Palenque is an exclusive private island resort offering the ultimate eco-luxe ‘Robinson Crusoe' style escape, with dolphin and whale sightings, and the ‘Secrets of the Island’ hiking tour exploring caves and archaeological sites.
Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences in Costa Rica is a hidden gem, a favoured retreat for billionaires and celebrities (and Yvonne!), offering an exclusive beachfront escape within a welcoming laid-back surf town. The undeveloped beach, due to its nature reserve status, allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and a pristine jungle backdrop, embodying Silvestre’s name - ‘Wild’.
BRAZIL
From the white sandy beaches of the South Atlantic coastline to the lush Amazon rainforest, Yvonne was captivated by Brazil's diverse destinations and experiences. Amongst her highlights was the Fasano Hotel Group, known for its luxury, sophistication, (and imported Italian flair), with beautiful properties throughout Brazil and Uruguay. Since opening its flagship property Fasano São Paulo in 2003, the group has expanded to eight exquisite South American hotels. In the Bahia region, Fasano Trancoso offers guests stunning villas and a 500-metre wooden deck that winds through lush landscapes to a beach club, perfect for enjoying a caipirinha to the chilled-out tunes of the in-house DJ, as the sun dips below the horizon.
In Salvador, the birthplace of ‘Carnivale,’ the Fasano Salvador, housed in a historic building that once served as the headquarters of the 'A Tarde' newspaper echoes the history and culture of the city itself. Salvador’s deep Afro-Brazilian roots, vibrant culture, and colourful streets make it a must-visit for those interested in heritage, gastronomy, and the lively rhythms of Brazilian Afro-dance.
Fasano Rio De Janeiro, an Ipanema beach masterpiece by renowned designer Philippe Starck, is a tribute to Brazilian design of the 1950s and 60s, capturing the essence of the Bossa Nova era classic The Girl from Ipanema, and featuring an iconic infinity pool that seems to merge with the sea. Fasano Andra dos Reis offers a tranquil aquatic-based retreat just 2.5 hours from Rio, where guests can indulge in sailing, snorkelling, and paddleboarding through the pristine waters of Costa Verde, with opportunities to explore over 3,000 beaches and 200 islands.
Calanoa Amazon
URUGUAY
Snugly nestled between its much larger neighbours of Brazil to the north, and Argentina to the south, the country of Uruguay features highlights including the stylish beach town of Punta del Este, the artistic enclave of José Ignacio, and the historic allure of Colonia del Sacramento. Fine dining, wine tours, and a rich cultural scene, all set against a backdrop of stunning coastal landscapes and rolling countryside, make Uruguay Yvonne’s pick for an ideal year-round South American destination.
Deep-diving into our Y Factor of Artistry, VIK Retreats, founded by Norwegian entrepreneur Alex Vik in 2009, offers an exquisite collection of art-inspired and architecturally ground-breaking luxury hotels across Uruguay with three unique properties: Bahia Vik José Ignacio, Playa Vik José Ignacio, and Estancia Vik José Ignacio. Bahia Vik offers a Caribbean-inspired resort experience with 49 rooms nestled in the dunes, featuring a beach club and stunning ocean views. Playa Vik is the epitome of contemporary luxury, with just three suites and six villas, offering an intimate and exclusive escape highlighted by a breathtaking pool overlooking the ocean. Moving inland, Estancia Vik, the original retreat in Jose Ignacio, gives an artistic twist to the traditional Spanish colonial-style ranch experience with 12 rooms set amidst grand vistas.
ARGENTINA
Argentina is predominantly known for two things - tango and cowboys! The country’s beating heart is its capital of Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America," exuding European charm with its elegant architecture, lively café culture, and cosmopolitan vibe. The city served as the base for Emotions 2024, and Yvonne was fortunate to stay in the beautifully restored palace, Palacio Du Hou, surrounded by incredible shops and restaurants in the upmarket Recoleta district. If bohemianand eclectic is more your pace, the Legado Mítico hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood is another boutique property brimming with authentic Argentinian flavour. Beyond the capital, Argentina's iconic estancias (horse ranches) provide an authentic taste of gaucho culture. La Bamba de Areco, just a couple of hours' drive from Buenos Aires, is the perfect option for guests to enjoy horseback riding, traditional asado feasts, decor by local artisans, and the rustic charm of the countryside. Lovers of inspiring landscapes will be also captivated by Argentina, with the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls sharing the northern border of Argentina with Brazil (Yvonne’s choice here, Iguazú Pristine Camps in the lush rainforest near the falls), while at the southern tip of the country, the majestic landscapes of Argentinian Patagonia at the southern tip of the country, including the Puerto Moreno Glacier, are every hiker's dream.
Speaking of incredible landscapes, the Salta region, tucked away in Northwest Argentina is a delightful discovery, full of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage influenced by the region’s Bolivian and Peruvian neighbours, warm hospitality, and the joy of exploring beautiful yet less-travelled paths. The main tourist ‘triangle’ begins in the city of Salta, which sits at an elevation of 1200 metres, and is referred to as “La Linda” (The Beautiful). To the south of Salta, the Valles Calchaquíes stretch out with their rugged terrain, featuring striking red rock formations, expansive deserts, and picturesque vineyards, particularly around the Cafayate area, which is renowned for its unique terroir, producing the region's famed Torrontés wine. Just a few hours west, the region ascends into the high-altitude Puna, a stark, semi-arid plateau characterised by salt flats, high desert landscapes, and isolated mountain ranges. The small, tranquil village of Cachi, set against the backdrop of the Nevado de Cachi mountain range, offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
CHILE
Chile is yet another South American destination offering unique experiences across its diverse regions and landscapes. In Santiago, the vibrant capital, you'll find a blend of modernity and history, with lively arts scenes, sophisticated dining, and rich cultural heritage. Singular Hotel Santiago provides a stylish base for exploring the city's museums and historic neighbourhoods.
The Atacama Desert, the driest desert on earth, is known for its otherworldly landscapes, including vast salt flats and colourful lagoons. It's a prime location for stargazing. Tierra Atacama & Explora offers gorgeous retreats with stunning views, in-house hot springs, and guided excursions into this unique terrain.
In the Lakes District, just north of Patagonia, AWA Puerto Varas, with its modern design and panoramic views of Lake Llanquihue and Osorno Volcano, serves as a perfect gateway to explore the region's natural beauty. Additionally, &Beyond's Vira Vira offers luxurious stays and immersive nature experiences in this picturesque region. Further south Chilean Patagonia, famous for its dramatic mountains and glacial fjords, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether hiking, wildlife watching, or boating through fjords, Patagonia offers endless breathtaking adventures.
PERU
No other South American destination conjures such vivid imagery as Peru, with its colourful indigenous cultures, majestic mountains, condors soaring over the plains, the sound of panpipes in the breeze, and llamas. And, of course, there is the unforgettable, bucket-list experience of visiting the ancient civilisation of Machu Picchu at dawn. Peru is all this - and so much more, and Yvonne is so excited to return in October to experience the amazing properties of the Belmond Group!
In the capital of Lima, Yvonne loved Hotel B, a delightful Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel in the heart of the artistic Barranco district. This former beach house, dating back to 1914, has been lovingly restored, with a charming blend of old-world elegance and contemporary art (432 artifacts adorn its halls) creating a unique atmosphere.
Venturing into the Andes, the Colca Canyon beckons with its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural experiences. At Belmond’s Las Casitas, hugging the edge of the Canyon, guests can soak in their private plunge pools as they gaze up to the clear night skies. A visit to Colca Canyon is perfectly paired with the ‘White City’ of Arequipa, where the Cirqa Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux property, housed in a stunningly restored monastery, has the unwritten motto of ‘don't plan anything - just stay, eat, and relax’. The hotel serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Arequipa’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Of course, the star of the Peruvian show is the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, and for those seeing an Adventure Y Factor, Mountain Lodges of Peru offers an unforgettable lodge-to-lodge trekking experience, with carefully crafted itineraries (catering to various levels of fitness), designed to guide you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley, to the ultimate reward of arriving in the incredible “Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu itself. Of course, if you prefer a less strenuous journey, Belmond’s Hiram Bingham luxury train will transport you there in effortless style.
ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS
Ecuador is a captivating destination, particularly for nature enthusiasts. Beyond the colonial charm of Quito, the country's main draws are the Cloud Forests of the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and most importantly, the Galapagos Islands. These UNESCO-protected islands, which inspired Darwin's theory of evolution, are a top attraction. One of our favourite tour operators, &Beyond, has launched the Galapagos Explorer luxury yacht, offering curated cruises to both the Eastern and Western islands. As the smallest yacht to cruise the Galapagos, with just six luxurious cabins and a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, including two naturalist guides, it promises an intimate and insightful experience.
On the mainland, Hacienda La Danesa, an hour from Guayaquil, complements the Galapagos adventure. This gem, owned by the Olsen family for four generations, blends farmhouse charm with a farm-to-table ethos. Guests can engage in horseback riding, cycling, lazy river tubing, and hands-on activities like chocolate making and beekeeping.
Hacienda La Danesa
COLOMBIA
As we complete our circuit of South American highlights, our final destination is Colombia, a lesser-known gem in the continent’s north that is increasingly capturing the spotlight. The country’s diverse landscapes are truly breathtaking, from the allure of the Caribbean coast to the lush Pacific region, renowned for its biodiversity, whale watching, and Afro-Colombian culture, but the real draw is it's vibrant towns and cities. Embracing our Y Factor of ‘The Unexpected’, Colombia was one of Yvonne’s personal favourites from her recent travels.
The vibrant city of Bogotá, with its colonial streets and rich history, offers a fascinating urban experience. Medellín, known for its innovation and transformation, is a very ‘happening’, colourful city - don’t miss its Michelin-starred hotel and restaurant, El Cielo! Meanwhile, Cartagena enchants with its historic old town and Caribbean charm. Starting in 2025, Cartagena will also serve as the embarkation point for AMA Waterways’ exciting seven-night cruise along the Magdalena River. This leisurely voyage will take you through picturesque towns such as Palenque, Calamar, and Santa Bárbara de Pinto, concluding in Barranquilla, famed for hosting South America's second-largest carnival, the Barranquilla Carnival folklore festival.
The Western Andes, the birthplace of some of the world's finest coffee, offers beautiful scenery and cultural experiences in regions like Antioquia and Caldas. For a unique and sustainable stay, Canaloa Amazonas, named one of Condé Nast’s top 20 hotels in the world and awarded the title of the World’s Most Sustainable Hotel, offers an architecturally designed, eco-lodge experience. Guests can enjoy a luxurious, immersive Amazon jungle adventure while staying in harmony with nature.
