South America
ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires | Cordoba | Iguazu Falls | Lake District | Patagonia
 Argentina is a remarkable medley of shades, colors and contrasts wrapped in a single package. Big. Mysterious. Melancholy, yet fun-loving. Uncomplicated, yet complex. Argentina and its people combine all of these traits: a blend of the sophisticated and the basic, the modern and the seasoned, the wild and the cultured. The pulsing excitement of Buenos Aires, the wild plains country of the central pampas; the spectacular sweep of Iguazu Falls and the Patagonian glaciers, blue lakes and green valleys. It is a delightful paradox beckoning the traveler with its unspoiled natural wonders, great beauty, friendliness, and that special thrill of discovering something completely new, unique, never experienced.
 Despite Argentina's recent economic woes, its leasures - stunning natural wonders, an elegant capital with a European-flavoured sophistication, and a passionate culture - are still as tempting as ever. The silver lining to the financial cloud is that it's now one of the best travel bargains going around.
This is one Latin American country where Europeans and North Americans can feel at ease and travel relatively inconspicuously. An interest in soccer and some nimble foot skills may be all you need to feel like a local.
Buenos Aires
 Buenos Aires has its roots in the early 1500s and is remarkably different from many South American cities. French architecture and street planning have had a large influence on Buenos Aires and give this city a distinctly Parisian feel. With the fragrances of flowers sold on street corners, terrace cafés and freshly baked bread - the city recreates the best of both Gallic and Latin cultures. The heart and soul of Buenos Aires are unmistakably Latin and the visitor will be carried away by the rhythm of the place.
More European than South American in flavor, Buenos Aires' heart boasts bustling streets, grand avenues, old-time cafes and stylish restaurants. The locals are renowned for their flair and cockiness, even in times of adversity. It's a city of tragedy and elation, a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital.
Alvear Palace Hotel - 5 Star 
Location:
Built in 1932 at the height of the Belle Epoque, the elegant Alvear Palace is considered by many to be one of the world's best hotels. Its illustrious guest list includes film stars, heads of state and royalty. The Alvear Palace is situated along Avenida Alvear in the wealthy and fashionable district of Recoleta in central Buenos Aires. The avenue is renowned for its fancy boutiques, art galleries and chic cafés. The financial centre is only a five-minute drive away.
Accommodation:
Rooms are luxurious, spacious and lavishly decorated with mock Louis XV furniture, original works of art and floral arrangements. Service throughout the Alvear Palace is excellent with a ratio of 2.5 staff per room including a personal butler service. The Alvear Palace has 85 palace rooms and 125 suites. All are equipped with air-conditioning, radio and television, cellular phone, modem and desk. A fax machine can be installed upon request. The Boticcino marble bathrooms are stocked with Hermes toiletries and luxurious 'his and hers' bathrobes. Many bathrooms, including those in Premier Junior and Premier Deluxe suites, have a Jacuzzi. All rooms have a personalised butler service. A local newspaper and a fruit basket is delivered to your door each morning
Facilities:
- Health club
- Indoor swimming pool
- Jacuzzi
- Sauna
- Massage area
- Gym
- Business centre
Dining:
- L'Orangerie
- La Bougogne (French & International cuisine)
- Lobby piano bar
Four Seasons Hotel - 5 Star
Location:
Next door to the exclusive Recoleta district, close to Obelisk, Colon Theatre and shops. Just 165 guest rooms; nearly one-third of which are suites with whirlpools, including Belle Epoque-style La Mansion suites. Superb spa, with a pool in sunny gardens. International cuisine. Four Seasons service to answer every need.
Accommodation:
On the lower floors of the tower, Superior Rooms offer a comfortable living and sleeping area, with views of La Mansion, garden and pool or the fountain. Similarly appointed Deluxe Rooms, on the upper floors of the tower, feature enhanced views of La Mansion or the river and city. Throughout the tower, more spacious Premier Rooms include an armoire separating the living and sleeping areas. The unique two-storey Mansion Room offers a loft bedroom and an interior patio.
 Four Seasons Executive Suites and Deluxe Four Seasons Executive Suites are located on the corners of the lower and upper floors of the tower, respectively. They include an elegant living/dining area and a separate bedroom. Rooms and suites on the club floor provide access to the lounge on the 7th floor of the tower, which offers a variety of exclusive services and amenities.
All rooms and suites provide hairdryer, in-room safe, refrigerated private bar, stereo system, multi-line telephones, high speed email and internet access, and voice mail.
Facilities:
- Health Club
- Spa services
- Massage treatments
- Sauna
- Whirlpool
- Modern gymnasium
- Outdoor heated pool
- Two tennis courts
- Golf club nearby
- Business centre
- Room service
- Non smoking rooms available
- Overnight laundry & dry cleaning
Dining:
- Galani (Mediterranean, Asian & Latin specialties)
- Le Dome
- In-room dining
Faena Hotel & Universe - 5 Star (opens August 2004)
Location:
A stone’s throw from the Ecological Reserve and the river, Puerto Madero is the newest district in Buenos Aires offering a great number of attractions. It boasts a well-deserved reputation of originality and sophistication. It is also close to San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires famous for its typical architecture, antique stores and Tango venues.
The result of an exciting collaboration between Philippe Starck and Alan Faena, the Faena Hotel + Universe is a new concept for the hotel and entertainment arena. Adding a fresh element to the city of Buenos Aires, architecturally and creatively, the complex, opening in August 2004, will offer the highest levels of quality and service, emphasizing details and innovation, to provide its guests with a series of life experiences outside of any existing hotel model.
Accommodation:
 The guest rooms bear the seal of Phillipe Starck’s innovative style. Faena Hotel + Universe´s 84 signature accommodations offer luxurious guestrooms and suites distributed from floors 1 through 6. They include 1 Presidential Suite, 2 Porteño Suites, 4 River Suites, 7 Duplex suites, 37 Executive Studios and 33 Premium Suites. 8 of the suites may be connected.
The rooms feature an Empire design concept, utilizing some of the finest wood including state of the art telecommunication facilities, 2 telephone lines per room, computer data ports, voicemail and guest messaging through the oversized television monitor. All rooms feature spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers. Other room amenities include: 24hour personalized host service, 100% Egyptian Cotton Bed & Bathroom linen, complimentary branded toiletries, air conditioning, high speed data line, cable TV, in-room Boutique & Private Bar.
Facilities:
- Spa Hamam
- Gym
- Fitness & massage treatments
- Swimming pool
- Beauty corner
- Conference facilities
- Room service
Dining:
- Living Room
- El Mercado
- Lounge Music Bar
- Bistro
Cordoba
 Argentina's second city, Córdoba long rivaled Buenos Aires for political, economic and cultural supremacy; indeed, while Buenos Aires languished through neglect in the 17th century, Cordoba was the country's architectural treasure house. Today, a fine collection of colonial buildings is concentrated in its compact centre. They include the old market, the Iglesia Catedral (featuring a Romanesque dome) and the Jesuit Iglesia de la Compañía. The Museo Histórico Provincial Marqués de Sobremonte is one of the most important historical museums in the country.
Sheraton Cordoba Hotel - 5 Star 
Location:
The Sheraton Cordoba Hotel is easily accessible from the international airport and is conveniently located just blocks from the heart of town, adjacent to the city's largest shopping mall. Guests enjoy the hotel's close proximity to many tourist attractions and recreational activities. The Sheraton Cordoba is also memorable for its striking architectural design, with its 16 floors rising gracefully around a central atrium that offers breathtaking views of the Cordoba ranges.
Accommodation:
Guest rooms are spacious and modern, with air conditioning, Cable TV, data port, hairdryer, direct dial telephone and radio.
Facilities:
- 24 Hour room service
- Business centre
- Swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- Spa facilities
- Sauna
- Massage treatments
- Tennis
- Laundry service
Dining:
- La Pampa Coffee Shop (International cuisine)
- Lobby Bar
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Iguazu Falls
 Situated in the Parque Nacional Iguazú near Puerto Iguazú, these spectacular falls lie just east of the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers. At least 5000 cubic m (176,570 cu ft) of water per second plunge the 70m (230ft) into the abyss below. If they look familiar, it's because they were the supporting actors in the film The Mission; appropriately, the area has historic ruins of Jesuit missions which also draw many visitors. San Ignacio Miní, built in a style of architecture known as 'Guaraní baroque', is especially popular. Above the falls, the waters are suitable for canoeing, kayaking and other water sports. The surrounding park is home to 55,000ha (135,850ac) of pristine subtropical rainforest, with abundant wildlife and plant species.
Sheraton Internacional Iguazu Resort - 5 Star
Location:
The Sheraton Internacional Iguazú Resort is a three-story resort with a spectacular view of the magnificent Iguazú Falls.
Accommodation:
The hotel features 176 guest rooms and 4 suites, all complete with private balcony, cable television, minibar and in-room movies. Other features include air conditioning, telephone, and non smoking rooms are available.
Facilities:
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness centre
- 24 Hour business centre
- Tennis
- Laundry service
- Parking
- Golf course
Dining:
- Piazetta
- El Estano (eclectic cuisine)
Lake District
 North-west Patagonia is known as the Lake District, a captivating and romantic landscape of fairytale perfection. Crystal clear lakes and ancient forests are set against a backdrop of snow capped peaks, lending a magical, almost Alpine atmosphere to this lovely region.
The Lake District is not only beautiful; it is the perfect setting for a wide variety of outdoor activities and sports. Mountains and lakes provide a playground second to none; golf, skiing, riding, trekking, superb fishing in some of the best trout rivers in Argentina, sailing and boating, windsurfing, white water rafting, bird watching are only a few of the options available.
Llao Llao Golf Resort & Spa Bariloche - 5 Star
Location:
Llao Llao occupies an enviable position on a promontory between the crystalline waters of Lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno and is surrounded by ancient cypress woods. Its spectacular views include the Lopez and Capilla Mountains and the awe-inspiring snow-covered peak of Mount Tronador.
Accommodation:
Built in 1940 at the height of Argentina’s Belle Epoque, by architect Alejandro Bustillo, the hotel is a sprawling Canadian-style structure, made from huge cypress logs and the green stone that is typical of the region. The Llao Llao is unquestionably the best-appointed hotel, not to mention one of the most luxurious, in the Argentine lake district.
TheLlao Llao has accommodation in 147 double rooms, 11 suites and one cabin, each with well-equipped en suite facilities, cable TV, a safety deposit box and impressive lake or mountain views.
Facilities:
- Healthclub
- Fitness centre
- Indoor heated pool
- Sauna
- Whirlpool
- Spa
- 18-Hole golf course
- Boat excursions
- Nearby ski resort
- Room service
Dining:
- A La Carte restaurant
- Lobby Bar (with open stone fireplaces)
Patagonia
 This enormous region south of Buenos Aires province features a glacier-dotted mountainous interior, unique coastal wildlife and Andean national parks. Península Valdés is a special treat for lovers of wildlife, with large numbers of sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, Magellanic penguins, sea birds, flamingos and right whales. The Perito Moreno Glacier of Santa Cruz is a 60m/197ft-high river of rising, toppling and exploding ice, though it hasn't been advancing for several years. Carmen de Patagones is a beautiful colonial city and there are unexpected vestiges of the area's previous Welsh inhabitants - in particular the town of Gaiman.
Hosteria Alta Vista 
Location:
Hostería Alta Vista is an exclusive and intimate former private residence of just 7 rooms, and part of a 60,000 hectare-working sheep ranch. Built in 1920, the charming house is set within a beautiful garden bedecked by flowerbeds and fruit bushes. It boasts a spectacular location in the vast Patagonian countryside of mountains, lakes, rugged plains, and the area's biggest attraction - the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares including the unforgettable Perito Moreno glacier. The area can be explored by horseback, foot or by mountain bike.
Accommodation:
Alta Vista 7 rooms, 6 of which are standard twin rooms and one suite with a queen-sized bed and a sofa with cushions (that can be used as an extra bed). All are furnished with Provencal-style wooden furniture and iron beds with fine linen sheets. Bathrooms are attractive with luxurious marble bathtubs.
Facilities:
- Access to Glaciares National Park
- Horseriding
- Trekking
- Mountain bikes
- Quincho - to prepare BBQ's
Dining:
Las Hayas Resort 
Location:
Las Hayas Resort Hotel is located within a natural forest of beech trees, at the foot of the spectacular Glacier Martial, amidst the awesome landscape of the Tierra del Fuego Province. Just 2.5 kilometres from Ushuaia, the southermost-city in the world, the hotel covers 10,000 square metres and is alpine in external appearance with steep sloping roofs and whitewashed walls.
Accommodation:
 Within, the atmosphere is one of elegance and luxury, with 93 individually designed rooms, immaculate wooden furnishings and inspiring attention to detail. Guests are enticed to the windows by views over the snowcapped glacier, the Bay of Ushuaia and the deep blue southern sea. There are 50 standard deluxe rooms of 30m2 with cable TV and mini-bar and each is furnished with wooden table and chairs, a desk and a comfortable armchair. The en suite facilities are spacious with a marble surface and a separate shower and tub. The 35 superior junior suites are larger and have a roomy lounge area with a couch. There are seven 60m2 deluxe suites, with a separate lounge area and a spacious bathroom with a whirlpool tub. The presidential suite has an additional hall, lounge and dining room, a sitting room with an open fireplace, and two bedrooms, each with a spacious bathroom.
Facilities:
- Health club
- Sauna
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Jacuzzi
- 9 Hole golf course
Dining:
- The Drake Lounge (spectacular views over Bay of Ushuaia)
- Gourmet restaurant
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