Estancia Vik

José Ignacio is often billed as “the Hamptons of Latin America,” and while both are beloved summertime vacation spots for wealthy urbanites looking for sandy, dune-lined beaches, the similarities end there. For no place in Long Island does boho chic quite like this former fishing village on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast. It’s home to a handful of excellent restaurants, art galleries and three fabulous sister hotels from husband-and-wife hoteliers Alex and Carrie Vik. In the rolling fields of the Pampas, Estancia Vik’s 12 rooms (each designed by a different artist, as at all the properties) give guests prime access to the ranch’s 4,000-acre estate. Each property is distinct, but all are stylish, full of personality and a dream come true for art aficionados.

The Standout: A wine tasting followed by dinner in the impressive wine cellar Don’t Miss: Heading out from the stables for a full-moon horseback ride through the surrounding countryside (only offered occasionally during nights with a full moon)

• Views from the wraparound terraces in the corner suites and master suites
• Dinners at the parillero (barbecue) dining room, which has been painted by artist Marcelo Legrand
• Myriad activities, including polo, canoeing, golf, wine-tasting and art tours

Estancia Vik is a true labor of love. The owners, Alex and Carrie Vik, had a vacation home in the area for years before buying the sprawling property on which they built the estancia, a traditional Spanish colonial structure with white adobe walls and a red tin roof. Working with some of Uruguay’s top architects, artists, designers and craftsmen, they have created a property whose exquisite interiors showcase true individual passion.

The 12 individually decorated suites and master suites were each imagined by local Uruguayan artists who created site-specific works for the spaces. Sculpture, painting and design play an important role throughout the property, whether it’s the painted ceiling of the living room, done by artist Clever Lara, which features a Google Earth–inspired representation of José Ignacio and Uruguay, or the colorful walls of the traditional parillero (barbecue), painted by notable artist Marcelo Legrand in his brilliantly chaotic style.

The Estancia also encompasses living spaces, a brick-barreled dining room, a swimming pool (complete with fiber optic lights that mimic the constellations above), a spa and stables from which you can ride down to the nearby beach and sister properties Playa Vik and Bahia Vik. Terraces offer panoramic views of the untouched natural pampas that surround the Estancia—you may even be able to spot some ostriches.

Note: Those interested in a vacation here should first read our José Ignacio: Who Should Go or contact our Bookings Team for advice.

Those who want a private estancia 10 minutes from the beach.

Travelers looking for a beachfront property or who want to be within walking distance from town should consider Playa Vik or Bahia Vik. As with all the José Ignacio properties, there are caveats. Those interested in a vacation here should first read our José Ignacio: Who Should Go or contact our Bookings Team for advice.