Equestrienne Carolin Mallman (cousin of well-known chef Francis) came to Uruguay years ago to breed horses. When friends would visit, she would take them for rides on the beach, and what began as a hobby quickly turned into a side business to her stud farm. Her picturesque farm in the hills of José Ignacio includes a small boutique, and Carolin is often there to greet guests in the ‘Horse Bar.’ Most of the horses are retired polo ponies or racehorses so if you are going to gallop on the beach, be honest with Carolin about your abilities. She has a ring for lessons and also arranges polo clinics; most trail/beach rides take place in the afternoons, but she also will do moonlit ones.

While José Ignacio is now a chic resort town, the seaside nave was once nothing more than a sleepy fishing village. Contact Indagare to set up a day of fishing with the skilled guide.

If lounging by the pool isn’t your cup of tea, waterskiing is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful weather. Indagare members can contact our Bookings Team to arrange a boat and equipment.

This beach town between José Ignacio and Punta del Este boasts some simple restaurants and casual boutiques, and is the ideal excursion for an afternoon away from José Ignacio. The most popular places to eat are Le Club (www.leclubposada.com/index.html), which is down on the beach front; the family-friendly Rex, a diner-like spot that serves the best chivitos (steak sandwich) in the area; and further out of town Parador Mantra, a more lounge-like place on the beach and Cactus Y Pescado in Manantiales

Photographer Roberto Fernández Ibáñez, who has the gallery Taller Blanco y Negro in La Barra, runs photo safaris that are guided visits to photograph the stunning local landscape. He can tailor this outdoor classes or workshops to all different levels and interests. Arrangements must be made well in advance; Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team.

The main polo club in José Ignacio is Medellin (www.medellinpoloclub.com.ar), which has an award-winning team and offers a range of classes. Those wishing to learn the popular sport can also sign up for a clinic at Estancia Vik or Haras Godiva.

Many of the beaches in the area have good surf. Among the most popular are Bikini Beach in Manantiales and La Barra’s main beach. There is a tiny surf school (look for the cabin between La Huella and the lighthouse on Playa Blanca) in José Ignacio. Common wisdom is that the further east and north you head to the Brazilian border, the better the waves get. So the serious surfers go up to Rocha, La Paloma and Punta del Diablo.

Isabella Channing is a lovely yoga teacher who is half-American and half-Uruguayan. Her husband is the chef at Estancia Vik and the pair divides their time between José Ignacio and the Hamptons, allowing them to live in endless summer. Isabella offers private and group yoga classes and can arrange massages and reiki treatments.

You can take windsurfing classes with a South American champion, Laura Monino, through the Kite & Windsurf School in Garzon. In only four hours of classes, you should have the basics down. Private and group lessons are offered.