Bahia 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. Bahia Vik is the newest and largest, with 49 rooms and suites housed in its gray-slate main building and a collection of beach-facing bungalows, along with four dreamy pools, two restaurants and beachfront access. Each property is distinct, but all are stylish, full of personality and a dream come true for art aficionados.

The Standout: The entrance hall’s stunningly beautiful painted ceiling, created by a local artist in the style of Gustav Klimt Don’t Miss: Lunch at the hotel's low-key restaurant, Zodiaco (La Susana, the happening beach club and restaurant, is now being rebuilt)

• Modern art by local artists that is integrated throughout the property
• The wide and beautiful stretch of beach and the freestanding bungalows amid the dunes
• Access to Playa Vik's pool and spa and horseback riding at Estancia Vik

Walking into the public rooms at Bahia Vik, sister property of the acclaimed Estancia Vik and Playa Vik, guests are immediately impressed by the art-centric design focus. The entrance hall ceiling stars a stunning, Klimt-esque mural by a Uruguayan artist, which adds a serious dose of color to the sandy-walled room. Local art is integrated throughout the property, from larger-than-life portraits of the Vik family in the dining room to vibrantly colored bedrooms and unique bathrooms, featuring intricate tile patterns or a tub carved from a boulder. Much like its sister properties, the stylized abode has personality and panache, and guests will be aching to get a look at each of the rooms, all designed differently.

Ten of the bedrooms are located in the main building, spread between the first floor and second floor, which offers great views and can be taken over to form a family suite. The public areas and small gym, spa and game room center around an interior courtyard with an alfresco seating area. Outside, four pools offer plentiful space to enjoy the sunshine. The hotel is set directly on the dunes of a beautiful sandy beach, home to 11 separate bungalows, with two- and three-bedroom options. There is also a four-bedroom villa, which when rented in its entirety, comes with exclusive use of the pool in front.

A highlight of the property is its restaurant, which serves a light buffet breakfast in the morning with simple à la carte options, a rotating lunch menu and dinner. Lunch is a particular highlight, and can be enjoyed on the terrace, in the main dining room or in the living room area. While the sceney La Susana, the beach club owned by Vik Retreats, is just next door, the Bahia Vik restaurant is more low-key.

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 easy access to the ocean and resort ambience.