Fasano Las Piedras

Reminiscent of an elegant private estancia, Fasano Las Piedras is a full service resort with plenty to do on site.

• The funky restaurant with stone walls and a gaucho theme
• Sleek architecture by Isay Weinfeld
• Sexy and stylish atmosphere true to the Fasano brand

The Punta del Este area offers some exquisite boutique hotels (most notably Estancia Vik, Playa Vik and Bahia Vik in Jose Ignacio), but for someone looking for a big, full-service, five-star resort with golf and tennis, there has long been a dearth of options. So the Fasano Las Piedras made waves when it opened in 2010 (especially among Brazilians, for whom the Fasano brand has a cult-like following.) Some may fault the location of Fasano Las Piedras, which is a bit out of the way situated a 15 minute drive from the beach and a 10-minute drive to La Barra.

The Fasano is best suited to families and groups of friends who want lots to do on site. Set on 480 hectares in the countryside, the resort offers a nine-hole golf course, two pools, tennis courts, a spa, an equestrian center and a proper kids club.  There is also a “beach club” along the shores of the river that runs through the property.

The main building houses a casual restaurant, Las Piedras, where breakfast is served, and several charming side rooms where one can relax by the fireplace with a book. The stylish Lounge Bar is especially picturesque for sunset cocktails before dinner at the main restaurant, Fasano. Set on a hilltop with sweeping views, it has a cool rustic interior with exposed beams, rugged stone walls, leather chairs and cowhide couches. You can also order nibbles and drinks by the pool.

Rooms, which are spread amongst concrete bungalows, are spacious with clean lines, stone and hardwood floors, a writing desk, a sitting area, private terraces and views out over the countryside. The main swimming pool is freeform and surrounded by wildflowers (better for cooling off than for doing laps). The whole place evokes an elegant private estancia, with lots of charming period details, such as antique wooden trunks in the front hall and a rotary phone in the living room. In 2017, the property added a new contemporary extension with ten suites and a bar and pool.

This is a great spot to visit with a group of friends, since there is a lot to do right on property.

Anyone who wants easy access to the restaurants and beaches of Jose Iganacio, which is a good 40 minutes away, would be better off at one of the Vik properties. 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.