By Peter Ellegard

In these dark coronavirus pandemic times, who hasn’t dreamt of being able to escape to the ends of the earth?

Once unrestricted travel is possible again, you can do just that – by staying in a stunning 80-year-old five-star golf and spa resort set amidst a stunning panorama of lakes and towering Andes mountain peaks in the heart of Argentina’s lake district in the country’s Patagonia region.

Styled after a grand Canadian mountain lodge, Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa dates back to a time when Patagonia and the Andes were virgin territory. The creation of the Nahuel Huapi National Park in 1934 led to the construction of a luxurious international-standard hotel, as well as the foundation of towns and communication networks, to boost tourism to the region.

After architect Alejandro Bustillo’s original design burnt down in 1938, the present hotel opened in December 1940, since then its guest list has included aristocrats, diplomats, bureaucrats, celebrities…and me.

Patagonia is so named because Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan encountered a race of giants called the Patagones there in 1520. You won’t find giants today but when you stay at Llao Llao resort, the colossal scale of the landscape is what strikes you most. Perched on a small plateau in its own 37-acre woodland park close to the Chilean border, the hotel is surrounded by the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes and the brooding Lopez, Capilla and Tronador mountains.

The wood and stone used on the exterior is amplified inside with exposed cypress walls, floors, ceilings and staircases, wood and stone columns and huge exposed stone fireplaces.



Rooms

The resort’s signature Bustillo Wing contains 162 rooms, 11 studios and 12 suites. All are elegantly furnished and some have recently been refurbished in a more contemporary design.

My Lake Room looks out over Moreno Lake to the mountains and features a large double bed with bedside tables, desk, minibar, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, safe, hairdryer and bathrobes and slippers in the bathroom. The Standard Rooms and Standard Suites have views of the hotel’s gardens while the Lake Suite and Superior Lake Suite give views to the lakes, with the Superior option including a fireplace.

The Moreno Wing, added in 2007 and accessed from the main building by a panoramic bridge, offers 43 deluxe studios and suites, each with terraces and views of Moreno Lake and Mt Tronador. There are also several lakeside cabins.



Restaurants and bar

Restaurant Argentino serves up a selection of grilled meats and fish, grilled vegetables and home-made pasta for lunch and dinner. One dish not to miss is the region’s speciality – Patagonian lamb.

With great views over Moreno Lake, Llao Llao Bistro has a more relaxed atmosphere, its dinner menu spanning a variety of regional dishes and deserts.

The Lobby Bar oozes character and history. Antler chandeliers hang from stout wooden beams and there’s a cosy fireplace to warm yourself by with drinks and appetisers after exploring the mountains or a round of golf. Enjoy the scenery from its outdoor terrace in warmer weather.

The Winter Garden is famed for its salad bar and afternoon Llao Llao High Tea with cakes and pastries. Snacks are also available in the golf course clubhouse and the Moreno Lake Lounge, where you can take in expansive lake views while you sip locally-brewed craft beers.





Spa and wellness

Swim year-round in the Llao Llao Spa’s heated inside-outside infinity edge pool looking out to snow-capped mountains or soak in the natural splendour from its indoor Jacuzzi.

A range of treatments for both sexes includes massages, facial treatments, cell regeneration therapy, hydrotherapy and detox and revitalisation experiences using ionozon, algae and thermal fango mud baths. There is also a fully-equipped fitness gym and outdoor yoga, anti-stress and aromatherapy sessions take place against a mountain backdrop.



Activities

Llao Llao’s 18-hole golf course is laid out below the resort hotel with several holes alongside Moreno Lake. Lessons are offered by the golf pro.

Among water sports are sailing and kayaking from the resort’s Moreno Lake marina and white-water rafting on the fast-flowing Rio Manso river. Mountain biking trails run through the resort’s park and surrounding area and guides lead seasonal forest hikes.

There’s also bird-watching and rock climbing plus a host of children’s activities for families. A regular shuttle operates between the hotel and the region’s gateway, Bariloche, 25km away. The town is known as Argentina’s chocolate capital and many artisan shops sell homemade chocolate treats. It also has a thriving microbrewery industry and buzzes year-round, thanks to its outdoor adventure opportunities.

Cable cars take visitors up local mountains for sightseeing and hiking and South America’s most developed ski resort, Cerro Catedral, is on its doorstep for winter sports from April to September. Its base station is just 20km from Llao Llao. The stunningly scenic drive along the Route of the Seven Lakes to San Martin de los Andes goes through forests past lakes, rivers and waterfalls and can be done by car, bike or bus. It is a long journey but is well worth it.



Conclusion

In the language of the native Mapuche people, Llao Llao translates as “sweet, sweet”. The name is very apt, as you would be hard pushed to find as sweet an escape as this anywhere in the world. If only you could bottle some of that amazing Patagonian air and those exquisite lake and mountain views to virtually transport you back to this South American paradise whenever you need your mind and soul lifting.

Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa
Avenida Bustillo km 25
Bariloche R8401 ALN
Argentina

T: +54 294 444 8530
W: llaollao.com/en