Renowned Argentinian female winemaker Susana Balbo has opened her first hotel, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, in the wine region of Mendoza. After dedicating four decades to the wine industry, she has created the bespoke estate and luxury boutique hotel with her daughter, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Guests will get a feel of staying in a private estate, where Susana and Ana host travelers who want to experience their culture and wines. The seven spa suites have fully integrated in-room spa features and services. The hotell, additionally, is home to La VidA restaurant, a lounge bar, heated swimming pool, shop with local artisanal products and a tasting room.
Guests will have an opportunity to explore the region near and far, including Patagonia to the south and Cafayate to the north onboard the hotel’s private seaplane. They can also enjoy additional food and wine experiences at the nearby Susana Balbo bodega.
Each glass-walled suite of the luxury wine hotel has a living room, terrace, steam room, sensations shower, massage table and curated wine fridge. Four of the seven suites are also equipped with a dry sauna. The dyed llama wool blankets in the suites have been created by the rural women of Argentina.
Turndown service of in-room aromatherapy is prepared in the in-suite tub, shaped like the concrete egg wine tanks used in the fermentation process. The suites also have a private garden with outdoor fire pit and heated loungers hidden from other guests by a wall of foliage and volcanic stone. Pretty cool: Every guest is treated to a 15-minute massage upon arrival.
Guided by the in-house Wellness Butler, guests can choose from a range of treatments, such as geothermal therapy massages, body exfoliation and multi-sensory wellness rituals, all lasting a total of three hours. A yoga mat and exercise kit is also available. Guests can even train with a fitness coach and avail of transportation services to a gym in Mendoza.
La VidA restaurant serves Argentinian cuisine with sustainable and organic ingredients. Guests can opt for the dining room or the exclusive Chef’s Table experience. La VidA also offers a-la-carte and a four-course set dinner menu which can be paired with wines or signature cocktails from the bar.
Expeditions can be arranged by the Experience Curator—from an afternoon horseback or bike ride to multi-day trips on a six-seat private seaplane. Excursions to popular attractions in Argentina, including San Raphael, Cafayate, Esteros del Iberá and Patagonia, on a day tour or a range of two- or three-night air safaris are also offered. Operated by Vision Air VIP, part of Susana Balbo Family Group, the programs provide the flexibility to reach remote destinations and create tours that are not available on commercial routes.
Other activities for guests upon request include rafting, tennis, golf and rappelling. Culinary experiences range from cooking and grilling classes to guided wine tours and tastings, and wine blending.
Inspired by the family history of winemaking, artwork from 20 Argentine and Brazilian artists including photographer Sebastiao Salgado are highlighted throughout the property. The hotel is for those aged 15 and above. Rates per night in double occupancy are inclusive of breakfast.
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