Uruguay, So Far Away...

I feel we've landed in a world so remote and far away that I might never return. The Four Seasons Carmelo http://fourseasons.com/carmelo is an absolute relaxation paradise. The resort was created about an hour away from the port and is on a sprawling 140 hectares -- I can't recall exactly what that means in pure acreage -- but it's vast.

The one thing I'd comment on is the fact that you've come all this way for a South American retreat and the place is Balinese in its inspiration. But really, with our bungalow with a private patio, huge windows overlooking the bay waters, private patio with outdoor shower, fireplace, walk in closet, bath tub and shower with great views who can complain that it's more zen than goucho chic?

We sleep in for lazy mornings kicked off with yoga meditation followed by breakfast, or brunch, and then basque in the shade of the umbrella's poolside as the sun is too intense. By day we recline in the heat until mid-afternoon when we go to the spa for swimming, a workout at the gym, whirlpool, sauna and massages.

You can go canoeing, horsebackriding, play tennis or golf, ride bicycles around the property and more... But best to use Carmelo as your place to let it all go and just relax with very little on the agenda.

Day lasts longer as it stays light until 8:30 when the sunset alights the horizon with al the colors of the rainbow. But night doesn't really begin here until the evening meal is commenced. If you have dinner before 10pm you're a real novice. What the locals do is eat at 10pm and enjoy a long and lavish meal. (We're builing up or nighttime stamina for our days in Buenos Aires.)

For a more South American feel, visit Narbona bodega & granja which is an outstanding restaurant nearby which prepares their own wine and cheese. It's scrumptious and charming. You can take home wines, jams, and the most succulent of all Dolce de leche, this thick carmel spread -- it's like Nutella only made from caramel and melts in your mouth. Yum! It's dangerous and definitely addictive. (And for all you wondering about my healthy no sugar diet, it doesn't count on vacation! this is too good to be missed but I won't bring any home with me, I will leave it as a fantastic south american taste and tradition which will have to await my next return.)

While here we met two couples from New York -- and they say that 60% of the visitors speak English which makes it very easy to get by if your Espanol is as horrible as mine!

More from BA (as the locals refer to the famed city of Buenos Aires!)