House of Jasmines
House of Jasmines is half an hour's drive outside the colonial city of Salta, and was originally bought and restored by actor Robert Duvall and his Argentine wife.
The 120-year-old estancia has a sprawling ranch house and 300 acres alongside the Arenales River. It was converted into an inn by Duvall and was then acquired by the owners of El Colibri estancia in Córboba.
The interiors are done in brilliant white, its rustic-chic guestrooms boast beamed ceilings, four-poster beds, wrought-iron chandeliers, and carefully chosen Argentine antiques. There are no TVs in the rooms but wireless Internet access is available throughout the house.
There's an elegant candlelit dining room where local, seasonal meals are served nightly. A pond-like pool, a small spa with a range of treatments on offer, and a paddock of fine horses complete the property.
Guests can explore Argentina's glorious countryside hiking or horseback riding or simply relax and unwind as they enjoy the surrounding Andes mountain range views from the swimming pool sundeck.
Why We Love It
As its name suggests, the house sits on grounds filled with wild jasmine as well as orchids and roses.
Hacienda de Molinos
Once home to Salta's last colonial governor, Nicolás Severo de Isasmendi, the restored 18th century Hacienda de Molinos is now a luxury boutique hotel.
Located on the banks of the Calchaqui River, all of the 18 rooms have stunning views of the surrounding Calchaqui Valley. As with the rest of the hotel, the rooms retain a rustic charm with many original features still in place, and are decorated with antique and local craft furnishings.
At the restaurant, the chefs use local ingredients to recreate classic Andean recipes such as the legendary empanadas that are still baked in a mud oven. Eat in the restaurant or soak up the surroundings on the pepper tree shaded patio.
There is a swimming pool with views of the snow-capped Cachi mountains, and activities such as riding and trekking can also be arranged. For a little something different the hotel also hosts Indian style dressage courses.
Why We Love It
Salta's last governor was born, lived and died at Hacienda de Molinos, so the place is brimming with history.
La Merced del Alto
Despite having being built this side of the millenium, La Merced del Alto gives off the impression of a Spanish hacienda that has been around since colonial times, with its adobe walls and high ceilings made from carob wood and cane.
There are 14 palatial rooms all adorned with hand woven textiles and ornaments made from horn. Views are stunning and look out to the cactus lined ridges, the gardens or the olive trees. The hotel is surrounded by nothing but Argentine landscape, so views are the hotel's thing. Settle down in the sitting rooms for an incredible vista of Nevado de Cachi's snowcapped peak, that is 6,380-metres high.
Calchaquí influence is apparent throughout the hotel, including the restaurant. Local chefs create delicious delights typical of Andean food, for example llama, quinoa and maize. The hotel also produces its own label of Malbec.
Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor heated pool, a spa, Jacuzzi and solarium. Outside of the hotel, guests can get involved in the Calchaquí culture, with visits to weaver's workshops and searching for ancient pottery fragments in ruined Diaguita citadels. Also tour the high altitude vineyards around Cafayate or drive through the impressive landscape which draws comparisons with Arizona's Painted Desert as it is every bit as wild and dramatic.
Why We Love It
Location, location, location. Surrounded by nothing but the Calchaquíes valleys, the views are nothing short of spectacular.
