Among Pines and Peaks
Overlooking the deep blue of Lake Nahuel Huapi, with the backdrop of the majestic Andes, Hotel Las Balsas is surrounded by 17 hectares of native forest and located just outside the small town of Villa La Angostura. For more than 25 years, Las Balsas has made an art form of hospitality. Every one of the ten beautifully designed rooms in the main house looks out over the water, as do both the bar and fine dining restaurant, where guests are served an exquisite Patagonian-inspired menu created by the resident chef, paired with Argentine wines from an impressive cellar.
The hotel’s Relais & Châteaux membership, combined with its B Corp (Sistema B) certification, makes it a rare offering that blends world-class service and comfort with an admirable commitment to sustainability and conservation. In 2024, ten stunning architect-designed villas were added, extending the hotel’s offering into the forested slopes behind the main building.
All 20 accommodations — whether in the main house or among the trees — feature lake views, a pillow menu, complimentary Illy coffee, robes, slippers, magnetic phone chargers and artwork by local artisans. The Atelier rooms are light and freshly renovated; Studios offer generous proportions and modern touches; and Corner Suites include super king beds, balconies or terraces, and large bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. The new private villas, a combination of six standalone units and four Butterfly Villas, are raised on stilts, with large balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows that immerse guests in the native landscape.
On-site amenities include a gourmet restaurant, wine tasting room and a cosy bar stocked with Bosque Craft Gin and rare Argentine whiskies. A 330-square-metre spa features a heated infinity pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym and massage rooms, while a library, living room with grand piano, yoga platform and private pier offer additional ways to unwind. A curated menu of excursions, including kayaking, sailing, hiking, wine tasting and afternoon teas, is available year-round. The property’s 15-hectare nature reserve includes private forest trails and wooden walkways through protected wetlands.
With its deep sense of place, thoughtful design and dedication to responsible travel, Las Balsas is a true sanctuary for food lovers, wellness seekers and anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with Patagonia’s extraordinary natural beauty.
LAS BALSAS
At a glance
- Location: Villa La Angostura, Argentine Lake District, Northern Patagonia
- Setting: On the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, surrounded by 17 hectares of native forest and backed by the Andes
- Rooms: 10 rooms in the main house + 10 modernist villas in the woods, all with lake views
- Room Highlights: Super king beds, pillow menus, Illy coffee, local artisan artwork, robes and slippers
- Spa & Wellness: 330 sqm spa with lake views, heated indoor/outdoor infinity pool, jacuzzi, sauna, massage rooms, yoga platform
- Dining: Patagonian fine dining, curated Argentine wine list (including wine from owner’s Mendoza vineyard), Bosque Craft Gin, afternoon tea service
- Affiliations: Member of Relais & Châteaux, certified B Corp, part of Aves Argentinas Nature Reserve Network
- Seasonality: Open year-round; best for summer adventure (Nov–Mar) and winter tranquillity with snow (Jul–Aug)
- Getting There: 40 min–1 hr drive from Bariloche Airport; 2½ hrs from San Martin Airport
For leisure and pleasure
- 330 sqm spa with heated indoor–outdoor infinity pool, sauna, jacuzzi, treatment rooms, gym equipment, and a yoga platform overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi
- Therapies include deep-tissue massages, personalised wellness treatments by two resident therapists, and spa rituals using sustainable, local products
- Afternoon tea, gin tastings with Bosque Craft Gin, and Argentine wine tastings hosted by the in-house sommelier in the cellar or tasting room
- Daily excursions on and around Lake Nahuel Huapi including sunset yacht trips, kayaking, and hiking to panoramic viewpoints
- Private forest trails and elevated boardwalks through the property’s 15-hectare nature reserve, part of the Aves Argentinas network
- Opportunities for birdwatching, stargazing, and peaceful reflection in landscaped gardens and lakeside hideaways
- Piano lounge, library and bar with plush sofas, open fires, and curated selections of rare whiskies and premium Argentine spirits
- Full-board dining with Patagonian menus crafted by the resident chef, featuring seasonal ingredients and wines from the owner’s Mendoza vineyard
- Digital detox encouraged through a ‘limited screen time’ policy in public areas, fostering deeper connection with nature and fellow guests
- Open year-round for seasonal experiences: fly fishing in spring, golden foliage hikes in autumn, and snowy retreats by the fire in winter
Jonny took the time to discuss all the options with us and tailored every detail to our wishes. He suggested thoughtful add-ons, arranged excellent guides, and created a brilliant itinerary packed with maps, tips, and all the information we needed for exploring the two countries we visited. An absolute trip of a lifetime to Argentina and Brazil.
We’ve been using Ultimate Travel for many years and have always experienced first-class, friendly, and professional service. Catherine has been our go-to person in recent years, and her exceptional support has made every trip trouble-free. Our holidays with AmaWaterways have been seamless, and we’re truly grateful to Catherine for making it all possible.
