The Vines Resort & Spa

If you’re planning a trip to paradise — in this case, the food and wine lover’s paradise of Mendoza — you’ve probably gone to the trouble of doing the requisite homework. But if you haven’t read up yet on the ins and outs of the Argentina's largest wine-producing region, here’s the deal: most of Mendoza’s wineries and hotels are located in the sub-region known as Luján de Cuyo. But in recent years, some of the more exciting winemaking, and the more luxurious lodgings, are located in the Uco Valley, a ninety-minute drive from the city of Mendoza. There’s just more room out here, apparently, if the sheer size of the Vines Resort & Spa is any indication.

Exclusive and modern, the resort sits on 1500 acres of vineyards and gardens laced with romantic paths and dwarfed by the looming Andes. Dotting the property are 22 rustic-chic villas, a lodge with a wine cellar and outdoor fire pits, several venues for civilized pastimes — anyone for bocce? — and, of course, the winery and tasting room itself. Choose between a one bedroom, one bedroom deluxe, or two bedroom villa: all feature spacious private decks with lounge seating, fully equipped kitchenettes, and gorgeous spa-inspired bathrooms lined with natural stone. Deluxe villas also have indoor and outdoor fireplaces and an outdoor shower, tub or plunge pool; some even have rooftop terraces. The two bedroom villa offers the same concept at full tilt, with an impressive 2700 square-foot floor plan, an outdoor handmade clay tub facing the mountains, and floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views. Just in case you’d rather watch sunrise or sunset from the comfort of, well, the bed, versus, say, the terrace or the tub.

It’s practically essential to the experience that you actually taste Malbec made by one of the many wine enthusiasts who own a plot of dirt here. They’ve learned from the pros, after all: the decorated winemaker Santiago Achaval is one of several expert consultants. But even if you have no interest in making your own wine — or, dare we say, if you had no interest in wine, period — there’s still plenty to do in this spectacular natural playground. Go horseback riding with one of the Vines’ resident gauchos, then come back to the resort for a dip in the infinity pool or a massage in the spa before dining at Siete Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, the pioneering Argentinian chef known for his open-flame culinary techniques. You could venture out to other wineries, or you could just stay here and enjoy this corner of the Uco Valley. The fact that it’s a bit of a trek just to get here — and that’s on top of the trek you made to get to Mendoza in the first place — only adds to the novelty.

How to get there: The Vines Hotel & Spa is about 110 kilometers by car from Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (Mendoza International Airport) via RN40, RP92, and RP93.