Posted by Michelle Snaddon - August 13th, 2011
After bidding our dreamy desert location (Merced del Alto) in Cachi goodbye, we set out early morning to explore what can only be described as a deserted wonder world. An uncanny rendition of Yellowstone, the Mojave desert and Prince Albert in the Karoo. And then some.
Breathtaking scenery, temperate climes and eventually – valleys opening up to verdant vineyards, such as El Esteco Winery in Cafayate, where we had a glorious luncheon on the patio before a well-timed siesta on the loungers poolside.
And in complete contrast, our day ended back in Salta, where the sleek inner-city haven of the Design Suites hotel provided ultra-modern comfort and a welcome respite after almost 1 000 km of gravel road in two days. Set close to the heart of the city’s main square – surrounded by delightful French-style cafes and eateries – the hotel’s enviable location allowed us to hit the town for more empanadas and Salta lager… By now, our trademark order, with Diaan being the undisputed connoisseur who insists on sampling the traditional bite-sized savoury treats in just about every town and cafe we pass. Riekie Human
Posted by Michelle Snaddon - August 8th, 2011
Image by Diaan de Beer
Riekie writes: After more than a day of travelling, Nikki, Diaan and I arrived last night – exhausted but excited. Mendoza – the picturesque wine mecca of Argentina – has already stolen our hearts. Not least for the bustling tree-lined inner city streets filled with cafes and character. When we stopped in front of the imposing façade of the Park Hyatt Mendoza, we positively gasped. Set right on the vast and bustling town square (so typical of rural Argentina’s urban landscapes), the historical charm of hotel’s exterior reminds you of the mansions and villas described in Isabel Allende’s novels, while the interiors are a testimony to modern design sensibilities and utter luxury. From dimmed night lights in the lavish bedroom-sized bathroom to the freshly-baked pastries and fluffy white robes and towels, we were thoroughly spoilt. Not to mention the much-needed loofahs to wash away our travelling tiredness and a magnum-sized vase of fresh lilies in each bathroom to make us feel at home.
The cherry on top? The welcoming glass of local Malbec we received upon arrival – perfectly and ever so slightly chilled to the correct temperature to enjoy this chocolatey cultivar. It was a fitting taste of things to come as we are setting out today to explore some of the top wineries – and eateries – in the Mendoza wine region…Argentina’s answer to the Cape’s winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and one of the most coveted wine regions in South America.
Posted by Michelle Snaddon - August 8th, 2011
Well, the constant puffing of Puyehue volcano in Chile since early June nearly scuppered this trip, but they’ve arrived… long-time fans of JUST THE PLANET – travel writers Nikki Benatar and Riekie Human – as well as photographer Diaan de Beer are now in Argentina on a 11-day journey to sip wines in Mendoza, take the terrifyingly high railroad from Salta on the Train to the Clouds and explore the hip and happening Buenos Aires – with some serious shopping, a tango lesson and menu-hopping in some of country’s best restaurants inbetween. The first blog has just pinged into our inbox – more on it’s way…
