External Reviews
The Independent, UK "You may think the destination hotel is a relatively new concept, yet the idea has been around since the 19th century. Characterised as a property not chosen for its convenience, today it's a misused term - many places billed as destination hotels are frequently within easy reach of an international airport. Colomé is a true destination hotel..."
Estancia Colomé is a boutique property set on the highest wine estate in the world in the Argentinean Andes.
Features
- iSwimming pool
- Tennis court
- Bicycles
- Spa
- Horse Riding
- Wine Tasting
- Internet
- Hiking and Walking
- Child Friendly
| Estancia y Bodega Colome - Salta, Argentina | |
Sustainability Scorecard
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From $296 USD p/dbl
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Good For You
Estancia Colomé is a boutique property set on the highest wine estate in the world in the Argentinean Andes. It's not easily reached but that is part of the charm and a journey here will make you feel light-headed in more ways than one.
Set amid vineyards and wide, open spaces, this vast farm offers a rare dose of low-impact luxury; elegant accommodation, exquisite food, and more wine than you could possibly drink in a lifetime. All of this is accompanied by breath-taking scenery and magnificent sunsets.
The Estancia has a dining room, gaucho bar, living room and library with fireplace, main terrace and a large central patio with fountain - and just nine ensuite guestrooms. The elegant bedrooms are built around a central patio, in the traditional Spanish colonial style, and many come with spectacular views.
Good For Argentina
Committed to preserving what are said to be Argentina’s oldest vineyards, the Estancia Colomé combines sustainable tourism with biodynamic farming and winemaking. Owned by the Swiss Hess group, the Estancia’s original buildings - that date back to 1831 - have been carefully restored and preserved, while the new buildings have been beautifully designed to blend in with the natural surrounds as well as the original structures.
The owner works with the community to cooperate in its development projects and has built a small church, a store and a small restaurant where locals can gather. The restaurant serves fresh, natural ingredients, many of them grown on the estancia in accordance with its biodynamic farming methods.
Highs
The wineThis is the perfect destination for those who like their red wine, with tours of the vineyard and winery on offer as well as tastings.
The scenery:The spectacular Andes Mountains form a magnificent backdrop.
The comfort:This is no rough and ready farmstay, instead the Colomé offers top end boutique accommodation and lost of luxury trimmings.
Cachi:One of Argentina’s prettiest villages is a short drive away from the estancia. |
Lows
The accessibility:The estancia is not easily reached. Flights from Buenos Aires to Salta, the nearest airport, take around two and a half hours followed by a five hour drive to Estancia Colomé. This is very much a destination hotel. |
Rooms
The estancia has nine suites in total made up of seven junior suites and two master suites. The junior suites accommodate up to 3, while the masters are suitable for families with room for four.
The stylish rooms are decorated with a mix of contemporary comfort and clean lines combined with local handicrafts to create a modern country look. Junior suites measure 42m² and have a private terrace of 22m², while the master suites measure in at 55m² and include a living room and a private terrace of 22m².
All rooms include a fireplace, mini bar, safe, international direct telephone line (DDI) 4 radio channels and under floor heating. There are no televisions in the rooms, but there is a television and DVD (along with a DVD library) in the common lounge.
Food
The Colomé buffet breakfast features home-made yoghurt, jams and bread as well as cereals, eggs and cheeses, with the milk fresh from the farm. All milk and most of the vegetables and meat served at the estancia come from the property’s own biodynamic farm.
A typical meal may begin with a fresh salad picked from the estancia’s own garden or a cool gazpacho, followed by a juicy Argentine steak served with Creole sauce and baked potatoes, or a chicken breast with couscous and baby vegetables. Desserts and the delicious ice cream are all home made.
Lunch is served between 12:30pm and 2.30pm and dinner between 8.30pm and 10pm. On sunny days and warm nights, meals are taken on the sun deck and terrace.
Features & Facilities
- Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Putting green
- Boccia ball court
- Bicycles
- Spa
- Wine Tasting
- Conference room (6 to 18 people)
- Free access to Internet room
- Two of the junior suites have been designed to accommodate guests with disabilities.
Local Info & Activities
It's not just the vineyards that are the highest in the world, Colomé is also home to the highest contemporary art museum in the world featuring light installations, drawings and prints by James Turrell.
Hicking and Walking
Guests are provided with maps of the estancia that point out interesting, scenic walks and jogs around the property.
Cycling
The estancia lends guests its bicycles free of charge, great for exploring the ranch and vineyards.
Horseback Riding
At an extra cost, Colomé offers guided horseback rides around the estancia and surrounding areas, taking in spectacular views of the area from the beautiful hills nearby.
Local Villages
Salta is one of the most culturally rich parts of Argentina rich in history, spectacular scenery and indigenous culture. Colomé happily advises guests on day trips and there are several delightful villages nearby, most notably Cachi.Sustainability
The estancia is owned by Donald Hess the multibillionaire art collector. Hess purchased the ranch in 2001 and has established it as a sustainable tourism initiative. Sustainability features include:• Biodynamic farming throughout the estancia and its historic vineyards
• Restoration and preservation of an historic estancia – founded in 1831, it is the oldest in Argentina.
• Local employment and support of families living on the estancia
• Construction of a small church to service the local community, as well as a grocery store and small restaurant.
• Solar panels contribute part of the energy, though the estancia runs its own electrical generator.
• Green purchasing policy
Getting There
The estancia is 4-5 hours by road from Salta, where you’ll find the nearest airport. It’s worth hiring a car, so that you can take trips to local villages and stop along the way, but there are public transport options as well. Colomé can arrange transfers from the airport.
Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.
Rates & Bookings
Normal Rates:
Junior Suite $258.00 Master Suite $327.00 per room
Holiday Rates (January, February, Easter, July):
Junior suite $296.00 Master suite $375.00* Rates are in US Dollars ($) and are per room per night and include buffet breakfast, a welcome drink upon arrival, use of all recreational facilities and a tour of the estancia.
* Rates do not include transfers, other meals, wine tasting, massage and spa treatments or horse riding.
* Holiday rates include January, February, Easter and July.
* Children aged 4-12 charged $56 per night, children over 12 charged $71 per night off-peak.
* Holiday rates for children aged 4-12 are $67 per night, and for children over 12 $86 per night.
* There is a three night minimum stay.
* Check in after 3pm, check out by midday.
booking & cancellation policy
- A 45% is required to confirm the reservation.
- If cancellation is made within 72 hours of the intended stay then 30% of the deposit will be refunded.
- The outstanding balance should be settled upon check-out at Colomé.
- Visa, MasterCard and American Express are all accepted.
Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.