A Vineyard Tree House

Text by Anne Collins Howard, HoneyTrek.com
Photographs by Mike Howard, HoneyTrek.com

The mountains and vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina are spectacular, but when enjoyed from Entre Cielos Hotel and Spa they become transcendental. Set on a vineyard at the foothills of the Andes, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World property has 15 rooms and one of the most unique suites we’ve ever stayed : The Vineyard Loft—a modern tree house hovering over acres of Malbec vines.

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A tree house architecture firm Baumraum was brought in from Germany for the perfect pod and the in-house design team completed the fantasy with sleek and seductive interiors. Recently opened, we were amongst the first couples to glamp here.

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Views to the Andes mountains and our outdoor bathtub, lured us out to the terrace every night for sunset and champagne.

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The Vineyard Loft is one of many fabulous spaces at Entre Cielos. In the main building of the property, each tower is a duplex wrapped in graphic imagery of figs, mushrooms, cherries—and other flavors of full-bodied wines. The patterned design is able to change depending on the season or vision of chief designer Daniela Wager for architecture that never gets old. The next motif on her list? The typography of wine words.

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Creators of the first traditional hamam in Latin America, Entre Cielos brings the Turkish bath tradition to a new level of decadence and relaxation. Wrapped in flauta towels we basked for over three hours in the herbal steam room, exfoliated in the Kese shower, soaked up the vinotherapy in our couples wine bath (yes, I said wine bath), and ended in the relaxation room nibbling on fruits and nuts. Heaven is an understatement.

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In the morning, we awoke to the Katharina restaurant’s fabulous buffet breakfast. Fruits, cheeses, eggs-to-order and cappuccinos were served to perfection amidst the chic décor. When we returned for dinner, we curled up by the fire for a special five-course meal, complete with Argentinian asado steak.

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There is no better way to explore wine country than by bike. You have ultimate freedom to winery hop at your leisure, stop for photos, soak in some sun, and breathe in the earthy aromas of the vineyards. To make this happen, Entre Cielos had Baccus Wine & Bike Tours deliver bikes and a custom map of the most charming wineries in the area.

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The first stop on our ride was Bodega y Cavas de Weinert, founded in 1890. We loved the informative tasting given in this divine cellar. The chief winemaker was our guide and with her guidance, we tasted wine in a whole new way. Not to mention, the 2009 Late Harvest Pinot was to die for!

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We biked the afternoon away, stopping at vineyards for tours and tastings and ended at the very impressive Alta Vista. With bottles dating back to the 1950s and modern tasting room–complete with personal sink for cleansing the palette and glasses–the winery left us with a warm fuzzy feeling.

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When a hotel is this good, you want to hang on to every last minute. On our last morning we stretched our stay with room service to the Vineyard Loft. It is not easy bringing carafes of coffee and poached eggs down a gravel road and up the stairs of a tree house but the staff didn’t even flinch. Aficionados of service and style, Entre Cielos holds up to its heavenly name.

For HoneyTrek.com’s walk-through of the Entre Cielos Vineyard Loft, watch this video.

Glamping Among Mayan Ruins

La Lancha is a glamping destination a world away from the norm. The rainforest setting and nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal give La Lancha a unique and wonderful atmosphere. The pace of life slows down here – it’s an ideal destination where you can’t help but be present in the moment. Let the pace of life really slow down as you explore the Petén region. La Lancha is a charming 10-room lodge and rainforest casitas hidden away in the rainforest high above the shores of Lago Petén Itzá. La Lancha is part of the Coppola Resorts family of hotels and resorts. The lodge and rooms are decorated with art and furniture from Bali. Relax and slow down, La Lancha is a refuge from hectic life.

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The casitas give excellent views of the the lake and rainforest and feature a queen-size bed. You’ll want to take time to relax in the hammock on the covered deck, and maybe take an afternoon nap. Visits from friendly howler monkeys right up to the edge of the deck leave no question of the natural surroundings.

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Tikal is the epicenter of Mayan spirituality and the most striking visual sight while staying at La Lancha. Five monolithic temples rise above the jungle canopy. Buried deep in the rainforest are the ruins of more than 3,000 structures. It’s the small details like the moss clinging to the steps of ancient temples and plazas that make you feel like a true adventurer. The temples and ball courts tell the story of a rich and powerful empire and is considered an archaeological wonder of the Americas.

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A short distance from La Lancha, the Lago Petén Itzá can be explored by boat. In the lakeside communities of San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Flores you can walk narrow cobblestone streets lined with shops featuring local arts and crafts. Other highlights include a museum with Mayan artifacts and a very prominent cathedral.

La Lancha features an open-air restaurant situated under the main lodge’s thatched roof. Enjoy a meal and the spectacular views of the rainforest and Lago Petén Itzá. The parakeets and other wildlife provide the background ambience. The menu includes authentic Guatemalan dishes like Chilaquiles and Suban Ik. The rooftop bar serves Guatemalan rum and Belize-brewed beer – it’s a great place to quench your thirst and take in the beautiful panoramic views.

Learn more about La Lancha.

Spotlight: Tierra Atacama in Chile

One of South America’s best kept secrets is Tierra Atacama in Chile. This eco-friendly lodging facility has a peculiar surrounding landscape to say the least. It neighbors a volcano, marshland, geysers, and salt flats teeming with flamingos. Credit is due to Tierra Atacama for creating an oasis of modern luxury amid such a rugged and beautiful landscape. Tierra Atacama is a boutique glamping experience created by the same family that owns and operates Ski Portillo. Tierra Atacama creates experiences for guests that combine outdoor adventure and sports with modern comforts and excellent service.

The architecture, interiors, grounds and spa of Tierra Atacama were designed by Chilean professionals with the goal of balancing local cultural influences while creating a place that allows guests to relax and spoil themselves. Every room has a private terrace that overlooks the Licancabur volcano. The interiors are casually elegant. The designers used hand-made textiles produced by local villages. The rooms are meant to embody authentic desert culture.

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Tierra Atacama has a special culture that is all part of the adventure travel experience. The ambiance is casual and friendly. Guests are invited to gather in the living room, library, bar, by the pool, and the gardens on the terrace. Great care is taken to make sure guests feel as comfortable as if they were in their own homes. It’s a great meeting place for old and new friends. The landscape speaks for itself and Tierra Atacama has created a special experience where you can enjoy the good life in one of the most unusual spots on earth.

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The weather is pleasant and dry year round. Any month is a good choice for travel to Tierra Atacama. It does rain occasionally during between January and April; snow can be seen in the high mountains. This rarely affects travel in San Pedro, however, it does mean that some high-altitude excursions may be suspended as the roads become inaccessible. Desert temperatures vary greatly following the rising and setting of the sun. Dressing in layers is recommended year round. Night temperatures in winter (June-Sept) are very cold. Sunblock, sunglasses and sun hats are essential any time of year.

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Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa in San Pedro de Atacama offers guided adventures, Altiplano excursions and bird-watching; as well as luxury spa services, fine dining and boutique hotel hospitality. Create an opportunity to treat yourself to eco-tourism in one of the world’s most unique destinations, the Altiplano of the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile.

Find out more about Tierra Atacama and start planning your trip.