In the heart of Argentina’s pampas grasslands, a short way northwest of Buenos Aires, La Bamba de Areco is an early 19th-century estancia that has been lovingly converted into a luxury hotel, adding contemporary luxury to its historic gaucho charm and traditional hospitality.

The rich red buildings of the main house and stables are shaded by towering trees, accompanied by birdsong and the occasional whinny or thwack of a polo mallet. There are eight rooms in the main house and dotted around the courtyard, a two-bedroom suite and a cottage for those seeking even more privacy. Taking names from champion horses, each is uniquely decorated with antiques and natural materials for a proudly Argentine feel.

Outside, horses can be tacked up whenever you fancy a ride, borrow mountain bikes, watch a polo game, see a gaucho horse whisperer at work or simply lounge by the pool. Dining here is also a real highlight, from delightful lunches and languid asado lunches to high teas and hearty candlelit dinners of local produce.