Uruguay

Sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, it’s become something of a cliché to say Uruguay is overlooked or underrated.

But over the last few years, its beaches and rolling green plateau have been attracting a well-travelled crowd drawn here by a low-key approach to luxury and appreciation of the simple things – good food, good wine and good company.

Uruguay's Atlantic coastline spans wild surf spots and rustic fishing villages, with some such as José Ignacio now also hosting world-renowned restaurants and a handful of chic resorts. Cobbled colonial towns dot the Río de la Plata's estuary, where you’ll also find the capital, Montevideo, and its blend of Spanish, Italian and Eastern European influences in city's culture, architecture and cuisine.

Inland, find authentic estancia stays celebrating the country’s rich rural heritage as well as vineyards making the most of the Bordeaux-like climate. Uruguay may lack the bucket list sights of its larger neighbours, but that's part of its charm.