Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio
Jose Ignacio, Uruguay’s idyllic, vibrant coastal area, is now home to one of the world’s most exclusive retreats, Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio.Located 20 kilometers northeast of Punta del Este, Jose Ignacio is emerging as Uruguay’s premier international destination.
The pristine beaches, spectacular rolling landscape and relaxed, bohemian setting have long drawn the South American locals and glitterati alike, and with the arrival of Estancia Vik, it is sure to become a coveted destination for the curious and design-forward international traveler.
Merging exceptional design, flawless personalized service, environmentally minded practices and an unparalleled collection of contemporary Uruguayan and international art, Estancia Vik is a singularly remarkable property set in a magical backdrop where Marlboro country meets a virgin San Tropez.The unique juxtaposition of landscapes, vast rugged countryside and pristine beaches, allow guests to experience the incredible diversity of Uruguay. Estancia Vik is a celebration of this majestic setting, and provides not only a unique sense of place, but gives guests an unparalleled entrée into the culture, art, design and nature of Uruguay.
Estancia Vik is located approximately two kilometers from the coast, in the uniquely rural yet oceanfront countryside of Jose Ignacio. Situated on 4,000 acres, Estancia Vik is a traditional Spanish colonial structure featuring white adobe walls and a red tin roof designed by Uruguayan architect Marcelo Daglio. The structure is 50,000 square feet, with more than half of that space made up of interior patios of outdoor space – courtyards, gardens, covered walkways and an herb garden located within the Estancia walls. Guests enter through an open courtyard with a vast reflecting pool, into the central Living Room where they will find as its centerpiece a magnificent monumental and elegant, twelve foot tall, white statuary marble sculpture by Pablo Atchugarry, an internationally acclaimed Uruguayan artist. The 300 square meter ceiling of the Living Room has been painted by Clever Lara, a leading artist of today’s art movement in Uruguay, as a “Google Earth” inspired representation of Jose Ignacio and Uruguay. The painted panels which make up the vast ceiling depict the countryside of Jose Ignacio, the beachfront of Punta del Este and even the historic center of Uruguay’s capital city, Montevideo.
The Uruguayan artists and artwork represented in the Estancia were specially selected by the retreat’s owners and visionaries, along with the collaboration of architect Marcel Daglio and curator Enrique Badaró Nadal. Large natural Uruguayan semi-precious and crystal stone formations have been hung as paintings on the walls dividing the many doorways and two massive slate rock fireplaces act as bookends to this magnificent room.
The Estancia features 12 unique suites, with six at each wing ranging in size from 500 square feet to 900 square feet. Each suite has been imagined by an individual Uruguayan artist who has created works of art for and out of these spaces.
A traditional Uruguayan barbeque has been built at the north side of the Estancia, mirroring the ancient tin galpons found wherever the gauchos roamed; this too having the traditional tin walls with a large central fireplace or “fogon”.
Marcel Legrand, another notable Uruguayan artist, who also designed one of the Estancia’s suites, has painted the walls and ceiling in his brilliantly chaotic style, bringing a contemporary flair to this traditional space.
Across the Estancia, on the south side, is the wine cellar, directly above which is the grand dining room, seating forty to fifty guests, where one can peer down into the cave below through glass windows imbedded in the corners of the floor. The brick walls that line the wine cellar continue up through the dining room floor, culminating in the barreled brick roof.A work of master craftsmen, this barreled brick room and ceiling were created without the use of any mortar.
On the south side of the Estancia, is a large garden with a 20-meter Absolute Nero stone pool beyond. The bottom of the pool is dotted with fiber optic lights, which mirror the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations above.
Estancia Vik also boasts a game room, gym and spa all overlooking the views to the river, lake and ocean beyond as well as extensive terraces with panoramic views of the rugged untouched natural landscape. Guests will enjoy the Estancia’s private polo field and stable of Criollo pleasure riding horses.
A peaceful river runs through the property down to the Laguna Jose Ignacio before it empties into the ocean where guests can enjoy premier fishing, sailing, kayaking, kite surfing and windsurfing. Golf and tennis are available nearby for those who prefer a respite from the ranch life.
The landscape is rich with exotic wildlife including rare birds, wild South American ostrich and armadillos along with a variety of farm animals.
Guests will discover a beautifully painted chapel by Uruguayan artist and colorist Carlos Musso nestled in a grove of native trees, an ideal for an intimate wedding ceremony or private dinner.
Guests are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of both the Estancia and the beach, traveling the easy trip between the two by horseback, car or bicycle.
Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio is committed to employing environmentally friendly practices. Solar tubes, wind energy, recycled water and radiant heat are just some of the steps that the property is taking towards being self sustaining.
Jose Ignacio is at once bohemian and luxurious, and showcases a remarkably diverse group of inhabitants; artists, musicians, authors and businessmen who have all fallen in love with the relaxed beauty of the area. It is accessible via Punta del Este and Montevideo. E
Estancia Vik was imagined, designed and built with the inspiration of creating an exceptional private residence.The owners spend a portion of the year living at Estancia Vik themselves and hope that others will make it their home as well.
Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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