• Learn about the life of present-day gauchos
• Explore on horseback and by bike
• Traditional Pampas estancia with bags of character
• Just 11 guest rooms, all named after polo horses
• Swimming pool and spa
• Watch a game of polo (seasonal) 
• Enjoy a traditional asado (BBQ)

This Relais & Chateaux hotel is in the heart of the Pampas yet just 120kms from Buenos Aires, so is easy to reach from the capital. It is an historic estancia now transformed into an elegant hotel but retaining something of the feeling of a private home. You approach along a tree-lined avenue which leads to the main courtyard. Around this are arranged the house, cottage, stables, dining room and former inn.

There are 11 rooms and suites, each named after a well known polo horse and all equipped with free wifi, iPod dock, safe and are air conditioned for your optimum comfort. Each room has its own bathroom with a bath and shower. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. Period features such as parquet floors and antique furniture add character and TVs and phones are eschewed as unnecessary distractions.

The pulperai is the oldest of the buildings dating back to the 18th century and was for some time used as a inn for local gauchos. Now it is retreat where guests can catch up on some reading and relax over a cup of tea or glass of wine. You can enjoy a taste of the gaucho lifestyle with an asado (barbecue) and mate tasting, a herb tea that is plays a central role in gaucho culture. You can also watch displays of horsemanship, music and folk dancing.

Horse riding, carriage rides, mountain biking and games of Argentinian bowls are all good ways to pass the time. In addition La Bamba de Areco hosts the eponymous polo team and guests are welcome to watch practice sessions and games during the playing season. The town of San Antonio de Areco is just 13kms away and, with its colonial architecture, church, museum and silversmith workshops, is worth a visit. Back at the hotel there are lots of quiet spots where you can relax and an outdoor swimming pool for refreshing exercise.