Vik Retreats has announced Estancia Vik José Ignacio and Bahia Vik José Ignacio, the private luxury retreats in the bohemian-chic fishing village of José Ignacio, Uruguay will welcome visitors throughout the year, as the retreats further extend their season in response to demand from travelers around the world.
Located 20 kilometers northeast of Punta del Este, José Ignacio is often described as a place where St. Tropez meets Marlborough Country because of the picturesque beaches, spectacular natural landscapes, and rich local culture. José Ignacio was historically known for its high season, with travelers flocking to the destination as the summer begins to heat up. Since their debut, Estancia Vik and Bahia Vik have attracted travelers from around the world to enjoy an authentic experience offering a unique immersion into Uruguay. Vik Retreats helped put José Ignacio on the map, positioning the charming coastal town as a one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Over the years, demand has increased so significantly that Estancia Vik (pictured above) and Bahia Vik will now open year-round, offering travelers the opportunity to enjoy a broad range of experiences with access to sprawling nature and a temperate year round climate.
Estancia Vik is romantic, rustic, and traditional, paying homage to the culture and history of Uruguay. Situated on 4,000 acres of rolling hills, Estancia Vik is a traditional Spanish colonial structure built as the colonial people did when they arrived in the country, featuring the traditional white adobe walls and a red tin roof designed by Uruguayan architect Marcelo Daglio with Carrie and Alex Vik. Estancia Vik features 12 uniquely designed suites and an incredible collection of Uruguayan art.
Bahia Vik José Ignacio reflects contemporary beach living, spanning ten acres of dunes on the peninsula, facing east, south and west with stunning vistas across the Southern Atlantic Ocean from José Ignacio to Punta del Este. Celebrating the ambiance of its chic locale, Bahia Vik consists of 15 uniquely designed bungalows tucked into the beach dunes, with one central building around which retreat living revolves.
Guests visiting Estancia Vik and Bahia Vik will enjoy a range of activities such as gaucho led horseback riding excursions, beach walks, whale watching from July to November, bike riding on the country backroads, traditional asado barbeques, private wine tastings, cooking classes, al fresco dinners under the stars, tennis on Estancia’s grass courts, nearby golf, kayaking and canoeing, relaxing by the enormous stone fireplaces and much more. Guests can also enjoy curated wellness experiences at The Shack Yoga and Wellness at Bahia Vik, a new wellness sanctuary and spa experience just steps from Bahia Vik. The Shack Yoga and Wellness boasts a yoga studio, a state-of-the-art fitness center, personal training, curated retreats and workshops, a full-service spa, and a cold-pressed juice and tea bar. Guests can also visit local cultural centers including the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation, various art galleries and artist ateliers, historical sites all the way to Montevideo or explore some of the local picturesque towns of Garzon, Minas and San Carlos.
Estancia Vik and Bahia Vik are accessible via the Punta del Este airport, a forty-minute drive along the coast or by highway. Alternatively, guests may fly to the capital city of Montevideo, one and a half hours away, with an array of flights including direct from Miami and Madrid