About this hotel
General information
Carmelo Resort & Spa occupies a 45-hectare forest of pine and eucalyptus on the bank of the Río de la Plata at Carmelo, the heart of Uruguay’s wine country. The resort is low-rise and spread out: 44 bungalows and suites sit among the trees, looking out over the forest, the river or the hotel’s own vineyards, and a private beach lines the riverbank.
Days revolve around a large outdoor pool with two waterfalls, ringed by vines, and Chandra Spa, an Asian-inspired retreat with an indoor pool and a yoga studio beside the water. Rooms are furnished with locally designed pieces, and the suites have carved lapacho-wood beds beneath high ceilings. The pace is unhurried — bicycle rides through the forest, tennis, river outings from the nearby marina at Puerto Camacho and tastings at a neighbouring winery a few kilometres away.
Location
The resort stands in woodland on the Río de la Plata at Carmelo, in the department of Colonia, just off Route 21. Montevideo is about three hours away by car or 45 minutes by private flight; Montevideo’s international airport is 320 km away, while Carmelo’s own airport is only 2 km from the resort. From Buenos Aires the drive takes around four hours; the alternative is the river crossing to Colonia del Sacramento (about an hour) followed by an hour’s drive to Carmelo. Close by are the Carmelo golf course (2.2 km), the Puerto Camacho marina (5 km), a winery estate (6.8 km) and Carmelo’s swing bridge (9.7 km).
Spa
Chandra Spa brings together age-old Asian techniques and Latin American culture: natural local materials, soft scents and sounds, and a philosophy built on the balance of yin and yang. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, a dry sauna and a gym with up-to-date cardio equipment, and the menu runs from massages and aromatherapy to facial and body treatments. Yoga classes are held in the riverside studio according to the resort’s weekly schedule, alongside meditation sessions.
Sports & leisure
Most of what the resort offers happens outdoors, in the forest or on the river:
- bicycles for easy rides along flat forest tracks and into the Uruguayan countryside
- two crushed-stone tennis courts, playable day and night, with rackets and balls available at the spa
- yoga in the riverside studio and meditation sessions
- a sunset cruise from Puerto Camacho aboard a classic vintage boat, weaving between the river islands, with cheese, cold cuts, beer and soft drinks on board
- kayak and canoe trips from the marina to a nearby creek, past 18th-century buildings and with plenty of water birds to watch
- tastings and wine experiences at a neighbouring winery, 6.8 km away
- golf at the Carmelo course, 2.2 km away
Restaurants & bars
Cooking at the resort draws on Uruguayan produce alongside international dishes, paired with wines from the estate’s own vineyards and the surrounding region. Breakfast is a buffet in the resort restaurant (or brought to the room on request), while Pura restaurant serves lunch and dinner.
Swimming
The main pool is a large outdoor pool with two cascading waterfalls, surrounded by the resort’s vineyards; the spa adds a heated indoor pool. Guests also have a private beach on the bank of the Río de la Plata.
Rooms
The 44 accommodations comprise 20 bungalows suited to couples, 20 two-storey suites suited to families and four Premium Bi level Suites of 150 m² with private terraces and decks. Each looks out over the forest, the Río de la Plata or the vineyards.
Living area with sofa and desk, terrace or balcony, air conditioning and heating, TV and telephone, capsule coffee machine with tea and coffee facilities, minibar, complimentary safe and Wi-Fi, and a bathroom with separate bath and shower, bidet, hairdryer and magnifying mirror.
Bungalow King
A bungalow set in the resort grounds with a living room, a king-size bed and views of the forest or the river. Sleeps up to three.
Bi level Suite
A two-storey suite with high ceilings: a living room with locally designed furnishings on the main level and, upstairs, a bedroom with a carved lapacho-wood four-poster bed. Sleeps up to four.
Premium Bi level Suite
The largest two-storey suite, with a living room and dining area for two on the main level and a king-size bed upstairs under high ceilings, plus two single beds and a private terrace with deck. Sleeps up to four.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.