Uruguay Top Spots

Watching Whales in La Paloma

August 28th, 2010

tamaragab

We have enjoyed quite a bit of whale watching this week in La Paloma. The whales seem to like La Paloma just as much as the rest of us, and have been seen “hanging out” around the beaches of Anaconda, Los Botes, La Balconada and La Pedrera. They are absolutely magical the way they play in the water, and to be able to see them so close to shore, is a privilege.

What a life! This whale is lying on its back with its flukes and tail in the air, you can also see part of its head - Anaconda Beach, La Paloma

This is the best time of year for seeing whales along the coast of Uruguay, and La Paloma is one of the prime spots to see them. La Paloma is known for being a natural destination and throughout the year you will see Seals, Dolphins, Whales and a large assortment of birdlife. The period from July to around October is the time to look out for whales. At times they just seem to be passing through, whereas other times, they spend their time frolicking in the waters close to the shore. You will also get good sightings of whales in Punta del Este and in other parts of the coast of Rocha.

A whale taking a peek at what is going on out of the water

So if you are in Uruguay at the moment, or planning a trip next winter, try to keep in mind a bit of whale watching.

Hasta pronto!

Our Hotel is opening in November, and will be the perfect spot in La Paloma to capture the whales. The Hotel website also runs a blog, and on there you will find posts about whale sightings – a good place to keep a lookout for where the whales are.

La Pataia – Visit a Dairy in Punta del Este

August 26th, 2010

tamaragab

La Pataia is located in the hills surrounding Punta del Este. The drive here alone is beautiful, and when you try their crepes with Dulce de Leche – you will wonder when you can return.

Already speaking of food, I am getting a little ahead of myself…..La Pataia is a tourist dairy farm, located a short drive from the heart of Punta del Este. Set up in the rolling green pasteurs, you will think you have travelled a lot further than 15 minutes from Punta del Este.

La Pataia was purchased in 2007, and since then, has converted itself into a tourist destination in its own right. Admission is free, and you are able to wander through the grounds, see the dairy equipment, check out the animals, there is a restaurant, gift shop and a small cafe. There are also some kids activities, you can rent horses or go on a tour on some 4WD bikes.

Make sure you look for the little baby in the far left of the photo

What a cutie! A Shetland Pony being admired by Pam, Mum and Dalba

A few goats and sheep are part of the La Pataia family

We had a ladies day out recently, and during our little “paseo” we found ourselves at La Pataia. It was a great opportunity to show off some of Uruguay to a couple of the ladies who hadn’t been here before. Unfortunately, we arrived a little late to be able to have any pancakes, but Mum and I had had them before, and they are absolutely delicious. Last time we were here, we also took home some wine and Dulce de Leche as a reminder. The Dulce de Leche is used throughout all the McDonalds McCafes in Uruguay – it’s that good!

Our ladies day out to La Pataia

So if you are in Punta del Este and are looking for a different experience, head up to La Pataia. And if you can, try and fit in a horse ride or a 4 wheel motorbike tour – it’s a great way to have a look around the whole property.

To get there, you can follow the signs from Punta Ballena.

Hasta pronto!

Trotamundos – a Cheap & Cheerful Restaurant in Montevideo

August 24th, 2010

tamaragab

Trotamundos is a great little restaurant in Pocitos in Montevideo. We have eaten there a few times now, and each time we have been really happy with the quality of food and service.

The great thing about Trotamundos, is that they have a variety of meals on the menu. They have branched out from the standard fare of Chivitos, Milanesas and Pizzas, and instead offer a variety of dishes from different countries. You will find some Mexican influece, as well as Indian, African, American, Spanish & Italian. The portions are generous, the food is tasty and the service is friendly.

Another thing I really like is the decor of the restaurant. It seems to be an old house, and is still slightly divided into some rooms. There are a couple of different levels, so if you were wanting a group function, you could organize a great little spot just for your group. The place is painted with some bold colors, and the ambience is really warm. There are some seats at the front overlooking the street, or some cosy spots in the back.

We found ourselves there last Sunday night. Mom was with as (we were on our way to taking her back to the airport), and for all of us, it was an easy choice of where to go to eat. We were looking for something “cheap & cheerful”, and as we had all eaten here before, we didn’t take any convincing.

Mom and I were both deciding between the same two dishes, so we decided to get both and share. We chose the Gnocci with Bolognese sauce and the Chicken Fajitas. Both were really good. The Fajitas were served with the most delicious accompaniaments; a hummas spread, a blend of onion & peppers plus a really yummy blend of seeds and cereals. Andres had the Enchilada which was really tasty too (I know, I had a bit of everything, but only so I could let everyone know how good it is!).

So a bit of a quick rundown;

Location

26 de Marzo, esquina Jose Marti

Telephone – 2708 5522 (that is the new phone number – all phone numbers will have 8 digits by the 29th August)

Prices

The prices here are really reasonable. Our gnocci was around $100, the fajitas around $145 and around the same for the enchiladas. There are some more expensive items on the menu, but the average would be around $180 for a main meal (I’m talking Uruguayan pesos)

Food

As I said earlier, there is a great variety of food. They serve a really nice Paella, plus Pastas, Mexican – there really is something there for everyone (we have taken one of Andres’s cousins before, we were a little worried thinking there would be nothing there for him, but he loved it too).

Service

The staff here have always been really friendly. Service is an important aspect for us, and we have never been disappointed here.

This is one place that I don’t hesitate recommending, and we will definitely go back to.

Just as a little side note, according to a website, they don’t take Credit Cards, so just make sure you have cash with you.

Hasta pronto!

Colonia del Sacramento – A Day Trip from Buenos Aires

August 19th, 2010

tamaragab

If you are planning a trip to Buenos Aires, and looking at ways to fill in your days, you really should make time for a day in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
Colonia del Sacramento is a beautiful little town on the other side of the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Buenos Aires. Full of character and charm, Colonia attracts visitors all year round for its gorgeous cobblestoned streets, original buildings, antique shops, museums, boutiques and restaurants. It is just so easy to spend the day wandering around the old town, and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires.
It is super easy to get to Colonia from Buenos Aires – it’s just a short 1 hour trip by ferry. There are a few companies that operate between Uruguay and Argentina, we have travelled on Buquebus, but you could also try Colonia Express.

So for more information, check out my other posts on Colonia - you are sure to want to include it in your trip!

Hasta Pronto!

Colonia del Sacramento – a short video that will make you want to go!

August 19th, 2010

tamaragab

Colonia del Sacramento is undoubtedly one of my favourite places. It is just so pretty, and you can really lose yourself, just wandering around the cobblestone streets, antique shops and plazas. If you are planning a trip to Uruguay, I highly recommend you make the time for a night in Colonia. If you are in Buenos Aires, it is an easy day trip. The ferry ride is only around an hour, and it is well worth it.

Check out this video that I found on You Tube – it features Colonia, with a touch of Candombe. It will have you booking your ticket in no time!

Hasta Pronto!

Cabo Polonio & Jorge Drexler – A short Video featuring two Uruguayan Legends

August 19th, 2010

tamaragab

Cabo Polonio is no doubt one of the most magical places in Uruguay. Off the beaten track, it is really like no other.

This is a short video of some photos taken at Cabo Polonio in January 2009, to the music of Uruguayan singer, Jorge Drexler. Jorge Drexler is one of the most famous Uruguayan performers, having won an Oscar for his song, “Al otro lado del rio (The other side of the River) which was featured in the movie “Motorcycle Diaries”.

Hasta Pronto!

Saturday Night Fever Uruguay Style – it’s time for the Noche de la Nostalgia!

August 19th, 2010

tamaragab

Maybe you are driving around Uruguay now, wondering whether the radio station is stuck in a time warp. What is this sudden infatuation with 70′s and 80′s music? Are they really that far “behind” here in Uruguay? Or are they simply preparing us for something…..

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Uruguay at the moment, you should prepare yourself for a night of fun! The Noche de la Nostalgia, held every year on the 24th of August, is often referred to as the biggest night on the Uruguayan Calendar. There are parties and functions held all over the country in Restaurants, Clubs and Bars. As for the entertainment….well, let’s just say that no one here is going to be teasing you about disco dancing and belting out your favourite tunes from the 70′s & 80′s tonight!

Apparently the tradition of celebrating this night is only fairly new. A savvy DJ put it together a little over 10 years ago. I wonder if they realized then, that it would turn into the most anticipated night of the year?

So, where can you go to join in on the fun? If you are in Uruguay now, keep a look out for posters advertising functions, listen to the radio to see where the best events are, or check out the local papers. You could also check out this website (which is in Spanish) that has quite a list of events, plus a bit of a story about the night, or this website (also in Spanish) which lists a few major events in Montevideo. Or, you could go to your favourite bar or restaurant to see what they are doing. There are really so many options to choose from.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and have a great night! Don’t forget to have a bit of a Uruguayan Siesta in the afternoon – these Uruguayans don’t get warmed up until late!

Hasta Pronto!

Punta del Diablo – Rocha

August 14th, 2010

tamaragab

Punta del Diablo is one of the beautiful beach towns of the Rocha Department. It is around 180 miles from Montevideo, and is a quaint little village which attracts thousands of visitors throughout summer for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, as well as people throughout the year who are attracted to the tranquility.

You will find all your essential items there, but don’t come here looking for glamour and creature comforts. There aren’t any bitumin roads, no service station and an ATM which is only new (and may only work throughout summer). You won’t find a trace of a Day Spa, Luxury Resort or a Golf Course here. What you will find is some of the nicest beaches in Uruguay, a “chill out” approach to life where you can wander the streets in sandals and a sarong and enjoy some great fresh seafood.

One of the beautiful beaches at Punta del Diablo

The view from the point back towards the houses at Punta del Diablo

So, where do you stay? A great option is a beach house. There has been quite a building “boom” there over the last few years, so there are some great options of beach houses which sit high and overlook the ocean. If you can find one with a Parrillero, even better! There are also Hostels, Posadas and Hotels as well as a massive camping ground.

Some of the colorful beach houses that Punta del Diablo is famous for

During Summer, Punta del Diablo has a population of thousands, compared to just hundreds throughout the year. Throughout these months there are more restaurants, markets, shops and nightlife, plus accommodation is a bit more expensive. Throughout the rest of the year, there are only a couple of restaurants open, but the beaches are still beautiful and you can enjoy the true nature of the area.

Driving into the "main street" of Punta del Diablo during Summer

I am yet to meet someone who hasn’t fallen in love with the charm of this rustic little village. Whether it’s because you can really escape here, become one with nature and avoid the craziness of day to day life, or if it is the gorgeous beaches which you can see from most of the houses in town, or a mixture of all, people from all over the World come here and are captured by the charm of Punta del Diablo.

Some iconic fishing boats at Punta del Diablo

Hasta Pronto!

Relax in Montevideo – A guide to the best Day Spas

August 7th, 2010

tamaragab

Relax with a massage in Montevideo

One of my favourite things to do while on vacation is to treat myself to a massage or facial (or both). There is nothing better after a couple of days of exploring a new country, than spending a couple of hours in a Day Spa to rejuvenate.

Below are a few of the best Day Spas in Montevideo;

ViaAqua Spa Montevideo

Located in Punta Carretas Shopping Centre, ViaAqua Spa is a superb facility. You really will find everything here from a fully equipped gymnasium to the ultimate in relaxation. If you are looking to relax, try something from their extensive menu – from facials, pedicures and cosmetic treatments to a full range of specialty massages. There is an incredible pool and sauna facility that has an unbeatable view over the River Plate. And, if you feel like a fitness burst, there is a fully equipped gymnasium and classes including pilates and yoga. This is really an incredible facility that provides a complete fitness and relaxation experience.

Privilege

Privilege is located on Ellauri in Punta Carretas. Here they perform a lot of cosmetic procedures and also specialize in massage, Magic Tan and waxing. They also have a lot of treatments to assist with health, weight problems, acne and scarring.

Victoria Spa

Located on the 5th and 6th levels of the Radisson Victoria Plaza in the heart of Montevideo, Victoria Spa is a luxury spa and fitness facility. There is a gymnasium with state of the art equipment, sauna, swimming pool and solarium. There are also treatment rooms for relaxation and beauty treatments. They specialize in anti-cellulite treatment, weight loss programs and rejuvenating facial programs. Relax in a style in a top location in the heart of the City.

Beauty Planet Spa

You will find Planet Spa in two locations – Blanca del Tabare and Punta Carretas Shopping. Here they offer a Solarium, Waxing, Massage and Cosmetic Services. There is a Fitness Centre where you can do Yoga and Aerobics style classes, a hairsalon and dance class.

Neptune Pool & Fitness Centre

Located on the 26th floor of the Sheraton in Punta Carretas, the Neptune Pool & Fitness Centre features a spectacular view over the River Plate. Work out in the full equipped gym, relax in the sauna or enjoy some of the body treatments and beauty care offered by specialized staff. The centre features a swimming pool and Jacuzzis and you can also enjoy the Sun Deck. A great place to relax and enjoy the spectacular view from one of the highest points in town.

Relax - Montevideo Style

I hope this helps in your search for relaxation in Montevideo. Let me know if you have been to a Day Spa in Montevideo – I would love to hear what you thought!

Hasta pronto!

Montevideo Hotel Review – Four Points by Sheraton

August 6th, 2010

tamaragab

The Four Points by Sheraton is located on Ejido, opposite the City Council in Montevideo. The City Centre is a great place to stay to experience Montevideo and be within a short distance to many of the features of the city. The Four Points is located around 1 mile to the Ciudad Vieja and Plaza Independencia.

Advantages

Four Points Hotel in Montevideo is a well appointed property with a Restaurant, Conference Rooms and an Indoor Pool that has a spectacular view over the city, plus the rooms appear to be generous in size. The Hotel is only a block and a half from the main street of Uruguay – 18 de Julio. Also, being part of a large Hotel group, you would find that the staff speak English quite well.

Disadvantages

The position, while being close to 18 de Julio is nothing pretty and it is quite a walk from the Ciudad Vieja and the main attractions of Montevideo. Also I see by looking on the website that they charge around US$10 per day for Internet access.

Price

From around US$129 per night for a standard room with a King size bed

Hotel Services

Buffet Breakfast, Internet (charged), 24 hour Front Desk , Minibar, Conference Facillities, Indoor Swimming Pool, Restaurant

Other Hotels nearby

Hotel Crystal Palace (there are quite a few Hotels in the City Centre of Montevideo, but this one is within a few blocks)

Other Hotels in this price range

NH Columbia, Cala di Volpe

Would we stay here

Yes, I wouldn’t mind trying here, but in saying that, it isn’t on the top of my list

Four Points by Sheraton is a good option for people staying in Montevideo who want

to stay close to Montevideo with the services and facilities of a Hotel from a large chain.

I hope this review helps. If you have stayed at the Hotel Four Points in Montevideo, let me know what you thought of your stay.

Hasta pronto!

Watching Whales in La Paloma

La Pataia – Visit a Dairy in Punta del Este