Luxury working ranch in the heart of the Pampas, just one hour's drive south of Buenos Aires, where you can learn to play polo and be pampered like family
Argentina’s vast grassy plain known as La Pampa carves a 300-mile arc from Buenos Aires all the way to Patagonia and the Andes.
In its heyday (1880 to 1930) the countryside was peppered with grand estancias (cattle ranches) built chateaux-style by newly wealthy European immigrants.
Nowadays many are open to the public but Estancia El Rocio is a luxury alternative to the bare-bones experience others offer.
Instead of damp, chilly rooms, enjoy cosy, crackling fires; trade poor food and service for French-influenced cuisine and a warm welcome. French-born Patrice Graviere and his Spanish-Argentine wife, Macarena Llambi, built the four-bedroom colonial-style home as a weekend retreat.
'We are opening the doors of our home to you,' he insists.
Patrice drove an hour from Buenos Aires to join us for dinner; he dines with guests simply because he enjoys it.
And while this estancia caters to polo aficionados, you’ll be just as happy sunbathing poolside, taking a sulky ride or feasting at a candlelight asado (Argentine barbecue).
Estancia El Rocio, Argentina is a luxury ranch with five rooms with doubles costing from US$175 for full board and some activities.
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