Las Balsas
Rustic Patagonian luxury — think stone fireplaces, hardwood floors, antique furniture, and handwoven Argentine textiles, now mixed with 10 new modernist lakeview villas added in a 2025 redesign. Cozy and private without feeling stuffy.
The pool area goes adults-only between 6pm and 10pm — perfect timing before dinner.
Why It Matters
Argentina's first Relais & Châteaux, the world's first B Corp–certified Relais & Châteaux, on-site private nature reserve in partnership with Aves Argentinas, Slow Food–committed kitchen led by resident chef Duvan Ochoa, and wines partly sourced from the owner's own Mendoza vineyard.
Las Balsas started life as a charming blue house on a quiet bay of Lake Nahuel Huapi and has grown into a 20-room Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel spread across 17 hectares of native forest and lakeshore in Villa La Angostura. It's been the first Relais & Châteaux property in Latin America for 30 years, and in 2021 became the first B Corp–certified Relais & Châteaux property on the planet. The place runs on a Slow Food philosophy, keeps screen time intentionally limited in public areas, and is genuinely hard to leave.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Atelier Lago
The smallest room in the house at 20 sqm, but it punches above its size with direct lake views and a full bathroom featuring both a bathtub and shower. Queen or twin configuration. Intimate and well-finished — best for solo travelers or couples who won't be spending much time indoors.
Queen or Twin · 20 sqm
Corner Suite
The most characterful room in the main house, with earthy ochre-and-clay tones, hardwood floors, textured rugs, and antique furniture. Large windows frame the lake and the hotel's waterside dock. Separate sitting area, full bath, and a design that feels like a well-appointed mountain cabin.
King or Twin · 60 sqmLakeview Villa
Ten standalone modernist villas set within the native forest, completely redesigned and launched in winter 2025. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a large private deck make the lake panorama inescapable. Local materials, Patagonian design touches, and a quiet position within the reserve. These are the showpiece rooms.
King or Twin · 120 sqmStudio Suite
A 45 sqm suite in the main house that blends contemporary comfort with the building's historic bones. Lake and mountain views frame both sides. The bathroom has double vanities plus separate bath and shower. Good for two, with an extra bed option.
King or Twin · 45 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Private fly fishing and trolling excursions targeting rainbow trout, salmon, and other species in the crystal-clear lake district waters. Season runs November through March.
Private kayaking on the glacial lake, tailored to your level from beginner to advanced. The lake spans over 200 square miles dotted with islands and crystal-clear water.
Departing from the hotel's private dock, private guided sailing excursions explore the peninsula and its quiet coves. One of the most authentic ways to experience the lake.
Trekking excursion to the Bosque de Arrayanes, one of Patagonia's most remarkable woodland ecosystems, with unique cinnamon-barked trees.
Ride through Patagonian forest trails with a professional Argentine gaucho guide. A traditional lunch is included to cap the experience.
Year-round private guided rides along zigzagging mountain trails stopping at iconic viewpoints. Beginner to advanced routes available.
Guided private hikes through Patagonian forest, mountain trails, and steppe paths ranging from gentle walks to more demanding ascents. The on-property nature reserve has its own walking trail.
Walking trail through the private Las Balsas Nature Reserve, part of the Aves Argentinas network. Guided birdwatching available — the property actively monitors and restores bird conservation areas.
The hotel is only 10 minutes from Cerro Bayo ski resort (open mid-July to late September), which offers several lifts, green-to-black runs, snowshoeing, snow-tubing, and a freestyle snowboard park. Winter packages include daily transfers and lift passes.
In-house sommelier Daniela Scigliano leads wine and gin tastings from the 150+ label cellar. Regular guest chef and wine events throughout the year.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Black sand private beach with direct lake access. The dock is the departure point for all sailing and water excursions.
The main house has a library and secluded reading nooks, redesigned in 2025.
Stone and cypress cellar housing 150+ Argentine wine and sparkling labels.
State-of-the-art equipment including treadmills, rowing machine, bike, and a full weights section. Views of the lake and gardens.
17 hectares of woods, mountains, and lakeshore. Part of the Aves Argentinas Nature Reserve Network. Walking trails within the reserve.
Regional dishes and tasting menu available in-room.
Free minibar items included in many room types.
Year-round hot tub on the lakefront deck.
Year-round heated pool that flows from an interior section within the spa to an alfresco extension beside the lake. Adults-only 6pm–10pm.
Dedicated concierge team arranges all private excursions with bilingual guides.
Digital detox encouraged — the hotel has a limited screen time policy in common areas to foster connection with nature and other guests.
BUILD YOUR LAS BALSAS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning