As soon as I landed in Uruguay I noticed it is surprising, offering a welcoming blue sky it seems the sun shines brighter when I faced the impressive international airport of Carrasco, a world class hub where you can find pretty much anything you may need, including the very best VIP lounge of Latin America, offering excellent service. Then I proceeded to Montevideo, my first destination.

The capital seems to be under renovation process, even having suffered a little bit through times, a fair share of the city center is under good care of specialized architects to bring back the glory to present time, the same district offers the harbor market that, even being a sea facing venue, is focused in red meat barbecue, trust me, THE amazing barbecue.

Montevideo central area also has the upscale Radisson Hotel and its casino, the “Independence Square” where there are some local landmarks and shops and the curious fact about it all is a vintage feeling you get walking around such streets, which are home to an amazing opera house as well, a must see. The district of Carrasco on the other hand is the new side of town, home to many classy restaurants and typical ice cream shops where one can find endless varieties of flavors and even different combinations of the traditional Dulce de Leche (a caramel-like milk-based spread) to dazzle even the most demanding foreigners, as well as there is a seafront building being renewed by Sofitel that shall soon become the most refined casino spa of Latin America.

It was about time we took the road down to Punta del Este, an efficient highway easily leads anyone to this land of surprises, Punta has high rises and entire districts showing an outstanding architectural character, most of the seafront villas could very well be anywhere at the French Riviera, and there is also a remarkable casino, the Conrad, where I forgot about time and little did I know the roulette tables kept me up until 7am.

Beyond flawless infra-structure, Punta del Este also offers fantastic landscapes like the charming Bikini Beach, from where you can watch a memorable sunset, which you also get from the fantastic Parador La Huella, on the opposite side of town, a true landmark.

The typical open fields of Uruguay are also a must see, such setting is where Fasano Hotels Group chose to establish their new property, the “Las Piedras”, from where I could amaze myself at the greatness of the region’s inland. Both the hotel and the famous restaurant of same name are a destination in itself for guests from all parts of the globe, which makes sense since besides the jaw-dropping views, the service is also excellent.

I felt welcome having received remarkable attention from the management staff, as well as other details impressed me: the whole development is truly one of a kind, offering the spa, bungalows, exotic food&beverage of top quality. It was at the pool bar that I was welcomed (yes I am using this word a lot today, actually because it is how I can accurately define how Uruguay made me feel) by a smile from Ana Clara, who brought me incredible creations and cocktails so beyond understanding that I was rapidly curious to meet whoever was responsible for such masterpieces, that was when the creativity of master flair bartenders Diego and Fabian Martinez made me believe heaven was right there in Punta, several combinations of exotic fruits balanced by spicy ingredients and even fusions of ginger and sugar over hot fire made me instantly notice: their service must be defined as a work of art, framed by the memorable beauty of Las Piedras Fasano landscape. Uruguay, a place I shall visit again and again.

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