The Art of a Good "Asado"

Plus: Buenos Aires

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The aroma of sizzling meat and smoldering wood filled the air as I stepped into my brother-in-law's backyard last weekend.

There, gleaming in the corner, stood his latest pride and joy—an authentic Argentinian grill, or parrilla, as the locals call it.

As he expertly arranged beef, chorizo, and morcilla cuts on the grates, I couldn't help but be drawn into the spectacle.

Photo by Egor Myznik

This wasn't just about cooking; it was a ritual unfolding before my eyes.

Friends and family gathered around, glasses of Malbec wine in hand, sharing stories and laughter as the flames danced beneath the grill.

Time seemed to slow down, allowing us to savor not just the anticipation of the meal but the entire process and each other's company.

Photo by Kelsey Chance

Watching my brother-in-law perfect his Argentinean grill skills reminded me of something essential about Argentina and specifically Buenos Aires itself: it's not just about what you see, it's about how you experience it—much like the art of asado, it's all in the ritual, the warmth, and the shared moments.

It is very similar to traveling the world.

Don’t you think?

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Buenos Aires

This city is home to the widest avenue in the world.

Avenida 9 de Julio is 140 meters (460 feet) wide and spans an entire city block.

Aven

With up to seven lanes in each direction, this monumental thoroughfare is a testament to the grandeur and ambition that defines Argentina's capital.

Like this expansive avenue, Buenos Aires offers many experiences catering to the most discerning travelers.

From its passionate tango scenes to its European-inspired architecture, this vibrant metropolis is a tapestry of culture, history, and luxury waiting to be explored.

But first, a quick poll:

What do you think would be more attractive for your clients in Buenos Aires?

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Expert EXPERIENCES

Private Tango Experience at Rojo Tango

Rojo Tango, nestled within the luxurious Faena Hotel, offers an unparalleled tango experience. Arrange for your clients to enjoy:

  • A private tango lesson with professional dancers

  • VIP seating for the evening's sultry performance

  • A gourmet dinner paired with premium Malbec wines

  • A behind-the-scenes tour of the historic El Porteño building

This immersive experience allows guests to feel the passionate pulse of Buenos Aires' most iconic cultural export.

Rojo Tango

Buenos Aires' art scene is as diverse as it is dynamic. Craft a bespoke art tour that includes:

  • Private viewings at top galleries in the trendy Palermo and Recoleta neighborhoods

  • Meet-and-greet sessions with local artists and gallery owners

  • A visit to MALBA (Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires) outside regular hours

  • An art-inspired cocktail session at a hidden speakeasy

This curated experience offers insight into Argentina's vibrant contemporary art world.

Gaucho Experience at Estancia El Ombú de Areco

Just outside the city, arrange for your clients to step into the world of the Argentine gaucho:

  • Private transfer to the exclusive Estancia El Ombú de Areco

  • Horseback riding through the pampas with expert gauchos

  • Traditional asado (barbecue) lunch featuring prime Argentine beef

  • Demonstration of gaucho skills and traditions

  • Option for an overnight stay in luxury accommodations

This experience provides a taste of Argentina's rural heritage with all the comforts your clients expect.

Estancia El Ombú de Areco

DESTINATION Experts

These DMCs are well-regarded for their expertise in providing luxury travel solutions in Buenos Aires. Each offers unique services tailored to meet the diverse needs of high-end travelers.

Vivaterra Group

  • Founded: 1996

  • Overview: Vivaterra Group operates in Argentina, Brazil, and Peru, focusing on creating bespoke travel experiences. They specialize in a wide range of services, from business meetings to leisure travel.

  • Services: Their offerings include incentive plans, special interest programs, and cruise travel products. They are known for their personalized approach to client needs.

  • Highlight: Vivaterra emphasizes customization and aims to provide unique experiences that reflect the local culture and landscapes.

Attipica

  • Overview: Attipica is a full-service DMC recognized for its resourcefulness and flexibility. The company prides itself on a client-oriented approach with active involvement from senior management.

  • Services: They offer comprehensive event management, incentive programs, and tailor-made travel experiences across Argentina.

  • Highlight: Attipica stands out for its commitment to high-quality service and ability to adapt to client-specific needs, ensuring memorable experiences.

Mai 10

  • Overview: Mai 10 is known for its personalized service and deep local knowledge. The company focuses on creating unique travel experiences explicitly tailored to high-end clients.

  • Services: Corporate travel management, event planning, and leisure travel arrangements.

  • Highlight: Mai 10's reputation for reliability and quality service makes it a preferred choice among luxury travelers seeking bespoke experiences in Argentina.

LODGING Experts

Buenos Aires boasts a range of luxurious accommodations that combine elegance, comfort, and exceptional service. Here are four of the top luxury hotels in the city:

Alvear Palace Hotel

  • Location: Located on the prestigious Avenida Alvear, this iconic hotel is known for its luxurious accommodations and historical significance.

  • Accommodations: With 210 rooms and suites adorned with exquisite antiques and classic decor, guests experience true elegance. The suites offer expansive living spaces with lavish furnishings.

  • Dining: The hotel features several dining options, including the renowned Alvear Grill, which serves Argentinean cuisine, and the casual yet elegant L'Orangerie for lunch or afternoon tea.

  • Amenities: Alvear Palace includes a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and fitness facilities. Its event spaces are designed for high-profile gatherings and weddings.

  • Highlight: The hotel's commitment to luxury is reflected in its impeccable service and attention to detail, making it a top choice for upscale travelers.

Faena Hotel Buenos Aires

  • Location: This stylish hotel is in the Puerto Madero district, known for its modern architecture and vibrant nightlife.

  • Accommodations: Faena offers uniquely designed rooms that combine luxury with artistic flair. Each room features plush furnishings and modern amenities.

  • Dining: Guests can indulge in diverse culinary experiences at restaurants like El Mercado, which offers traditional Argentine dishes, or enjoy cocktails at the glamorous Library Lounge.

  • Amenities: The hotel features a stunning outdoor pool, a world-class spa, and a cabaret show venue that showcases local talent.

  • Highlight: Faena is celebrated for its design aesthetic and cultural offerings, including tango shows that immerse guests in Argentine tradition.

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

  • Location: Nestled in the elegant Recoleta district, this hotel is housed in a restored palace that reflects Argentina's rich history.

  • Accommodations: The hotel offers 165 rooms, including spacious suites with luxurious furnishings and modern amenities. Many rooms feature stunning views of the gardens or the city skyline.

  • Dining: Guests can dine at Duhau Restaurante & Vinoteca, which focuses on seasonal Argentine ingredients, or relax at the Los Salones del Piano Nobile for lighter fare and cocktails.

  • Amenities: The hotel boasts a beautiful spa, an indoor pool, and extensive gardens. It also has multiple meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology for corporate events.

  • Highlight: The hotel's art collection and architecture provide a unique cultural experience, making it a favorite among discerning travelers.

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires

  • Location: Situated in the upscale Retiro neighborhood, this hotel combines a historic mansion with a contemporary high-rise.

  • Accommodations: The hotel features 165 rooms, including 49 luxurious suites, with decor that blends Old World elegance with modern comforts. Rooms offer views of the city or the lush gardens surrounding the mansion.

  • Dining: Elena, specializing in Argentine cuisine, offers fine dining, and the stylish Pony Line Bar serves cocktails. The hotel also offers a unique Sunday barbecue experience in its secret garden.

  • Amenities: Facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. The hotel also provides comprehensive event spaces totaling over 11,500 square feet, ideal for meetings and celebrations.

  • Highlight: The hotel’s blend of luxury and local culture is enhanced by experiences like private tango lessons and culinary tours through Buenos Aires' vibrant food scene.

For FOODIE Experts Only

Buenos Aires is a gastronomic paradise, blending European influences with Argentine flair. Here are three standout restaurants to recommend to your discerning clients:

Alo's

Nestled in the charming Recoleta neighborhood, Alo's has quickly become one of Buenos Aires' most exciting culinary destinations.

Chef Alejandro Féraud crafts an innovative bistronomy experience that marries French techniques with local Argentine ingredients.

The intimate 32-seat restaurant offers a tasting menu that changes with the seasons, ensuring a unique experience with each visit.

The open kitchen allows diners to witness the culinary artistry firsthand. Alo's wine list is carefully curated, featuring both renowned labels and hidden gems from Argentina's wine regions.

Alo’s

Aramburu

Located in the trendy Recoleta neighborhood, Aramburu offers a multi-sensory dining experience that pushes the boundaries of Argentine cuisine.

Chef Gonzalo Aramburu's tasting menu is a playful and artistic interpretation of local flavors, presented with theatrical flair.

The intimate 16-seat restaurant provides an almost private dining feel.

Each course is a surprise, often incorporating unexpected textures and innovative cooking techniques.

A particular highlight is the "mesa dulce" dessert experience, where guests are invited to the kitchen to watch the intricate preparation of their sweet treats.

Aramburu

Don Julio

For clients seeking the ultimate parrilla experience, Don Julio in Palermo is a must-visit.

This classic steakhouse has elevated the art of Argentine barbecue to new heights, earning it a place on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list.

The restaurant's warm, rustic ambiance is enhanced by walls lined with wine bottles signed by satisfied guests.

The star is the beef - grass-fed, dry-aged Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cuts, cooked to perfection over an open fire.

Don Julio's extensive wine cellar, housing over 20,000 bottles, is a treasure trove of Argentine vintages.

Don Julio

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