Uruguay: The Haven Wander Writing Retreat with Laura Munson

Arrive in Buenos Aires before noon and grab a taxi to Hotel Casa Lucia in the Recoleta Neighborhood. (If you'd like a private car to pick you up, we can arrange that for you at an additional cost).

After checking in to the hotel and having a short rest, we'll head out for a guided city tour to immerse ourselves in the vibrant capital's rich culture and history. We start our exploration at the iconic Plaza de Mayo, where the Casa Rosada presidential palace stands as a symbol of Argentina's political heritage. Next, we'll walk the cobblestone streets of historic San Telmo, the birthplace of the tango. 

Next up is the vibrant neighborhood of La Boca, where the colorful facades of Caminito, a lively pedestrian street filled with artists, tango dancers, and vibrant murals, will greet you. Finally, we'll conclude our tour with a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery to wander through a maze of ornate mausoleums and marble statues as we uncover the stories of Argentina's most illustrious figures.

After an enriching day of exploration, we're in for a treat tonight. We'll combine a delicious dinner with an Argentinian wine tasting. We'll toast to a wonderful night of gastronomic exploration, where the flavors of Argentina come alive in a symphony of taste and aroma, marking the beginning of an unforgettable adventure in Buenos Aires!

This morning, after a hearty hotel breakfast, we'll head to the MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art) for a curator-led tour. The MALBA brings together paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings, collages, photographs, installations, and artists’ objects from all over Latin America.

Departing the museum, prepare to taste the best food in Buenos Aires. Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture on a tasting tour led by an expert. Enjoy ten local, hand-picked “must-tries” like the iconic empanada and other dishes, like Argentinian pizza. Bring your appetite.

This afternoon you'll have time to rest at the hotel. 

You can’t visit Buenos Aires without a tango experience. Our senses will be immersed in the essence of the tango as we embark on a private adventure through the heart of the dance culture, learning its history, secrets, and cultural importance. At the milonga experience, you'll discover the energy of social dancing, a mesmerizing tango show, and live orchestral music. After all today’s excitement and tastings, we'll retire to the hotel for a light meal.

After breakfast and some free time for shopping, we will head to the airport to catch our flight to Punta del Este, included in the price of the pre-trip. 

Our journey is just beginning. Once we arrive in Uruguay, we'll immerse ourselves in nature, using the time to slow down and awaken the senses. You're off to a great start!

Arrive in Buenos Aires no later than noon. 

We'll Fly from the Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) airport at 4:20 p.m. to Punta del Este. If you arrive today, take a taxi from the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) to Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP), from whence local flights like ours to Punta del Este depart. If you need help booking your local flights, please email our concierge. If you are on the pre-trip extension, we'll get you to the airport and take care of your round-trip flights.  

We'll transfer from the airport in Punta del Este to our beautiful private ranch for the week, Estancia Vik, where art, nature, and high design seamlessly meet. The resort is on 4,000 acres in the rolling countryside of José Ignacio, Uruguay. The Estancia borders the Arroyo (riverbed) and the lake, Laguna José Ignacio, which meets the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

In the late afternoon, after time to unpack and tour the facilities, we’ll meet for a welcome circle to discuss our itinerary for the week. Before dinner, we will take part in a Clerico class, learning the art of mixing Uruguay's signature Sangria.

Dinner will take place at the ranch restaurant, El Asador, where we’ll enjoy our meal in a beautiful brick-vaulted setting where gaucho tradition goes hand in hand with contemporary Uruguayan art.

After our meal, Laura will conduct a fireside evening reading and Q&A in the living room.

We start our day with an amazing Uruguayan breakfast.

Afterward, we will dive into our first daily writing session with Laura, learning her custom journal-writing practice, focusing on slowing to your curiosity and awe.

Then, we’ll head to the beach for lunch at Parador la Huella, a legendary beach restaurant listed in the World’s Top 50. Here, we'll feast on seafood* while absorbing the stunning coastal views. After lunch, we’ll have time to reflect while strolling on the beach. *All food allergies will be taken into consideration.

Next, we’ll return to the resort for afternoon relaxation and fun! Choose from pool time, spa, journaling, kayaking, bird watching, horseback riding, biking, reading, or just unwind.

Tonight, we'll pop into the local village to explore and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Cruz del Sur Farm Restaurant. Located in the heart of José Ignacio, right across from the square, it's just a stroll away from stunning beaches and the lighthouse…this is one of the town’s most exquisite settings. Thanks to the celebrity Chef Francis Mallman's talent, the area brims with exceptional restaurants.

Early this morning, we’ll venture into an expert-guided expedition at one of the world’s premiere bird-watching destinations. We’ll wander in pristine lagoons and marshes, home to rare avian migratory and native species like the Chilean flamingo, black-necked swan, roseate spoonbill, and many more. This inspirational experience will feed the writing process. 

We'll have time for a late breakfast or brunch when we return, and for poolside journaling, rest, and reflection on the language and wisdom of the birds you’ve seen in their natural habitat.

Tonight's dinner promises to be the perfect end to the day, as we gather for a classic Asado Barbecue at the Estancia. Savor the smoky aromas and succulent flavors of traditional Argentine cuisine, expertly prepared. Buen provecho!

Today, we begin with a healthy breakfast before our daily morning writing practice with Laura, setting our senses alive.

We’ll balance our thoughts with an adventure in the visual arts. Uruguay is home to many talented visual artists. Our art tour includes private visits to artists’ studios, local exhibitions, and a special visit to the MACA, as well as the Atchugarry Foundation. Celebrate the art scene in Uruguay by buying a piece to take home.

Now it's time to bask in the tranquility of the beach, where we'll share a picnic on the shore— the perfect way to unwind, discuss our inspiring morning, and journal if the spirit moves.

We’ll return to the Estancia for a rest. Relax at the pool, enjoy your private wooden soaking tub, or wander the walking trails.

In the evening, prepare for a culinary journey to tantalize your taste buds. We have a special treat in store: a hands-on class where we'll learn the art of Uruguayan cooking. Under the guidance of an expert chef, we'll delve into the country's rich culinary traditions, discovering the secrets behind its flavorful cuisine.

After our lesson, we’ll feast on our delicious creations.

Let’s make the most of our last morning!

Bird enthusiasts: Kayak the lagoon and discover even more of the bountiful Uruguayan bird world.

Horse enthusiasts: Take a guided ride on the ranch trails with an experienced gaucho who will tailor-make your ride to your skill level and interests. Or sign up for a polo lesson with an expert coach on their famed polo field. Or take a restorative ride on the beach*.

Biking enthusiasts: Journey out on a ranch bicycle, whether on the trails or to the village or beach.

Enjoy breakfast on your own time. Consider bringing your journal to reflect on your newly activated senses.

*Some activities, like the horseback beach ride come at extra cost. 

We’ll convene in late morning for our final writing session in the serene ambiance of the ranch Chapel. Laura will guide you through a new writing practice that will endure long after the retreat.

We’ll have light bites featuring local meats, cheeses, and farm-fresh produce at the pool before we set off on our special afternoon finale.

In the late afternoon, we'll celebrate the culmination of our time together in Uruguay with a truly unforgettable dining experience. We'll make our way into the hills to the famous El Garzón, where we'll be treated to the legendary live fire cooking legacy of Francis Mallmann, prepared for us by a student of his. Chef Mallman of "A Chef's Table" fame is renowned for his innovative approach to cuisine. Prepare to indulge in a feast for the senses as we savor the flavors of Uruguay in every mouthwatering bite.

Retire to the Estancia living room to share our highlights and lasting memories over a cup of warm mate tea.

As we gather one last time for breakfast, let's savor the senses that have enriched our journey. Following breakfast, we'll gather for our final session, setting our intentions for our return and sharing the stories and camaraderie that have flourished during our time together.

As the morning unfolds, it's time to bid farewell to our instructor and host, as well as the friends we've made during this rich experience. Though our time together may be ending, the writing we’ve done is just the beginning of our word-wandering adventures. Let's carry the memories and the lessons learned with us as we continue to write, explore, grow, and become.