Posada Puerto Bemberg, Iguazu

rooms

The 13 beautifully furnished and spacious superior rooms, set around a peaceful courtyard offer every modern comfort; top quality linens, an extensive pillow menu, LCD TV, DVD player and Ipod dock. Expect stylish and unique touches such as native furniture, llama-wool quilts, cool polished stone floors and individual mini libraries. With a private patio and picture windows offering wonderful jungle views, the rooms are a true haven of relaxation.

The bathrooms offer double sinks, powerful showers, generous baths and sumptuous toiletries from L’Occitane as well as fluffy bathrobes and slippers.

For a real treat, opt for the fabulous Suite, with its own cosy sitting area and private terrace overlooking the river- the perfect spot for a romantic meal for two.

facilities & activities

Whilst the great appeal of this lovely hotel is the jungle setting, the interior has been thoughtfully designed to create an airy, soothing ambience that is very much in harmony with the surrounding flower-filled gardens. There is a relaxing lounge and an expertly curated library with a wide selection of books on Latin American history, culture, art and wildlife. Wine lovers will appreciate the cosy wine ‘cave’ with views over the reserve. Wi-Fi is available in all the communal areas.

In the gardens, surrounded by jungle, you will find a lovely 20m swimming pool, surrounded by loungers and flanked by a gazebo if you are in search of shade. Massages can be arranged on request should a little TLC be in order.

If you follow the wooden walkway through the treetops you will reach the 65ft watchtower with its wooden viewing deck- the perfect place for wildlife spotting and soaking up some of the impressive sunsets. The extensive grounds offer a myriad of opportunities to see indigenous flora, fauna and wildlife- the hotel arranges various walks, run by experienced in-house guides to ensure you make the most of it all or you might like to visit the hotel’s plant nursery.

If you are feeling active, the Posada can arrange a wide range of activities such as mountain-biking, bird-watching and hiking. There is also a private launch and the hotel will take guests along the Paraná River- South America’s second longest river, as far as the Yasí Waterfall- an idyllic spot for a refreshing dip.

With the Iguazu Falls and the 17th Century Jesuit Missions nearby, as well as many tea plantations, you won’t be short of options for day-trips.

dining

Guests stay on a bed and breakfast basis, although given the remote location it makes sense to opt for full board. Tables are laid in the airy lounge/ restaurant with its cosy sofas, piano, bookshelves and lovely verandah. It is particularly charming in the evening adorned with candles. Guests in the suite can opt to eat on their private terrace.

Breakfast is a tasty continental affair, with delicious breads, pastries, the Argentine staple- dulce de leche, fruit, cold meats and cheese as well as cereal, eggs, fresh juices and delicious coffee.

The imaginative and tempting lunch and dinner menus change daily and are distinctly Argentine in terms of ingredients, many sourced locally. A particular highlight are the magical ‘asados’ served every few days- definitely not to be missed.

Drinks are available all day in the lounge and wine cave, by the pool and on the treetop deck- sunset cocktails are especially recommended!

family

The hotel welcomes children over the age of 8yrs and they are sure to love the jungle setting, although do seek advice about anti-malarials beforehand as this region does carry a slight risk. Active families will enjoy the activities on offer and there is of course the opportunity to experience the exhilarating Iguazú falls close up. Board games are available in the lounge in the evening for a nice wind-down to a day spent exploring.

location

Posada Puerto Bemberg is located just outside Puerto Libertad, a small town 30kms south of the Iguazú falls, in the Misiones Province of Northeast Argentina. The closest airport is Puerto Iguazú’s Cataratas del Iguazú International which is about a two hour flight from Buenos Aires. The transfer from here to the Posada is approx. 30mins and private transfers are recommended as the hotel is not very easy to find. Alternatively, you can fly into Foz do Iguaçu International in Brazil (a two hour flight from Rio de Janeiro) and cross into Argentina by road although the transfer to the hotel will be longer and you will need to take a taxi to the border and then arrange a transfer from there. Self- drive isn’t recommended as, even if you can negotiate the many police checkpoints en-route and make sense of the directions, the bumpy dirt track is likely to test your driving skills.