We returned home recently after a two-week stay at Villa St. Andrews with Karen and Ken. Their idyllic cottage was just the tonic for both my husband and myself! The cottage is a lovely blend of elegant touches with a colonial Spanish flavor. The interior is carefully appointed to provide everything you might need for lounging and relaxing. The kitchen has modern appliances, all the utensils and china you would ever need, and a comfortable dining area. The bedroom has a king-size bed and the bathroom has a cleverly designed open shower.
It was amazing to learn that Ken (who was a contractor in his “former life”) built not only the cottage, but also the refreshing plunge pool. Ken carefully tends the pool and the phenomenal garden that graces the property. He and Karen have accumulated an astonishing number of vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers to add color to your table and zest to your meals.
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of our stay was getting to know Karen and Ken! They are both accomplished in their own right, well-read and engaging conversationalists. An added advantage is that they are quite knowledgeable about the area and, indeed, about Uruguay as a whole. We enjoyed taking in beach shops and restaurants in Jose Ignacio and sampling many of the fine dining establishments in Punta del Este.
Several suggestions for the adventurous: Be sure to try Mia Bistro — an open-air restaurant on the beach a short walk from Villa St. Andrews. Do visit the new, young winery named Villa Eden. It is a bit of a drive, but plan on staying for a large, late lunch. Their chef is excellent. Every dish had subtle flavors to enjoy. And for you equestrians, there is a classical dressage instructor named Mauricio Delucchi who kindly and expertly helped reacquaint me to riding after a long absence from the saddle. His wife, Paulina Morales, manages their establishment, Haras Godiva. It is exceptionally well designed, including an indoor arena to ride on rainy or hot days. Mauricio is an aficionado of the baroque Lusitania horse, as am I. We had lots to talk about and a couple of much appreciated lessons.
VRBO was a new experience for us, but we truly enjoyed it and would recommend it most highly!