Escape to Paradise: Las Balsas Hotel, Villa La Angostura
Escape to Paradise? More Like… Escaping Reality (and Loving Every Minute of It!) - A Las Balsas Hotel Review, Flaws and All.
Okay, folks, buckle up. Forget those sterile, perfectly-polished hotel reviews. I’m about to spill the tea on Las Balsas Hotel in Villa La Angostura, and trust me, it's a lot more interesting than some brochure blurb. And yeah, it's gonna be a bit… messy. Because so is life! This is my real-deal, warts-and-all take.
First, the basics. Las Balsas Hotel is trying to be all things to all people, and honestly, for the most part, they pull it off. They really want you to have a good time. And that counts for a lot in my book.
Accessibility: Big thumbs up. Wheelchair accessible throughout most areas, and the elevator is a lifesaver. This isn't always a given, so bravo, Las Balsas! They also offer facilities for disabled guests, which made me feel genuinely seen, not just "accommodated."
Internet Access: Yep, they got the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! thing down. And Internet access [LAN] too, if you're old school. I'm talking dial-up if you're really old school. Internet services are…well, they exist. It did the job, although I wouldn't bet my life on a super-fast connection, especially if you're trying to zoom in on a mountain range via Zoom. But hey, who's working when you have breathtaking views? The Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty solid, so you can stalk your friends' Insta stories while lounging in the lobby.
Safety & Cleanliness: (Because, you know, Pandemic Life) This is where Las Balsas REALLY shines. They’re taking this seriously. From my initial impression, the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer readily available, and the way the Staff trained in safety protocol moved with conviction felt so reassuring. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was actually… enjoyable? No more accidental elbows in buffets! They even have Sterilizing equipment and Professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt incredibly safe. And the Room sanitization opt-out available showed they weren't just doing it to tick a box - they're being thoughtful.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Food, Glorious Food!) Okay, this is where things get really interesting. The Restaurants are excellent. I mean, excellent. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and, bless their hearts, a Vegetarian restaurant. I was particularly blown away by the A la carte in restaurant options. The Breakfast [buffet] was a bit overwhelming at first – so much choice! But the Coffee/tea in restaurant was always flowing which helped me wake up for the day. They offer Alternative meal arrangement too. There's a Poolside bar for ultimate relaxation. Oh, and the Desserts in restaurant are practically a crime… delicious crime! I've got some Happy hour memories that I'll treasure forever (and maybe forget a few details of!) The Room service [24-hour]? A lifesaver when jet lag kicks in. Let me tell you, waking up to a steak and fries at 3 AM after your flight is a luxury I'll never forget! The Snack bar is perfect for post-hike refueling. The Soup in restaurant was a revelation, too.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Because, Let's Be Honest, We Need Both!) This is where Las Balsas really delivers on that "Escape to Paradise" promise. And it feels all the more alluring. They have everything.
- Spa/sauna: The Spa is divine. Full stop. I spent a truly ridiculous amount of time in the Sauna and Steamroom. The Body scrub and Body wrap were pure bliss. This is the place I spent my first afternoon. I am still not sure what the last thing I did before I entered the sauna but I did not want out. It cleared my head in a way I'd never imagined. This is how I imagined myself relaxing and it delivered on the promise of the perfect getaway. I literally drifted into another dimension, feeling all my stress and all the baggage I was carrying melt away. Then, I wanted a Massage, which led to me wanting to stay in the Spa for the rest of my life.
- Swimming pool: I am not a huge fan of outdoor pools as I have no sense of fashion but the Pool with view is stunning. Seriously, Instagram-worthy.
- Gym/fitness: If you’re feeling guilty about all the amazing food (and let’s be real, you will!), they have a decent Fitness center, which I bravely attempted to use for approximately 15 minutes before deciding the view from the pool was a better workout.
Services & Conveniences: (Because Life is Easier When Someone Does the Boring Stuff)
Lots of cool stuff here! Air conditioning in public area means you won't sweat your butt off. Free Car park [free of charge]. Concierge. Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!). Dry cleaning and Laundry service (essential if you're like me and spill everything). Luggage storage. Safety deposit boxes. The Front desk [24-hour] is super helpful.
For the Kids: They're Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service and Kids facilities. They have Kids meal too.
Room Comfort and Amenities: (The Nitty-Gritty)
The rooms are gorgeous. Seriously. Air conditioning, Alarm clock (because, you know, adulting!). Bathrobes (yes!). Blackout curtains, a Coffee/tea maker and Complimentary tea (essential!), and Daily housekeeping. I'd argue, the Free bottled water is probably the best amenity in the world. A super comfy Extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box. The Internet access – wireless is strong. There's a decent Laptop workspace. Linens are crisp and clean. The Mini bar is tempting. They've got Non-smoking rooms and Smoke detector. Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, and a Soundproofing - a necessity after a long hike! Telephone, Toiletries, Towels. The Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free]. And finally, a Window that opens - it gets hot in the mountains!
Getting Around: (Getting Lost, Maybe?)
They offer Airport transfer, which is a huge plus. They have a Car park [on-site], and Taxi service (helpful if you’ve overdone it at happy hour!). The Valet parking is a nice touch.
Final Verdict:
Look, Las Balsas isn't perfect. (Where is, really?). The occasional glitch here and there? Sure. Some of the staff are learning english with a smile, and some things might be a little slow. This isn't about perfection; it's about an experience. It’s about those moments of pure, unadulterated joy, like a perfectly crafted cocktail at sunset or a deep, restful sleep in a super comfy bed. It's about creating memories, not just ticking boxes. And on that front, Las Balsas Hotel delivers in spades.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Minus half a star for the difficulty to get out of the spa!).
Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Escape to Paradise at Las Balsas Hotel!
Tired of the same old vacation? Craving an escape that's both luxurious and rejuvenating?
Las Balsas Hotel in Villa La Angostura awaits! Nestled in the heart of Argentina's stunning Patagonian landscape, this hotel offers an unparalleled experience, whether you're craving adventure or pure relaxation.
Here's what makes Las Balsas the ultimate getaway:
Breathtaking Beauty: Wake up to views that will steal your breath away, with pristine lakes and majestic mountains right outside your window.
Unwind in Style: Indulge in luxurious spa treatments**, from invigorating body scrubs to relaxing massages. Bask in the views from the infinity pool, or melt your stress away in the sauna.
Culinary Delights: Savor exquisite, international cuisine at the top rated restaurants. Start your day with a breakfast buffet of local flavors and end it with signature cocktails.
Safety & Comfort Guaranteed: Enjoy peace of mind with top-notch cleanliness protocols, from professional sanitization to trained staff, and feel comfortable and secure. Wheelchair accessible and family friendly, it is a paradise for everyone.
Your Paradise Awaits: From hiking trails and water sports to cozy evenings by the fireplace, Las Balsas offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
**Don't just dream it
Santorini's Hidden Gem: Kalisti Hotel & Suites - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-clipped travelogue. This is my Las Balsas Hotel, Villa la Angostura, Argentina, diary. And let me tell you: it's a rollercoaster of stunning views, questionable decisions, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by the sheer, overwhelming beauty.
Las Balsas Hotel: Argentina – The Messy, Magnificent Truth
(Day 1: Arrival and "Oh My God, This Is Real Life?!" Syndrome)
- Morning (sort of): Landed in Bariloche. The mountains outside were… well, you know how they say "breathtaking"? They meant it. My jaw hit the floor, right there on the tarmac. Took me a good ten minutes to remember how to operate my luggage (mostly involves frantic pushing and hoping for the best).
- The Drive: Our driver, presumably a local judging by the way he navigated those winding mountain roads, was a character. He kept switching between opera on the radio (which I think I loved?) and, uh, aggressively gesturing at the scenery as though I was a particularly dense child. "Mira! Bello!" he'd boom, pointing at a lake that looked like liquid sapphires. I'm pretty sure I nearly barfed from the sheer beauty overload.
- Check-in Disaster (or, the Tale of the Missing Room Key): Arrived at Las Balsas. The lobby? Straight out of a James Bond movie (if James Bond was really, really into understated elegance and the smell of expensive wood). Except… my room key wouldn’t work! I swear, I looked increasingly deranged, flapping the tiny card at the door like a wounded bird. The staff, bless their patient souls, eventually sorted it out, but I spent a good chunk of the afternoon feeling like a complete klutz.
- Room Revelation: Holy. Freaking. Cow. The view from my room… I just… I don’t even have words. Picture this: a vast, shimmering lake cradled by snow-capped mountains. I think I may have actually whispered, "I can't believe this is real." Followed by, "Did I accidentally wander into a screensaver?"
- Dinner and the Case of the Overbooked Stomach: The restaurant? Exquisite. The food? Equally exquisite. The wine? Dangerous. I ordered everything on the menu (a classic move, I know). I think I may have eaten enough to feed a small village. The staff gave me the “are you okay?” look. After a few glasses, I was totally okay, I think I am.
- Evening Reflection (or, the Deeply Contemplative Stare at a Fireplace): Sat by the fireplace in the lounge, nursing a (much needed) digestive liqueur, staring into the flames. Feeling utterly, profoundly, ridiculously happy. Also a little scared. Because, let's be honest, this place is expensive. I'm going to have to subsist on tap water and the occasional stolen bread roll by the end of this trip. But, WORTH IT.
(Day 2: Lake Adventures and the Great Kayak Catastrophe)
- Breakfast of Champions (and Overpriced Yogurt): The breakfast buffet was… well, buffet-y, but with a level of quality that made me want to cry tears of joy. Smoked salmon? Check. Freshly baked bread? Check. Yogurt that probably contained a unicorn's tear? Also, probably, check.
- Lake Hike (almost): Set out for a "gentle hike" I read about. “Gentle” is clearly open to interpretation because after 20 minutes I was panting like a dog and questioning every life choice that led me to this moment. I gave up and went back to look at the lake. I spent the rest of the day looking at the lake. No regrets.
- The Kayak Incident: They offered kayaks. They looked serene. I am not serene. I hopped into the kayak, convinced of my own water-based abilities. Bad idea. The wind, the waves, my general lack of coordination… Let's just say I spent a significant amount of time going in circles, battling the elements, and looking like an idiot. The staff watched from shore, probably placing bets on when I'd capsize. I didn’t. But I was soaked and humbled.
- Afternoon Nap (or, the Art of Recovery): Needed a nap. A long one. The lake was so beautiful and watching it was exhausting.
- Dinner and the Quest for the Perfect Empanada: Tonight I sought out the perfect empanada. I found it! (At least, I think I did. My memory of the restaurant's name is a little hazy. But the empanadas, oh, those empanadas…)
(Day 3: Chocolate, Chaos, and the Eternal Struggle for Luggage Space)
- Chocolate Heaven (and a Bit of a Sugar Rush): Villa la Angostura is known for its chocolate shops. I visited all of them. I bought all the things (including something that looked suspiciously like a chocolate-covered rat. Don't judge). My blood sugar levels are currently hovering somewhere near the sun.
- The "Impulse Buy" That Wasn't: Found this gorgeous woven blanket at a shop, absolutely had to have it. Now I'm trying to figure out how to cram it into my already-exploding suitcase. This is a recurring theme on my trips.
- Spa Day (or, the Attempt at Zen): The spa at Las Balsas is incredible. I got a massage. I relaxed. I felt… almost human. Until the guy next to me snored so loud I thought an earthquake was brewing. Still, fantastic.
- Farewell Dinner and the Sadness of Leaving: Tonight, my last night. I had to stop myself crying during dinner. The food, the view, the magic… I feel happy. I'm sad. I feel like I'll need to come back.
- Packing (the inevitable): So, I'm a mess. My suitcase is the same. The blanket, a couple of extra bottles of wine. I'm going to need a bigger suitcase on the return trip. (Or, more realistically, just to leave some things behind. I'm not a minimalist, but I appreciate their goal for the moment.)
(Final Thoughts, with a Heavy Heart and a Full Stomach)
Las Balsas? A dream. Sure, I felt like a clumsy oaf on occasion (and probably still smell faintly of kayak water), and my bank account is currently weeping. But the beauty, the peace, the overall sense of being somewhere truly special… it’s worth every single shimmering, overpriced moment.
I'm leaving with a full memory card, a suitcase that's straining at the seams, and a heart full of gratitude. And maybe, just maybe, a tiny, secret stash of chocolate under my pillow. Don't tell anyone.
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So, Las Balsas... Is it *actually* paradise? Because, you know, marketing lies.
Alright, alright, deep breaths. Paradise? Not exactly. Look, it’s gorgeous. Seriously, the lake view from my room – the *one* with the balcony, thankfully – was breathtaking. Like, jaw-on-the-floor beautiful. But… and there’s always a but, isn’t there? The “paradise” part feels a little… curated. Like they’ve carefully arranged every single pebble on the beach to look perfectly Instagrammable. Which, let’s be honest, is probably true.
I went expecting a rugged, earthy vibe, but it was more… Swiss chalet meets spa. Not complaining, mind you! But genuine paradise? Nah. More like a really, *really* fancy, relaxing break.
The Rooms! Were they actually as romantic as the pictures? Because, again, the pictures are probably lying…
Okay, the rooms. *Sigh.* The pictures. Yeah, they’re good. Really good. And thankfully, in my case, the room matched the pictures. Mostly. It was all soft, fluffy linens, a fireplace *that actually worked*, and a view that made me want to weep with happiness. Except… I’m not a big fireplace person, so I only used it once. And setting it up was a whole *thing.* I’m talking twenty minutes of fumbling with logs and matches, feeling like I was failing at being a sophisticated grown-up. But the view kept me going. Honestly, the view from those rooms is worth the price of admission… even with my wood-burning anxieties.
The Restaurant. Did it live up to the hype (and the price tag)? Because, let's be real, hotel restaurants can be a gamble...
Alright, the food. Okay, okay, deep breaths. It was *good*. Very, very good. But ‘live up to the hype’? Let's just say I spent more money on one dinner than I do on groceries for a week. The presentation was exquisite – I’m talking tiny edible flowers and sauces drizzled in perfect spirals. The flavors were… *chef’s kiss*. That crispy pork belly? Oh. My. God. But… the portions were… petite. I'm a relatively small human, but I almost ordered a second main course. Which, at those prices, felt like a crime. On my last night, I splurged and got the tasting menu. Seven courses, each smaller than a postage stamp. At the end, I was still hungry, but broke. I think I ended up eating a bag of chips I snuck in from the supermarket later that night. Glamorous life, right?
What about the staff? Were they super attentive and helpful? Or overwhelmingly awkward?
The staff, bless their hearts, were a mixed bag. Mostly, lovely. Smiling, helpful, accommodating. They tried. Truly. There was this one waiter who, bless him, kept calling me "Sir." Even though I'm *clearly* a woman. At first, it was irritating. Then, it became endearing. By the end of the trip, I almost felt offended when *other* waiters used the correct pronoun. It was a weird Stockholm syndrome-y experience. They *genuinely* seemed to want you to have a good time, which is always appreciated. Though sometimes, it felt a little… formal. A little... *stiff*. It's a fine line between professionalism and genuine warmth, and I think they were still finding their balance.
Activities! Anything to do besides, you know, stare at the lake and eat tiny portions of food?
Oh lord, the activities. I went fully intending to hike, kayak, maybe learn how to fly fish. I packed all the gear. And… I mostly just stared at the lake. Occasionally, I’d take a walk. The paths are incredibly picturesque. But, and this is a big "but," it’s *cold*. And honestly, after a long day of eating tiny portions and feeling vaguely guilty about how much money I’d spent, the idea of actually *doing* anything felt exhausting. There was a spa, which I *did* use. A massage was fantastic, a welcome relief. But again, pricey. The whole place is a haven for doing *nothing* if that's what you're after. And if that's what you need, it's perfect. I needed it. And I got it – even if I almost felt guilty about it.
Worth the Money? Because, let's face it, this place isn't cheap…
Ugh. The million-dollar question. Is it worth it? That depends. Do you have money to burn? Then probably yes. Do you need a serious dose of relaxation in a stunning setting, and don't mind the price? Then absolutely yes. Would I go back? Probably. Maybe. Once I've saved up enough money! It’s not the *perfect* paradise, but it’s a damn good escape. And sometimes, a good escape is all you really need. Just maybe pack a few extra snacks.
Any hidden costs or things you wish you'd known before you went?
Oh, yes. Hidden costs. Let's see... the minibar! It's automatic, so, do not touch anything if you’re on any kind of budget. The little bottles of water they leave by your bed? Yup, charged. The laundry service? Another mortgage payment. Then there's the transportation... getting to the hotel is a *thing*. Flights, taxis, possibly a donkey cart if you're unlucky (okay, I'm exaggerating, but it felt that way). And remember those tiny portions? Factor in the inevitable late-night snack runs to the local supermarket (do it, and do it unapologetically!). And, most importantly, factor in the post-vacation feeling of existential dread when you receive your credit card bill! But, would I do it again? Probably. Just… maybe with a better budgeting plan, and a bigger bag of chips.
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