Exclusively Gay Azarenko Boutique Hotel, San Lorenzo, Salta, Argentina

Exclusively Gay Azarenko Boutique Hotel, Salta, Argentina

 

 

By Roy Heale

The charming Villa San Lorenzo is located in the Lerma Valley at the foot of the Eastern Cordillera Andes foothills just on the edge of the city of Salta, Argentina. This leisurely village is a popular vacation destination where visitors can combine outdoor nature activities with city attractions nearby. Villa San Lorenzo offers a natural environment ideal for adventure tourism activities and eco-tourism in the mountain forest. Its landscape, mountains, hills and rivers, are an invitation to enjoy nature, tranquility and the great outdoors. Horseback riding or hiking in the mountains by day can be accompanied by urban gourmet dining and folklore entertainment by night.

Quebrada de San Lorenzo Nature Reserve

Summer siestas in the City of Salta leave the city motionless, suspended in the heat. Escaping to the village of San Lorenzo, with its leafy roads and refreshing shade from the suns rays, is extremely popular. This hamlet is ideal for a stroll about, ride a bike, go on quad excursions, or photographic safaris across the mountain rainforest. Apart from its ravine, the micro-climate combines lush vegetation, fresh air, and clear waters, which entice visitors to return often.

San Lorenzo

Set in the jungle of the Yungas (tropical rainforests on the slopes of the mountains) the scenery is breathtaking, lush green, and tropical. The approximate 5000 local inhabitants doubles during the summer months and the village hums with activities. Now gay and lesbian vacationers can enjoy the luxury, exclusively gay, Azarenko Boutique Hotel while visiting Salta.

Azarenko Boutique Hotel Living Area Main Floor

Already a popular LGBT travel destination, Salta is an historic town in Northwest Argentina and now there is an exclusively gay---hetero friendly---boutique hotel (opened in June 2013) for gay travellers to enjoy. Situated just 8 kms (10 minutes) from downtown Salta Capital, on several acres of beautiful grounds in San Lorenzo, Azarenko Hotel Boutique offers six deluxe themed rooms and suites with breakfast included. Inside the rooms and the main house is non-smoking, but the two large verandas and spacious grounds allow for outdoor smoking areas.

Lovely Verandahs

Gay-owned and operated by partners Ricardo and Enrique, this beautiful mansion offers quiet, secluded privacy on a tree-lined, secluded street in the heart of San Lorenzo and close to the city. After three months of extensive renovations, the hotel opened in June 2013 and the attention to detail is of a very high standard to guarantee guests' satisfaction and luxurious enjoyment. Whether soaking up the rays poolside, enjoying the peace and quiet on a verandah, or relaxing on a comfortable couch in the grand living room, guests are certain to be satisfied here with their choice of accommodations in Salta, Argentina.

The main floor Art Bar is a permanent art gallery where you can enjoy a delicious Torrontes wine, champagne, or a cocktail, with a varied menu available.

Marilyn Monroe Room

The six themed rooms are stylish and large, each comes with a variety of windows for natural light and en-suite bathrooms. Enjoy the Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Aretha Franklin, or Marilyn Monroe rooms and suites from US$150 per night for one or two persons---breakfast included. Each is uniquely furnished and decorated offering a truly unique experience for a vacation, special occasion, weekend getaway, or even a honeymoon suite. The rooms are located on the ground floor and second level of this grand country home.

 

Edith Piaf Room

Rooms:

The hotel has six comfortable single, double, or triple rooms overlooking the magical setting of the landscape with forest and hills almost at your fingertips. Each are decorated with elegance, sophistication, and unique works of art.

Features:

•Room Marilyn Monroe, Master Suite Premium of 47 m2, double Hydro, separate shower.

•Room Edith Piaf, Deluxe Master Suite 42 m2, simple and hydro-shower.

•Room Judy Garland, Junior Suite (PA) of 32 m2, view facing the hill, with bathroom.

•Room Aretha Franklin, Junior Suite (PB) of 30 m2, view facing the hill, with bathroom.

•Room Whitney Houston, Junior Suite (PB) of 28 m2, side view, with hydro simple, built-in shower.

•Room Donna Summer, Junior Suite (PB) of 30 m2, side view, with bath.

 

Whitney Houston Room

 

Facilities & Services:

All rooms equipped with heating, queen / king size.

•Living room.

•Wi-Fi Service.

•Transfer to and from Airport.

•Transfers from / to the city with fixed schedules.

•Parking, fax, NDD and IDD at reception.

 

Sheltered Outdoor Swimming Pool

 

If you are planning a special occasion or simply want to have dinner at home, with a minimum of 24 hours notice your hosts Ricardo and Enrique will plan a special dinner according to your tastes. Or you can plan your own traditional Argentine Asado (BBQ) on the outdoor parilla.

San Lorenzo began as a summer village but now has a full-service infrastructure and tourist facilities consisting of outdoor activities, hiking in the mountains, restaurants, tea houses, boutiques and more.

Castillo de San Lorenzo

With historic and conserved buildings, it is characterized by nineteenth-century mansions, among which stands out the Castillo de San Lorenzo. Its tree-lined streets reach the Quebrada de San Lorenzo Nature Reserve, or you can visit the main church and central plaza. The mountain forest and tranquility make the villa an ideal place for relaxation. The City of Salta is a short, convenient bus ride away or a 10 minute inexpensive taxi ride. Also, many day trips are available to destinations in the Andes where local culture and traditions can be observed. Your hosts at Azarenko Boutique Hotel will be happy to help you with local tours and advice.

Azarenko Boutique Hotel, Salta, Argentina

So now you can plan a very gay stay in Salta, Argentina and enjoy comfortable LGBT hospitality high in the Andes mountains where every day is magical and mystical.

For More Information:
www.azarenkohotel.com

New Buenos Aires Farmers Market in Palermo

Market Entrance

By Roy Heale

The Buenos Aires Feria de Alimentos Saludables (Healthy Food Fair) was held on August 17th and 18th and was a huge success. The sun was shining, the sky was blue,  and it was more like a spring day than a mid-winter weekend. Thousands of locals and tourists alike turned out to sample foods, beverages, spices, cheeses and great food entrees. The fair will take place one weekend per month and more details are available at:
http://www.buenosairesmarket.com

Parks and Plazas Abound in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Plaza San Martin

 

By Roy Heale

Splendid parks and plazas abound in Buenos Aires enabling both locals and tourists to enjoy relaxing green spaces in the heart of this mecca. Varying in size and scope, these urban retreats all offer a unique perspective on the history of Buenos Aires and often feature statues and memorials to prominent Argentine political or military leaders.

 Great Ombú Tree

One of my personal favorites is the Plaza San Martin located in the Retiro neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Situated at the northern end of pedestrian Florida Street, the park is bounded by Libertador Ave. (N), Maipú St. (W), Santa Fe Avenue (S), and Leandro Alem Av. (E). With a history dating back to the 18^th century, today the park is encircled by many historic moments in Argentina's history.



Second Empire Paz Palace  Grand Entrance
 

Some of the Plaza's past includes the 33-story Art Deco Kavanagh Building which was completed in 1936, Plaza San Martín's great Ombú tree, the monument to José de San Martín---the plaza's namesake---and the monument for the fallen in the Falklands War. Three architecturally significant mansions facing the plaza surviving today include the Beaux Arts San Martín Palace (today the ceremonial annex of the Foreign Ministry), the Second Empire Paz Palace (today the Military Officers' Association) and the Neogothic Haedo palace (today the Secretariat of Environmental Policy).The plaza in 1909 was the site for the inaugural of both the first premier hotel in Argentina (the Plaza) and of the new National Museum of Fine Arts (the latter was later moved to Recoleta).

Beautiful Aged Trees

The large, aged trees provide excellent shade on a Buenos Aires hot sunny day, and the pathways and park benches offer a wide variety of perspectives to enjoy year round.



Torcuato & Regina Bar-Bistro

On the southwest corner of the Plaza, the Torcuato & Regina Bar-Bistro is conveniently located to enjoy the sidewalk cafe tables plus the huge windows provide a perfect view for relaxing and indoor dining, or simply meeting friends for drinks. Close to the downtown business district, many historic sights, and the bustle of the Florida Street pedestrian mall, it is also the perfect respite for a break from strenuous activities affording time to stop and smell the roses in an otherwise frenetic day.

Start of Florida Street

So find a good book or your favorite magazine and head to Plaza San Martin for a relaxing time in the hub of Buenos Aires and perhaps go shopping afterwards on the renowned Florida Street pedestrian mall.

MALBA in Buenos Aires, Argentina

MALBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

 

 

By Roy Heale

Just on the eastern edge of the Palermo Woods and close to the Alcorta Shopping Mall, is the home of MALBA---the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires. Whether you are an art officianado or just interested in Latin American culture, this is a must visit when in Buenos Aires. The modern, stunning grand entrance and three storey atrium, create a bright environment to display these unique artworks.

The Atrium

MALBA – Fundación Costantini opened its doors on September 21, 2001. It is a not-for-profit institution featuring the permanent exhibit of the Costantini Collection, and also a dynamic cultural center, that constantly updates art and film exhibitions and develops cultural activities.

The Costantini Collection consists of a selection of more than five hundred works, including drawings, paintings, sculptures and objects by artists from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The Permanent Collection

The mission of MALBA is to collect, preserve, research and promote Latin American art from the onset of the 20th century to the present. This also involves educating the public to foster their knowledge in Latin American artists, in the diversity of cultural and artistic holdings in this region, sharing this education with both with the national and the international community.

The Museum’s objectives are to reinsert Latin American art in the world setting, to address cultural and educational needs of the public, to exhibit a broad Latin American art collection and to generate artistic exchange with other cultural institutions. These objectives are achieved by the promotion of the most important national and international artists, by the promotion of the knowledge in Latin American art, by the creation of an overall program in educational services, and by the promotion of professional curatorial.

Since its opening to the public in 2001, one of the museum’s principal institutional objectives has been the permanent display of most of its artistic patrimony, offering to visitors innovative lectures and different approximations to the history of art in Latin America.

From the first modern and avant-garde movements to the more contemporary productions of the late 20th century, the collection’s exhibits vary according to the dynamics of the Annual Program of Acquisitions and to the generous donations received from artists, their family members, and private collectors.

Useful Information:

Museum Hours:

Thursday through Monday and Holidays from Noon to 20:00Hrs.

Wednesday from Noon till 21:00 Hrs.

Closed Tuesday.

Admission: (Shown in Argentine Pesos)

Adults: $32.

Teachers and Seniors: $16.

Students: $16.

Children under 5: Free.

Wednesday:

General: $16.

Students: Free.

MALBA Cinema:

General: $25

Students and Seniors: $13

Subscription: $114. Students and seniors: $58

 

 

Contact Information:

info@malba.org.ar

Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Buenos Aires, Argentina

+54 (11) 4808-6500

www.malba.org.ar

Gay-Friendly Estancia Puesto Viejo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Puesto Viejo Estancia

 

 

By Roy Heale

Although many visitors come to Buenos Aires for an urban vacation experience, often times they want to escape the hustle and bustle of the mega city and enjoy a more relaxed break at an estancia in the country. Argentina's estancias are very much a part of the country's history and the essence of the local culture. Surrounded with tradition, they shelter the past and present of both criollos and immigrants. At the very gay-friendly Puesto Viejo estancia and Polo Club near Buenos Aires, guests can saddle up with traditional horsemen by day and enjoy sublime comfort, a traditional feast, and a glass or two of malbec wine at night.

Exciting Polo Action

Just over a one hour journey from the city, located near Cañuelas---a small town in Buenos Aires province--- this estancia and Polo Club offers charming hotel accommodation, excellent polo club amenities, plus old-fashioned country style hospitality. So, whether you are looking to enjoy a gay-friendly, unique, relaxing escape from the city, or wanting to develop your skills in polo, you'll find the perfect place at Puesto Viejo. In addition, the 250-acre property boasts panoramic views, a variety of flora and fauna, and an array of leisure pursuits from horse riding to relaxing poolside.

Saddle Up For Horse Riding

Puesto Viejo Estancia and hotel is ideal for those wanting a quiet respite in typical Argentine countryside. Comprising ten luxurious, air conditioned and heated en-suite rooms, the accommodations offer large beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, and individually designed interiors using antiques sourced from local markets. A stay at Puesto Viejo offers the perfect combination of an authentic estancia experience in modern day comfort. Rather than a typical hotel room number, each room is named after one of the owner's favorite horses. The hotel attracts a diverse clientele from around the world and many guests make new friendships and learn about the exciting game of Polo.

Designer Rooms

Dining is a gourmet delight and three excellent meals per day are included in the room rates at Puesto Viejo. All the repasts served incorporate fruit, vegetables, herbs, and meat from the estancia---from homemade breakfast jams to organically reared lamb.

Guests are served lunch and evening meals outside under the trees or in the dining room, giving them the opportunity to meet each other and share stories. Breakfast is buffet style with fresh fruits and pastries, or eggs and meats cooked to order. Afternoon tea is served on the patio or in the drawing room every day and includes a range of specially blended teas, home made cakes, and soft drinks.

 

Indoor or Outdoor Dining

 

A carefully selected wine list includes blends from the Luigi Bosca and Familia Marguery vineyards in Mendoza. Familia Marguery focuses on developing high quality wines using the latest technology and grapes from old vineyards in the Tupungato area. Having built a successful relationship producing wine for the exclusive Nobu restaurant in London, they have also developed a special edition of Malbec for Puesto Viejo.

 

Outdoor Infinity Pool With A View

 

Hotel Facilities:                                                    
◦10 en-suite bedrooms
◦Large dining room
◦Drawing room with fireplace
◦Honesty Bar
◦Library
◦Daily housekeeping and turndown service
◦Complimentary WiFi
◦Laundry service
◦Access to all complimentary facilities on-site (infinity pool, horse riding, stable tours, bikes, horse and carriage rides)

Bedroom Facilities:

◦A range of beds including King size and Twin bed options
◦Egyptian cotton bed linen
◦Individually designed interiors
◦Air conditioning/heating system
◦Toiletries
◦En-suite bathroom with full shower and bath

The unique combination of exciting Polo games and the relaxed estancia atmosphere make this a true Argentine experience and getaway from the mecca of the Buenos Aires city. The gay-friendly staff are multilingual, very knowledgeable, and helpful in every way. Don't worry if you have never played Polo before because they are happy to arrange lessons and practice with a professional instructor.

They also offer Puesto Viejo Polo Days with Gaston Carrozzo (10am to 8pm) based on a minimum of two people. This is aimed at tourists and visitors staying in Buenos Aires city who want to try polo for the first time. Enjoy a one day trip which includes private car transfer to and from the city, welcome drinks and snacks, a traditional Argentine lunch with wine, theory lesson, stick and ball lesson, plus the opportunity to play in a mini match, afternoon tea and snacks, plus the use of all estancia amenities for the day. This day trip package is only available on club practice days (Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays, and Sundays) ensuring guests are able to watch a full polo game staged by the club members.

Relaxing Spaces

Unwind by the infinity swimming pool or saddle up for excitement and try your hand at polo---either way country life at the Puesto Viejo is a perfect gay-friendly getaway from the city life in Buenos Aires.

GETTING THERE:

Location:
Puesto Viejo is located on Ruta Nacional No.6 (direction La Plata). It is 70km from Buenos Aires city centre and 8km from Autopista Ezeiza-Cañuelas. The nearest town is Cañuelas.
Transport By Car:
From Buenos Aires city, take Autopista 25 de Mayo and then Autopista Riccieri (towards Ezeiza Airport). Just before the airport is the exit to Autopista Ezeiza- Cañuelas.
Transport By Bus:
Lobosbus runs a regular bus service between Buenos Aires (Congreso) and Cañuelas (www.lobosbus.com.ar)
Taxi:
Taxis from Cañuelas to the estancia are approximately AR$50
Remises Libertad: 02226431823
Remises Centro: 02226431823
Remises 25 de Mayo: 02226422331
Transport by Private Car Transfer:
Puesto Viejo can arrange private car transfers from Buenos Aires.

Beautiful Grounds

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For More Information:

www.puestoviejoestancia.com.ar
Main Office Phone: +54 11 5279 6893
Email: info@puestoviejoestancia.com.ar

Gay-Friendly Vitrum Hotel, Palermo Hollywood, Buenos Aires

Vitrum Hotel

By Roy Heale
Palermo ‘Hollywood’ is an identity that was recently fabricated, but this area has been renowned as a popular place to live in Buenos Aires since the late 1800s.
As you discover Palermo Hollywood you will probably be struck by more of the old, Spanish-style architecture than other areas of the city, and also fewer high-rise buildings, apart from newer apartment towers. That’s because for a long time there was a law prohibiting new buildings in this community from being above nine meters in height. The combination of low houses, wide tree-lined streets, and historic landmarks create a unique Spanish ambiance.
Often referred to as the restaurant capital of Buenos Aires, Palermo Hollywood is a barrio with its own distinctive flavor. In the mid-nineties a number of TV and Radio producers set up shop in the area of Palermo Viejo between Córdoba, Santa Fe, Dorrego, and Juan B. Justo Avenues. Subsequently, this part of the neighborhood began to be called "Palermo Hollywood". Presently, it's best known for the concentration of restaurants, cafes, night clubs, and its vibrant atmosphere.

Palermo Hollywood Street

The older spacious factories and warehouses are mostly used as art galleries, showrooms, restaurants, bars, or TV sets and photo studios. These calm and shady streets are home to a huge variety of excellent restaurants. This is a special place for a full day's stroll.
When planning to stay in Palermo Hollywood If you are seeking a hip, modern, and avant-garde boutique hotel, then the Vitrum Hotel is a boutique hotel perfect for your needs.
Behind a facade composed of colored glass mosaics, the atmosphere of Vitrum Hotel creates the feeling of being at the heart of the creative vibrations of the city. This boutique hotel with only sixteen rooms and suites is also a quiet, comfortable, and intimate place.

Vitrum Hotel Atrium

The Vitrum hotel's designer and urban style appeals to business travelers, to decoration and fashion aficionados, and to travelers looking to immerse themselves in trendy Buenos Aires. The inside of the Vitrum Hotel delights the eye with its pure lines, contemporary spaces, and bright colors. It will exult those curious of recent trends with its stained glass, brightly colored sofas, designer wallpaper, asymmetrical forms, and bathrooms with colored glass mosaics.
All suites are different in design, color, and size. Some have a balcony, others feature a terrace, yet others have a small private garden! The furniture features atypical antiques as well as unique contemporary works such as those designed by Paula Lavarello. Each room has a "botanic" wallpaper theme signed by Vanina Mizrahi.

Bedroom
All rooms and suites are equipped with the most modern technology including air conditioning, Wifi, large flat-screen TV, and DVD player. The suites have a kitchenette with a Nespresso machine and a microwave. The bathroom amenities are designed L'Occitane.
The Vitrum Hotel transpires contemporary art everywhere. The decoration is unique with designer furniture such as BKF chairs and singular wallpaper. The interior of the hotel is the concept of two Argentine architects, Zas and Paula Lavarello. Monica Giron helped out for the design of the facade.
But Vitrum Hotel takes the local artists design experience even further. The hotel also has its own art gallery to promote local artists. Gallery Dabbah Torrejon art gallery honors Argentinean and Latin American contemporary artists.

Kitchen and Work Area

The Hotel's Urban Spa opens its doors, or rather its sky, to you. It is situated on the rooftop terrace, with two massage rooms, a large Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, sundeck, and a gymnasium where you can do aerobics. The terrace, next to its solarium, is the place to relax and enjoy a memorable barbecue, a beer, or to sip on an exotic cocktail. The garden of Vitrum Hotel is an oasis of green in the bustling city of Buenos Aires.
  
Rooftop Sundeck and Jacuzzi                            Main Floor Bar

A gay or gay-friendly multi-lingual concierge is your key to the outside world and will assist you with tourism information or where to best take tango classes and other activities such as golfing or horseback riding.

Pride Cafe

As you enjoy the tree-lined streets and distinctive architecture you will find The gay and lesbian Pride Cafe on Humboldt Street just a five minute walk from Vitrum Hotel. This is the sister cafe to the very gay and popular Pride Cafe in San Telmo and it is developing a loyal following with the Palermo gay community. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11am till closing for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and simple snacks.

Buenos Aires Verde

Next door to the hotel is a great vegetarian experience at Buenos Aires Verde and just down the street is the fabulous American style Trixie Diner. You will quickly understand why this is known as the restaurant capital of Buenos Aires.

Trixie Diner
 

A must visit is the Eterna Cadencia bookstore and cafe where you can step back in time, browse the many shelves, and then sit down in a loung area or the cafe and enjoy your new book. Many local professional and amateur theaters are also located in Palermo Hollywood.

Eterna Cadencia
Palermo Hollywood, one of the chic districts of Buenos Aires. You feel the urban rhythm in this neighborhood where the days pass quickly between shopping and art galleries and where the nights are rich in entertainment discoveries. This really is the best entertainment and nightlife community in the city.

Vitrum Hotel Rooftop Gymnasium
There are plenty of activities close to Vitrum Hotel and the Palermo Hollywood neighborhood. You can easily go to the zoo, the La Rural exhibition center, the Museum of Latin American Art, the Evita Museum, the Botanical Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Polo grounds.
For More Information Visit:
www.vitrumhotel.com