On these summer days, as you may have read in
several of my articles, I dash out to Punta del Este whenever I get a chance. Some may say it’s a “pleasure trip”. Yes, it definitely is, but there’s also work to do and
a never ending source of inspiration and news of different sorts: from fashion, architecture, looks, cuisine, famous
international personalities who are just passing by. So I may not bring back a
nice tan or a finished project but I’m sure to bring back lots of pictures and
data to share. And above all, my thoughts on so many things one kind
find there that money just can't buy.
Summer seasons
may not be as stable as we wish they were (let’s look at the bright side of
things: scarce items always have a higher value) or maybe
consumerism fluctuates, but one can’t deny the fact that the place develops
year after year. Maintaining and
reconciling identity, sustainability and continuity criteria is a tough
challenge.
This is
especially difficult when the population goes from 15 thousand inhabitants
off-season to 500 thousand people between December and January.
From mega real
estate projects by Bulgheroni and Constantini or Donald Trump, country side
ranches such as the Vik or hotel entrepreneurs like Fasano with his “Las
Piedras”, top-of-the-line brands on 20th street and residential
hotspots like Punta Piedras or José Ignacio, for those who have been around the
world this is still an extraordinary location and it’s always nice to remind
ourselves why.
Here's a fruit
salad of possibilities: if you’re looking for informality, tranquility and laisez-faire or fun and entertainment
and outdoor activities, everything is right there. Looking for shopping or business deals? You got it. It’s got forests and large green areas, but also more
laid back urban areas such as José Ignacio or more formal ones along the
peninsula. A park-type residential neighborhood or a panoramic
view at Punta Ballena, the variety accounts for its uniqueness and can please
every palate at every stage of life. Highly valued by foreigners who come here to retire, by famous
personalities who like to remain unnoticed, or a permanent population who progressively
demands a larger cultural offer, Punta del Este is undoubtedly Uruguay’s jewel.
B) ARCHITECTURE
Any experiment
that normally requires large financial resources and world-class clients is
empowered in this area. The result is a real estate stock embedded in an
extraordinary landscape that enhances the location’s quality concept. Chalet-type residences built in the sixties merge with
more contemporary houses of a wide range of styles and state-of-the art
interior design.
Over the last
years, and especially after the seventies, real estate developments of
different magnitudes have popped up, ranging from tall towers to country
houses, from three story apartments to residences that make up the local real
estate offer. Real estate magazines are truly a catalog of modern architecture and many
of the buyers of these properties may be found in jet-set and international
business magazines.
Many houses can still afford not to install gates or high protective walls: safeguarding this oasis from growing security issues is a big challenge.
Many houses can still afford not to install gates or high protective walls: safeguarding this oasis from growing security issues is a big challenge.
C) SHOPS AND HOTELS
This is a haven
where one can find exclusive brands and stores that cannot be seen in the country’s
capital, Montevideo, located only 120 km away. International equipment brands, businesses owned by
Argentineans -renowned for their refined taste-, art galleries meant for the owners
of hidden farms who hold fantastic art collections; fashion boutiques and
exquisite accessories; the local handicraft fair just a block away; an artist’s
atelier around the corner; a Hampton-style fish shop or a test drive center for
premium cars: all of these coexist with refinement under the same sun.
Even the
decoration of a common, simple bar radiates good taste and creativity which one
wishes could be found more often in the country’s capital as well. From
five-star to native and charming hotels, a nearby convention center,
exquisitely decorated restaurants with a sophisticated cuisine, let’s not
forget the beach or sophistication.
![]() |
3 mundos deco y cafe el tesoro |
Hotel Fasano Las Piedras (Foto: Las Piedras web)
Mutate José Ignacio |
Santas Negras |
Paul deco |
![]() |
Vik Hotel José Ignacio |
![](http://priceypads.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/living_6.jpg)
![](http://www.designtripper.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/BBQ.jpg)
También cultural y de tiempo libre:
![]() |
Fundación Atchugarry |
D) GASTRONOMY
Renowned
regional and international chefs come together here for different events.
Others are even lucky enough to own their own havens where foodies can enjoy
the select atmosphere, dishes, music, company and events where every detail
counts. Many specialized magazines or selective international lists from
different sectors feature these restaurants.
![]() |
La Huella, José Ignacio |
![]() |
L´incanto (Fotos L´incanto web) |
![]() |
Jardín by Sarava (fotos jardin by Sarava Fb) |
![]() |
Panadería Lalinda, Manantiales (fotos Lalinda Fb) |
E) PEOPLE AND ACTIVITIES
The inhabitants
of Maldonado, a calm and obliging people who are used to having to deal with
all types of indulgences, must also deal with the resort’s stable population: cosmopolitan people or foreigners who have chosen to
retire here or who work for international companies, investors, young people
who settle here to develop their own business, people from Montevideo who work
or vacation there sporadically, in addition to the landslide of regional and
international tourists: together they make up a melting pot of cultures,
languages and aesthetics worthy of trendy fashion magazines. A European prince, a rock singer and the owner of an
internet company may go unnoticed while visiting the local ice-cream shop or
while dining at Francis Mallman’s restaurant. All of this is bathed in remarkable tolerance and
respect.
Events such as
the Punta del Este Food and Wine Festival, polo and rugby tournaments,
international regattas, art exhibits, mega out-door concerts or meetings with friends
at sunset.
The good news is
that fortunately not everything is just large investments and opulence: not everyone is dressed in Prada, you can also hear a
simple “buen día" (good morning)
dressed in “alpargatas.” During the
summer you might see the latest Ferrari, but you can also hear bike bells and
the sound of the sea. The port not only features wonderful boats that you may
find at a yacht exhibition, there are also local fish shops offering the day's
produce of shellfish or sole ready to be cooked on the grill accompanied by friends.
The smell of French perfume travels amongst the pine trees and the sea; the
inside streets are surrounded by trees and green gardens, while the “rambla” is
decorated with the ocean and the sky.
![](http://estilojoseignacio.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/la-susana.jpg)
One can’t deny
the quality of life of those who live
there year-round or just temporarily.
As a personal
anecdote I always recall years ago when my business partner and I were working on
some projects over there: while I rushed in my car around Montevideo from one place to another, with literally no time for anything, in Punta
del Este it would only take him a couple of minutes to get where he was going,
and in the meantime he could breath fresh air, discover new things and have a
picnic at the beach on bare feet, before resuming the usual tasks...
Uruguay is not Punta del Este
and there are certainly many things to improve, monitor and plan but it’s very
close to a Ying-Yang harmony that one wishes we could find more often. It’s not about sophistication, it’s about tolerance,
coexisting opposites, the optimization of time, enjoying the ubiquitous scenery
and nature, spending unforgettable moments with family and friends, the
inside-outside beauty of the houses, and shops, the calm rhythm of life closer
to friends and nature….
Some books on Punta del Este:
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