BOP
Prensa
Junio 20146 Hotels And Resorts For Wine Loving Boomers.
Wine and travel have always been closely intertwined. Over the past decade, the hospitality industry has begun banking on that connection, creating a cache of hotels and resorts that are at minimum wine-themed, if not directly tied to vineyards and wineries.
“Part of wine’s allure is that it is linked to the place and culture that produces it,” says Maureen Costura, an anthropologist and assistant professor of liberal arts at the Culinary Institute of America.
Wine has traditionally been highly associated with a wealthy way of life, she says. But these days, drinking and knowing about wines has become far more democratized and popularized.
“People want to learn about different wines and see the places where they are produced,” Costura says.
And, as with many other travel trends, boomers are on the cutting edge.
To feed demand, relatively new wine-themed hotels and resorts have emerged around the world. They cater to a wide range of wine lovers, from those who enjoy tasting and learning about wine to serious connoisseurs whose passion drives them to visit vineyards and winemakers.
Here are six wine-focused hotels and resorts around the world to consider for your next vacation:
5. The Vines Resort & Spa, Mendoza, Argentina
Set on 1,500 acres at the base of the Andes Mountains, The Vines Resort & Spa promises laid-back luxury in the Uco Valley wine region, best known for its amazing Malbec grapes. Twenty-two villas on the property offer every modern convenience, including 24-hour room service with mountain and vineyard views from private patios with plunge pools or rooftop terraces with soaking tubs.
Amenities include an infinity pool with private cabanas and complimentary access to running trails, a climbing wall, mountain bikes and an elevated state-of-the-art fitness center. Gauchos pick guests up at the Mendoza International Airport and deliver them to the resort, about 1.5 hours away. Soon after its opening in January, the resort was named to Condé Nast’s 2014 Hot List of the 33 best new hotels in the world.
Internationally-acclaimed chef Francis Mallmann heads up the resort’s signature restaurant, Siete Fuegos, which showcases authentic Argentinian dishes using his seven fires, open-flame cooking techniques.
Wine lovers can choose from many bespoke adventures including the chance to learn the art of winemaking alongside The Vines’ expert team, from harvesting and blending to tasting and bottling. There are 1,500 nearby wineries in the surrounding countryside. The Vine’s Private Vineyards offer ownership opportunities for guests who want to own a three- to 10-acre vineyard plot and make their own custom small-batch wine.
Rates for one-bedroom villas start at $560 per night (double occupancy).
Best time to visit: Either harvest season or during low season for better rates.
By Irene S. Levine, Next Avenue Contributor
FUENTE: FORBES
Vea el artículo original aquí.
