Estancia Colome

Stayed two nights - which allows a split of the wine tasting and art gallery tours. The journey is great fun, with two river crossing and some spectacular scenery. Expect dirt road and dust. The whole place is just perfectly presented, with every detail thought through and done to the highest standard - huge investment of effort and funds have obviously been expended to get the whole place ‘just right’. Absolutely fantastic food - well cooked and beautifully presented. Breakfast looking up the valley to snow covered peaks was a real highlight. Walking trails were well marked - although the red trail is dangerous and cannot be walked if the river is running after rain. Gallery tour was interesting - but expect the last exhibit to involve spending 30 minutes lying on the floor watching the colours change on the ceiling. Wines were exceptional, with Franco giving a good tasting guide. However this all now gives me a problem with my ‘all time top 10 list. Estancia Colome is definition, but it is so hard to know what to take out.

The long and bumpy road is worth it! When you reach the Hacienda de Colomé, you enter the precursor to paradise. You are welcomed like a prince by the friendly staff and led to one of the nine suites of the hacienda. The vine wood is already stacked in the fireplace, ready to give you a particularly cozy and warm evening. From the terrace you look out over beautiful vineyards. There are four signposted hiking trails. We hike through the vines, pass a tennis court in a small forest and enjoy the unique peace of the surroundings. In the evening there is a well-guided tour of the bodega, followed by a wine tasting. The highlight, however, is the visit to the James Turrell Museum with its incredible light installations. James Turrell is an American artist who became known for his spatial light installations. Later, everyone meets in the library for an aperitif; the exquisite three-course menu that follows is an experience in itself. The management and staff of the estancia do everything to pamper the guest during their stay here. Guests will find everything they could expect from a luxury stay; the internet also works perfectly because the hotel has invested a lot in guaranteeing guests fast internet via satellite connection. This is not a given in the isolated valley. We would like to send special thanks to Connie Bearzi, who organized a taxi for us to travel to Cafayate and gave us valuable tips for the rest of the trip.

The location indeed possesses breathtaking beauty, making it a destination worthy of the journey, and an aura of enchantment surrounds it. Regrettably, the standards of hospitality fell significantly short of expectations, leading to a reluctance to endorse this establishment. During my stay, I found myself feeling quite confined, with an unsettling atmosphere prevailing. Contrary to the promise of an open and inviting ambiance, little effort was made to accommodate guest requests. Even though the welcome letter alluded to activities such as horseback riding and hikes, I was informed at the front desk, after a lengthy wait, that these experiences required a 48-hour advance booking. There was no acknowledgment or indication of an attempt to accommodate my desires. Moreover, the dining facility only opens for specific meal times - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Outside of these hours, access to even a simple cup of coffee at 7 am was denied, as the doors remained locked until 8 am. This rigid schedule evoked a sense of institutional confinement reminiscent of my time in a boarding school. The entire establishment seemed markedly unwelcoming, in stark contrast to other options where warmth and attentive care are readily provided. My unplanned departure after just one night was marked by considerable frustration, as I felt restricted to the confines of my room. Additionally, the pool lacked heating, and the absence of towels and service left guests with limited opportunities to enjoy their time amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings. There are undoubtedly alternative choices that offer a more hospitable and accommodating experience.

Just had a wonderful couples visit to La Colomé Bodega. Daniel gave us a tour of the winery on horse back which included photo stops and what great scenery and dramatic landscape with the backdrop of the Andes and Nevada Cachi. Elena my horse was a sweetheart, didn’t need much coaxing to go the right way! Connie, the manager and her team were brilliant and incredibly thoughtful, due to our unusually very early check out admin was done early afternoon and lunchboxes for breakfast provided for the 4.5 hour drive back to Salta and what a drive, fabulous. We were here for the wine. Sabrina gaves us a great tour of the estate, The James Turrell art museum and conducted a very interesting wine tasting session. Colomé surpassed all our expectations, I hope to return at some point, and will be recommending to all my friends.

This is an exceptional hotel. Not an easy drive but we did it in standard 2WD fiat. It’s in a very isolated place, v quiet with lovely pool and grounds. The magic starts at 6.30pm with wine tasting in the bodega (PS please get better glasses and let us taste your best wines: we have driven a long way!). Next a visit to the outstanding museum. I was a bit of a sceptic to start but the art is exceptional. Dinner at 9, with drinks served outside or in the absolute beautiful library surrounded by exquisite original art and furnishings. Candles, the fountain and warm air. Can’t get much better Dinner again is served in a beautiful room with more artwork ( ? Original Matisse). Great breakfast etc etc. PS the return journey should be via Molinos. The more direct route looks a bit shabby.

Everything is amazing here. Better if you come with a good driver ((Andeschallenge). Because the road takes time and it is not always easy. But Colomé deserves the effort. It is a kind of luxurious oasis with plenty of kind people looking after you. We loved the experience Colomé, enjoyed wine tasting and have been amazed by James Thurell Museum. Diner was delicious, and also brakfast. Unforgettable evening watching the stars and the vineyards. We loved.