Awasi Mendoza

Awasi Mendoza, a Michelin Two-Key property, stands as a paragon of luxury and personalized hospitality amidst the stunning vineyards of Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. Formerly known as Cavas Wine Lodge, this resort consistently garners exceptional praise for its immersive experience and breathtaking Andean backdrop.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Awasi Mendoza enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, often described as a "paradise" or an "exceptional stay." Its Michelin Two-Key distinction signifies a "unique experience with attention to detail in every aspect", reflecting the high standards upheld. Guests frequently laud the impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and the tranquil, stunning location, placing it firmly on many travelers' "bucket lists." As a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group, it upholds a reputation for luxury and refined experiences.

2. Key Highlights

• Service & Personalization: The resort is celebrated for its impeccable, attentive, and highly personalized service. A unique offering is the provision of a private guide and a 4x4 vehicle for tailored excursions, allowing guests to explore the wine region on their own schedule. Staff are noted for their professionalism, fluency in English, and ability to cater to specific guest needs, such as allergies.
• Location & Views: Nestled on a 55-acre wine estate in Luján de Cuyo, the lodge offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Andes mountains and surrounding vineyards. Its secluded setting ensures ultimate privacy and a deep connection with nature.
• Design & Ambiance: The property features a Spanish Colonial villa style, blending contemporary and classic elements with earthy tones that harmonize with the natural scenery. The individual casitas or villas are designed with imagination and luxury, creating a heavenly and romantic atmosphere.
• Amenities: Each villa boasts a private plunge pool, an outdoor shower, an indoor fireplace, and a private rooftop terrace, often equipped with its own fireplace for stargazing. The main building houses a comfortable lounge, a small pool, a wine tasting room, and a spa offering unique vinotherapy treatments.

3. Room Quality

Awasi Mendoza offers exclusive accommodations in separate, spacious villas rather than traditional hotel rooms. The smallest villas begin at approximately 1000 square feet, while the Grand Villa spans an impressive 3500 square feet with two bedrooms. The interiors are described as elegant, well-equipped, and cozy, with a clean-lined, minimalist contemporary Spanish design that incorporates local cultural elements. Guests can expect comfortable lounge areas, lavish stone bathrooms with clawfoot tubs, satellite television, and Wi-Fi. Each villa is thoughtfully positioned across the expansive estate to ensure maximum privacy for guests.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Awasi Mendoza is consistently praised as world-class and exquisite. The restaurant champions an authentic "farm-to-table" concept, with the chef creating dishes from organic products, often harvested from the hotel's own gardens. The menu, featuring unpretentious, traditional Argentine cuisine, changes seasonally (every three months) to ensure the highest quality, in-season, local ingredients. All meals are expertly paired with an encyclopedic selection of wines, including those produced from the lodge's own vineyards. Special experiences include recommended asado dinners and the option for a romantic, candlelit sunset dinner on a private rooftop terrace. Breakfasts are comprehensive, offering a buffet of fresh fruits, granolas, yogurt, pastries, homemade smoothies, and made-to-order hot dishes, alongside excellent coffee.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their attentiveness, graciousness, and professionalism. Staff members are frequently noted for their excellent English proficiency and remarkable attention to detail, especially in accommodating specific guest needs like dietary restrictions. The personalized approach extends to staff going above and beyond to arrange special moments, such as surprise treats or romantic picnics in the vineyard. The exceptional concierge service is adept at organizing and guiding guests through outstanding winery visits and other excursions, facilitated by the private guide and 4x4 vehicle included with each stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Awasi Mendoza is strategically located in the heart of Luján de Cuyo, on C. Costa Flores s/n, nestled within a 55-acre wine estate. This prime position places it amidst some of Argentina's finest wineries, offering stunning views of the snow-dusted Andes Mountains. The lodge is approximately 20 miles south of Mendoza city, a convenient 40-minute drive from Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ). While its secluded vineyard setting provides tranquility, guests recommend carrying the hotel card as some taxi drivers might not be familiar with the exact location. The included private guide and vehicle largely mitigate transport concerns for exploring the region.

7. Value & Pricing

Awasi Mendoza is recognized as a high-end luxury property, and its pricing reflects the comprehensive and exclusive experience it offers. It operates on an all-inclusive model, encompassing lodging, gourmet meals, beverages (including exquisite national wines), and personalized activities with a private guide and vehicle. A deposit of USD 1000 per accommodation per day is mentioned. Foreign non-residents paying with a foreign credit card or currency benefit from a reduced VAT of 10.5% on the all-inclusive rate, compared to the standard 21% for residents. Despite the premium, the resort frequently operates at full capacity, suggesting that guests perceive the unique, luxurious, and personalized experience to be well worth the cost. A minimum stay of two nights is typically required.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of constructive feedback have been noted. One guest found the portion sizes at the restaurant to be "North American" in scale, suggesting that smaller servings might enhance the refined dining experience. Another practical issue mentioned was that some local taxi drivers might not be immediately familiar with the hotel's exact location, advising guests to have the hotel's address readily available. Although a general concern about "bad reviews" for "current Awasi properties" was referenced in a recent discussion, Awasi Mendoza (formerly Cavas Wine Lodge) was specifically highlighted as a "staple" with anticipation of "good changes" under new management, implying its strong standing in the market.

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