José Ignacio, Uruguay — Estancia Vik is proud to have received One MICHELIN Key in the respected guide’s hotel award program for the third consecutive year. A romantic, rustic and traditional Uruguayan ranch situated on 4,000 acres of rolling countryside, Estancia Vik is where the romance of “Marlboro Country” meets the effortless glamour of a laid-back St. Tropez, merging authentic ranch life with the avant-garde.
“From its beginning, Estancia Vik has been a tribute to the beauty, creativity and traditions of Uruguay
— a place where guests can connect with the land, the art, the horses and the spirit of José Ignacio in a truly meaningful way,” said Carrie and Alexander Vik, founders of Vik Retreats. “As the property that launched the Vik Retreats portfolio, Estancia Vik remains a defining expression of our vision, and it is especially meaningful to see that experience recognized by MICHELIN Guide on a global scale.”
The experience at Estancia Vik is one of the most unique in the world, where guests enjoy a hint of adventure mixed with all the luxuries that accompany a five-star retreat. A traditional Spanish style estancia, the property features white adobe walls and red tin roofs with covered walkways linking multiple outdoor courtyards and idyllic gardens. Each suite boasts a unique design and display and integrates original art by leading contemporary Uruguayan artists conceived for that particular space. Immersing in the destination, guests can horseback ride on one of the Estancia's herd of Criollo and Quarter horses across open pampas with gauchos, explore wildlife, birds and nature, mountain bike, hike, canoe and fish in the Arroyo de José Ignacio and Laguna de José Ignacio. Guests also enjoy the twenty-meter Absolute Nero granite swimming pool, gym and spa. In addition, the property boasts a private polo field where guests can take polo lessons and for those with experience can join a game.
Renowned for its rigorous restaurant assessments and coveted MICHELIN Stars, the MICHELIN Guide brings the same discerning expertise to the world of hospitality through its MICHELIN Key distinction, recognizing hotels that deliver unparalleled experiences. Anonymous inspectors travel the globe to discover and evaluate the most remarkable properties, considering the quality, character, and
overall experience they offer. A One Key hotel represents a very special stay, a true gem with personality.
A collaboration between Carrie and Alex Vik and Uruguayan architect Marcelo Daglio, more than half of the 50,000 square foot Estancia is made up of interior patios of outdoor space – courtyards, gardens, covered walkways and an herb garden located within its walls. The retreat features 12 singular suites, with six at each wing ranging in size from 500 square feet to 900 square feet. Each suite has been imagined by an individual Uruguayan artist who worked closely with Alex and Carrie to create site-specific works of art for and out of these spaces. The Estancia borders the Arroyo and the Laguna José Ignacio, which meet the Southern Atlantic just a mile away as the crow flies.
To see the full list of properties recognized by MICHELIN Guide, visit https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/all-the-key-hotels-in-the-world-michelin-guide
Media Contacts
Meg Connolly Communications vik@mcc-pr.com
About Vik Retreats
Vik Retreats is a curated collection of ultra-luxury boutique hotels and vineyards created by Alex and Carrie Vik, characterized by avant-garde design, extensive art collections, and a focus on nature, sustainability, and high-end gastronomy. Every Vik Retreat was imagined and designed with the inspiration of creating an escape that offers a unique immersion into the destination of each property. The results are astonishing and unrivaled and have been celebrated by visitors from around the world. Locations include José Ignacio, Uruguay; Chile's Millahue Valley; and Milan, Italy.
