Estancia VIK José Ignacio

Beautiful grounds and excellent service and staff.

Had a wonderful spontaneous overnight at Estancia Vik and fortunately experienced none of the problems of some reviewers. The staff was absolutely terrific, including reception and restaurant staff. I only had a small salad meal for dinner and glass of Vik wine but the salad was terrific. The breakfast then was outstanding and for the early wakers there is coffee machine and capsules in your room.
The rooms are huge (and I stayed in a small one) and very thoughtfully furnished but then again the whole property is a bit of an art museum. Gym use is included but the facility is at Bahia Vik, another of their properties which requires a transfer unless you are visiting by car, this is the only flaw I could during my experience. On the other hand an unexpected horseride was included with the wonderful Carlos who patiently explained lots of horseriding tricks.
Staying at Estancia Vik, even for a single night, is pricey but then most similar estancias and wine lodges nearby carry similar price tags. And it is a beautiful, intimate property with a huge land around to roam freely so definitely a worthy once-in-a-lifetime splash.

Excellent

We did not stay at the hotel, however we did go to both horseride in a group of friends and have the BBQ dinner on separate days. Both were tourist traps:

1) horse ride: we got saddled up and just walked around the (beautiful) property with no explanation, no history no what was going on etc. Language is not an issue, its just there is no excited, no love of the job at hand.

2) the BBQ dinner was awful, the meat was not good at all (we ate well elsewhere over the 10 days we were in Jose Ignacio ), the service was laughable - they were understaffed and some of the team had no idea of what they were doing and could not explain anything on the Vik wines we were drinking. The 2 vegetarians (announced when we reserved) got 2 different salads! no cheese nothing....

Stick to drinks at sunset - and you will be a happy camper!

Mr Vik, in the unlikely case you are reading this - your management needs to do a lot better or your brand is going to be tainted

Exceptional service, very clean and the property is stunning

The setting is beautiful, but the service fails to live up to the expectations and price. Despite only having 12 rooms, the hotel fails to provide a truly personalised service that makes you feel at home.

Outside one of our rooms, they started setting up a massive event WITHOUT WARNING THE GUESTS. Imagine our surprise opening the windows in our pyjamas to see a dozen men quite literally outside. Within a metre of our window. We had to spend the rest of the day changing with the curtains closed, as they were also outside our bathroom window (which has no curtains). Please find photos attached. It is important to note that ours was the only room that was boxed in by these structures and again, they did not give us even a warning about it. Much less try to repair the damage done to our last day of holiday.

When we brought this up, the manager Guillermina was completely unhelpful and arrogant. She offered no reparations or solutions, not even a bottle of wine or lunch, for our trouble. Another member of staff made the unhelpful suggestion of enjoying the hotel’s common areas — as if that is any comfort for not being able to use the room we paid for.

Food is average at best. Most of the reservations they suggested were also for average restaurants which totally lacked any ambiance. And once again, Guillermina made us feel like suggesting and booking places for us was a massive inconvenience to her. We know for a fact we are not the only guests who had problems with her bad attitude as it was a conversation point between us guests at the pool.

The highlight of this hotel was Melina, who was the only staff member who was helpful enough to even attempt to get us a reservation in order to make amends for the room situation. We are sincerely grateful for her trying to save our holiday. We would never return to this place - not so much for the event situation, but for the hotel’s lack of attempt to make any reparations or acknowledgement of wrongdoing.

Skip the barbecue. Everything was very slow and disjointed—side dishes served well after the mains for example. Also expect some odd meats such as sweet blood sausage. $95 a person (with half payment before dinner). Estancia is a lovely setting so go for sunset and a drink.

My husband and I stayed for three nights at the Estancia Vik - and we did not want to leave! It was an interesting experience for two reasons, firstly because the weather was very blustery, windy and rainy and secondly because we discovered the morning after we checked in that we would be the only guests for our entire stay.
It was like an Agatha Christie novel but in the best possible way. The estancia is sooooo beautiful, if you are an art lover (and of course if you found the Vik brand you probably are), you will love the collected works displayed here.
We stayed in the Master suite, which I must say I recommend because its just a lovely room. Huge, dark wood walls, great views, we loved it.
We did have a few small issues but I think it had more to do with the fact that we were only two staying at the time, and I believe the hotel was just starting up again in response to the easing of measures in Uruguay. Sometimes the water didnt work, but it only happened three times and was handled fairly quickly so we werent fussed.
Food was amazing, everyone who was working there was so personable, so friendly and open, it just made our visit that much better. I am only sorry the weather did not accommodate me so that I could swim in the pool
A great time, highly recommend!

We had stayed at the Vik in Chile and was very pleased. This Vik lived up to that status. If you have opportunity you need to stay here. It is in the country side where you can watch a polo match and ride horse. A MUST!

Yes, a bit pricey but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This was our first trip to Uruguay and we wanted to experience the Estancia. How lovely to be greeted by our first names and Bauti, who co-manages the Estancia with his girlfriend Sophie, asked about my husband, who was unable to come at the last moment. This kind of personal thoughtfulness was evident throughout our stay. The grounds are exquisite; the rooms amazing. Each has a different theme. We had an excellent dinner, took advantage of the pool and the complimentary horse back riding and soaked up the unique ambiance.

We had a great time at estancia Vik. Very Nice boutique hôtel. The barbacue was the best I ever had. Tender meat great seasonning, Nice show cooking. The staff was very friendly. And then we had the most exclusive experience of all swimming in the river on the back of the horses. Thank you bauti and mattias for the good time.

We absolutely loved Estancia Vik. If I had known how fabulous it was going to be I would have stayed for two weeks!!

I've been to many five star "luxury places" around the world but this hotel is unique. The property is breathtaking, rooms decorated with fascinating art without sacrificing any comfort or amenities, and activities plentiful. I really did feel as if it was my home instead of a hotel.

As an experienced equestrian I thoroughly enjoyed the riding opportunities. Horses were very well trained and maintained beautifully. (In fact I think they live in horse heaven on the property) The staff went out of their way to make sure I was able to ride at my level and I was never stuck in a beginner group. A special thank you to Carlos who put up with hours of discussions about horses in my terrible Spanish.

The staff could not be more lovely and accommodated every need both big and small with grace. Thank you to Lara for tirelessly answering my many emails as well as to Guadalupe, Bruno and Claudia for helping to take such good care of us. Restaurant suggestions were great, drinks brought to us while we played pool in the living room, milk brought in a pitcher to my refrigerator so I could enjoy my morning coffee on my porch .... etc

If I had to find a fault it would be that the website does not even remotely capture what it is like to be at the property.

I can't wait to go back ....

What a lovely experience we had staying at Estancia Vik. The staff, especially, Guadeloupe, was superb. They were helpful, personable and very eager to make sure our stay was perfect.
The Estancia enjoys the most beautiful setting on top of a hill with wonderful views of grazing cattle and horses, a lagoon and glimpses of the ocean in the distance. The public areas are incredible with works of art adorning every wall and statues gracing all the open spaces. No expense has been spared in furnishing this vast property and its twelve rooms.
Our room was spacious and extremely comfortable. It was like staying in the one of the finest art galleries. When we opened our windows it got even better with beautiful views in all directions.
The food was good and contrary to other reviews there were wines on sale for just under US$40.
During the day we thoroughly enjoyed the horse riding. The horses were very well behaved and the staff friendly and responsible. We also took advantage of visiting the two other Vik hotels at the beach, which is just a fifteen minute drive away. Otherwise there is the heated pool at the Estancia to enjoy.
We stayed for three nights, we wished we had stayed much longer.

We loved it here. The rooms were great, quiet and well appointed. Ask for a specific suite that fits your style as they vary a lot. I had made some request before arrival and they were all takne care of. Breakfast is till very late - noon at least - bascially when you feel like it - which is very important to us when in Uruguay. Food in the restaurant was good. We also had dinner at Playa Vik which was outstanding. Service is very kind and caring, but also informal, which we like. We did some horseback riding (fun gaucho) and paintball (my kids had to shoot dad) which was easy to organize. The locaiton is good for Jose Igancio and we very much liked being on an Estancia as we were doing beach for the next two weeks along the coast. It is a like being at a friend's place, not a hotel guest. All in all, would highly recommend and we will return.

Just got back from 4 nights at Estancia Vick and we are already trying to plan our next visit. Everything at this place is perfection - the view, the food, and the amazing service from the staff. The hotel only has 12 rooms, so it really feels like you are staying at someone’s home. The property is extremely peaceful, overlooking a lagoon, open fields and grazing horses. It is located about 15 minutes from the town of Jose Ignacio, where many restaurants, the beach and the other Vik properties are located. We had a rental car so it was easy to get ourselves around. The hotel is located at the end of a long dirt road, we were a little nervous when we first arrived but after a few trips we got used to it. The hotel does offer a shuttle service for $20 USD if you need a ride into town.

We went horseback riding for the first time and the staff working at the stables were so nice and helpful, we felt extremely safe. The property is huge so we were able to ride all over and take in even more views. Throughout our stay we got to know the staff working at the hotel and they could not have been more nice or helpful. Every need was tended to and we felt extremely comfortable throughout the stay.

I loved everything about this hotel - the decor, the ambience, the views, the service, the food - all amazing! We checked into one of the suites and were in awe of how spacious, modern and creatively decorated the space was. We also loved the balconies and the views of the lagoon/horses. I also loved the sunset views from the top of the estancia (the steps were a little scary to walk up, but despite that, the views were incredible).

The food was incredible as was the service - the staff is extremely personable and friendly and they catered well to dietary restrictions and customized menus. I wish we stayed longer than we did, but would highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Jose Ignacio!

So why doesn’t every guest of Vik hotels
attend this piece-de-resistance. It’s a Saturday-evening heaven.

Their in house Uruguayan BBQ. Done properly.

Such a treat.

Felt like we were the privileged.

A MUST DO (if yr lucky enough to be invited) when in Jose Ignacio.

The Pork Ribs was the winner!

We stayed for four nights over Thanksgiving and loved every minute. There was lots to do on property - horse riding, watching the polo mathches, fishing, and for my 15 year old son, paint balling with the staff! The food is superb - wonderful menu and variety, with the sublime asado to enjoy after a big day of exercise. The house is eclectic but luxuriously comfortable. I loved my morning sitting outside by the pool contemplating the views and enjoying the perfect cup of coffee. More of a house party feel than a classic hotel. We cannot wait to go back

Nearby you can enjoy all the amenities of the other two Vik hotels in Jose Ignacio - fun to enjoy the more edgy vibe of Playa Vik at sunset. And a trip to Garzon to experience Francis Mallmann’s restaurant is another must. And Jose Ignacio is how I imagine the Hamptons 30 years ago before the traffic and the crowds.

This beautiful property has all you would ever need for an escape from a hectic life! The isolated location in the country side makes you feel a world away and the sunsets from our patio area were just magical. The eclectic artwork and interior designs are all intriguing and we have never seen a hotel or resort quite like it! Our horse riding was also all included, as were many other activities that we didn't take part in and a special thank you to Juan for showing us around on their beautiful horses. Without question, all the staff were sensational and very professional and nothing was ever a problem for them.

As for the dining experience, we stayed in at the restaurant both nights and we were super-impressed by the quantity and quality of the food and wine - it was all delicious and can highly recommend the 2011 Vik red wine. During the day, we drove the 15 minutes down to Jose Ignacio and there are several excellent restaurants to try out and many beautiful beaches all the way along towards Punta del Este.

You will want for nothing whilst staying here and if a 5 star, non-pretentious but luxurious and relaxing stay in a country retreat is what you're after then you've come to the right place!

What a wonderdul stay. Relaxed, beautiful, well-thought out hotel. Every room is an art installation, and every staff member attentive, professional and charming. Beautiful views of a stunning countryside from every window.
We had our anniversary dinner there, and the staff set up a beautiful private table in the charming little wine cellar, wich was a very thoughtful gesture.
The two acticviyies we tried were the kayaking and horseriding- both through breathtaking scenery.
We also had access to the facilities at their two oceanside properties, which were just as lovely.