Review of Four Seasons Carmelo, by Caroline Major

Four Seasons Carmelo is a prime destination for golfers. One of the newest Four Seasons resorts, this luxury hotel nestles amongst the eucalyptus trees on the bank of the Rio Del Plato.

This heartland of food production country hosts the laid back Urugaucho farmers, languidly tending their cows in the sun. With big vistas where the rolling green and yellow sunflower fields undulate under the big, clear blue sky, Carmelo is a largely colonial and picturesque part of Uruguay.

For the moment, Carmelo is a hidden gem in a soon to be discovered playground for the wealthy. Brazilian Portuguese mixes freely with the Spanish of the Argentinos, and a smattering of German from a couple venturing well off the South American 'Gringo Trail'. English is unusual.

If you want to holiday with an altogether different crowd, this quirky corner of South America blends luxury, fine food and relaxation in native settings. Watch for the goannas on the walkways and enjoy a vision of Uruguay. A forgotten country magnificent with the dusty glory of her spent 1950s prosperity. Days still pass slowly at this luxury hotel, and the night sky is dark and full of dreams.

The facilities

Five kilometers outside the town, the Four Seasons Carmelo combines Indonesian style bungalows sporting outdoor daybeds and garden showers with South American hospitality. Complete with a world class golf course so challenging, new and unknown, it is doing time as an almost private practice range for a certain tiger.

Drink by the pool, or claim a riverside day bed and fill days with kayaking and swimming. The clarity of the water and abundance of undisturbed wildlife on the river is enchanting at this luxury hotel. Book into the day spa, play golf and take a tour by jet-ski up the tributary. In the evening, ride a horse at sunset up to the Narbona Hacienda to taste locally produced cheese and wine, eaten with sweet tasty tomatoes and cured beef.

The rooms

This luxury hotel has 44 air conditioned rooms. Decor is contemporary-rustic, with lots of pine, white walls and colourful contemporary furniture. Choose from a secluded bungalow or spacious suite - both come with excellent in-room goodies like DVD players, premium down bedding and satellite TV.

Bathrooms at the luxury hotel are large, and have heated floors as well as separate baths and showers.