Entre Cielos Luxury Wine Hotel & Spa

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this little gem opened in 2009 and has attracted a loyal following. It's an ultra-modern property with many interesting architectural details, such as curving lines that are meant to evoke a feminine presence amid the lush green vineyards all around. Guests are greeted in the spacious modern lobby with a glass of wine produced in the hotel's own vineyard. Concrete surfaces are found throughout, and dramatic art exhibits rotate during the year. The grounds are lovely -- with big-sky vistas in all directions -- and guests visiting in March and April can watch the grapes being harvested. Because children younger than 12 are not allowed, the hotel is best suited for couples and groups of friends who want to be away from it all. It's popular with Europeans and Americans, as well as Brazilians and Argentinians.

This hotel is located just outside of the quiet town of Lujan de Cuyo, a 20-minute drive outside the city of Mendoza. The lovely eight-acre vineyard property sits close to the Andes mountains and there are views of the foothills from many vantage points throughout the property. The area is well-known for its wine production, especially malbecs. In addition to taking tours of the local wineries, guests can also bike, mountain climb, hike, fish, bird, horseback ride, and all manner of other outdoor pursuits. Plan on about 40 minutes to reach El Plumerillo International Airport by car. 

Rooms here are individually decorated and named after specific types or flavor profiles of wine, with decor in kind. For example, the Classic Rooms feature bold colors, like classic wines, which are clean and traditional. These include units like the Cardamomo, which is chic and cozy and features accents like wood floors and a world map behind the bed that softens details like concrete walls. Suites are named after reserva wines, which are noted for their maturity and harmony. They feature earthy tones and stylish accessories. Named after Rosa Blanca wine, the Loft Suite is a separate unit that sits above the hotel's vineyards on stilts. It's a cocoon-like space with incredible views of the vineyards from both inside and out on the balcony. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Robes and slippers are provided. All have furnished balconies or terraces, with views of the mountains, pool, or vineyards. Bathrooms vary by unit, but are clean and modern, with details like mosaic tiles, walk-in showers or soaking tubs, and toiletries.

With such a limited number of rooms, this hotel offers a surprisingly generous range of features. Given its vineyard setting, it's perhaps no surprise that food and drink feature largely in the hotel's most well-liked offerings. Katharina restaurant serves regional fare for all meals, plus afternoon tea and wine tastings. The free breakfast buffet offers a variety of cold selections, and guests can order hot items off the menu as well. The dining room is a fresh, modern space with wine-colored chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the pool and vineyards. Oversized modern art hangs on the walls, and you can catch a glimpse on the Andes Mountains as well. A bar serves wine and cocktails, with plenty of seating along comfy sofas.The long, rectangular outdoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, and there are plenty of cushioned lounge chairs for relaxing poolside as well. Umbrellas provide shade in the wide-open space, with a grassy lawn on one side and views of the mountains on another. The hotel's unique spa and hammam features a six-step circuit using heat and water combined with massage treatments. The minimalist space features slate and concrete surfaces with a sauna, steam room, small indoor pool, and foam massages. Many of the products used in treatments feature wines, grapes, and natural oils. Although there is no fitness center, there is an outdoor fitness circuit. On-site parking is free, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.