Unique Vik Retreats
Art and architecture focused, guest centric and a true labor of love for Alex and Carrie Vik, the four unique VIK Retreat properties, including Uruguay’s Estancia VIK, Playa VIK and Bahia VIK, and Chile’s wine-focused Vina VIK, exemplify the very best of what immersive travel experiences can offer.
Whether your journey takes you to Uruguay’s Jose Ignacio, with its grassland estancia region and famed beachfront hamlets or to Chile’s renowned Millahue wine region, you’ll find VIK Retreats are one part fine purveyor of off-the-beaten-path travel and one part lap-of-luxury relaxation.
We’ve written about the VIK Retreats before, but thought a follow up was due in light of all the amazingly idiosyncratic experiences the Vik family keeps dreaming up.
With summer winding to a close here in the United States, there has never been a better time to head south and discover all VIK Retreats has to offer during their warm season. There’s a little something for everyone— no matter your travel style or interests— and it’s all focused around the breathtaking regions the VIK Retreats call home.
Art & Architecture
The VIK Retreat properties are filled to the proverbial brim with one-of-a-kind works of art, and there is no better way to delve into this fascinating world than to visit during the time of year when they schedule daily painting and photography workshops. They also regularly bring in the artists whose work lines the walls, so guests can meet them in person and hear all about about the inspiration for their art.
Food & Wine
Get up close and personal with the esteemed VIK chefs through small group cooking classes, workshops and tastings designed to let you indulge in the authentic and organic cuisine of South America. Plus, no trip to a VIK Retreat would be complete without tastings of the company’s award-winning and highly acclaimed wines from its very own vineyards and cellars. What could be better than a week of eating and drinking your way through Uruguay or Chile?
Harvest 101
You can’t beat cooking classes and wine tastings. Or can you? At Vina VIK you most certainly can when you join the property’s team in the vineyard for the evening harvest! Help harvest grapes with only a headlamp and scissors then head back to the winery with your bounty and witness your grapes begin the winemaking process. The entire experience is helmed by the VIK wine experts, so you’ll learn all about the in-house philosophy while enjoying a delicious tasting (of course).
Wedded Bliss
Lots of hotels and resorts have wedding packages, but none do it quite like VIK Retreats (or are in such awe-inspiring locales). Depending on the property you choose, they can accommodate up to 5-600 guests and activities can be customized to the wishes of the couple, but all include the ceremony with catering and open bar, as well as some exclusive treats for the bride and groom. These include a private picnic or dinner, spa services and a sunset horseback ride. Qué romántico!
Yoga & Meditation
Yoga is known for its calming qualities, focused strength and meditative tendencies, but practicing in a studio just doesn’t compare to practicing in the wilds of South America. Connect with your breath, your body and Mother Nature as VIK Retreats teams up master yogis for weeklong yoga retreats. These immersive courses are based in Vinyasa (flow) yoga and include many of the VIK Retreat’s other outdoor activities too. Namaste indeed.
Polo Proud
Play the sport of kings in Uruguay this winter at Estancia VIK as you practice essential stick and ball techniques, engage in actual polo matches with professional instructors and players and indulge in all the fine food, drinks and activities available at Estancia VIK and its sister Uruguayan properties on the breathtaking beaches of Jose Ignacio. You’ll get the opportunity to try a variety of ponies during your stay and have bragging rights that you learned to play polo in true South American style.
Of course, no trip to a VIK Retreat would be complete without also enjoying the myriad of activities available year-round, including hiking, biking, surfing (in Uruguay only), horseback riding, birdwatching, kayaking, stargazing, spa services and so much more.
If you’re ready to follow your passion to one (or all four) of South America’s tantalizing VIK Retreats, call us today to begin planning your journey.
