Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa

Designed by Alejandro Bustillo and opened in its present form in 1940 after fire destroyed the first building, Llao Llao is Argentina's answer to the great mountain lodges of North America — a long composition of cypress logs, green roofs and local stone set on a rise between Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Moreno. The panorama of water, forest and the snowfields of Cerro Tronador beyond is among the finest any hotel enjoys on the continent, and the building itself is a national architectural landmark.

The historic Bustillo wing keeps the original alpine character, with timbered corridors, wrought iron and lake-view rooms of moderate size but immoderate outlook; the newer Moreno wing adds larger contemporary rooms and suites with picture windows and soaking tubs aimed at the lake. An indoor-outdoor pool, serious spa and the resort's own 18-hole golf course threading through the lakes complete a genuinely four-season offering, with skiing at Cerro Catedral in the southern winter.

Days fill with guided hikes to Cerro Llao Llao, kayaking, boat trips towards the myrtle forests of the Arrayanes, and Patagonian lamb and Argentine wines in the restaurants. Bariloche town, with its chocolate shops and Swiss-colonial past, is a 25-minute drive. Book the view, not just the room category — at Llao Llao the window is the luxury.