PUNTA DEL ESTE
discovering PUNTA DEL ESTE
Punta del Este is a beach city that is very much alive during the summer, but kind of dead during the winter. You must go during the summer months to get the best out of it. It's trendy, charming, chic and a great place to visit. It has great restaurants, beach spots, hotels, and cute streets.
keep in mind
> It's best to rent a car, because you'll basically need to drive everywhere.
> It can be very hot during the day, but sometimes a little chilly at night so bring a jacket.
> It is generally a safe place.
> The best region to stay both in terms of accommodation, places to eat and things to do is around La Barra and Playa Brava.
> Punta is expensive. Be ready to spend.
where to stay
Fasano Las Piedras
beautiful and secluded
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Fasano Las Piedras: a modern, luxurious 5 stars hotel with amazing views, a beautiful swimming pool, private beach by the lake and a golf course. It also has a nice spa and well equipped gym. It's marvelous.
WHERE TO EAT
Full Meals
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Fabric: if you enjoy sushi and eating with a stunning beach view. This place is the definition of "good vibes." It has a lot of very original Japanese items on the menu and everything we tried was delicious. Make a reservation just in case.
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La Huella: Requires reservation, preferably in advance. It is famous for a reason: the food is delicious and the view to the beach is breathtaking. It's one of the most trendy restaurants of Punta.
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La Susana: It's hard to say which one has the nicest view, but this is definitely on the top of my list. I think it's more worth it as a lunch location. Food is great as well! When you are done eating, you might want to head to the beach right below it. You should reserve and ask for a table outside.
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Carbona: If you want to try something different from beach view meals, this is definitely a place you shouldn't miss. Situated in a farm/vineyard, it's one of the nicest places we went. Super good and beautiful!
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Marismo: If you are going to a romantic dinner night or lunch, this place is the most charming. It gives you the sensation of being in the middle of nature, with your feet in the sand, romantic lights and live music. Food was of course, great!
Snacks and Desserts
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Medialuna Calentitas: great spot for a snack. They have several locations, I went to the one in La Barra. The medialunas, as they call it, are croissaint like pastries that come in several flavors. My favorite was the original.
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L'Auberge: Are you a dulce de leche fan? If you are, you must try the waffles with a whole lot of dulce de leche at the hotel L'Auberge. It's mouthwatering. One is probably enough to share.
THINGS TO DO
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La Punta, la Barra, Manantiales & José Ignacio: best around the beach spots to enjoy the day and also walk around. Many nice restaurants in those areas as well.
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Bikini & Montoya: famous beaches, but busier. More parties there.
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Cassino Conrad: located at the Conrad Hotel, it's the place to go if you want to gamble in a Cassino.
