Hotel in Neuquén, Argentina
Las Balsas
Intimate lakefront retreat in Villa La Angostura offering Patagonian luxury with just 14 rooms. Features private beach, gourmet restaurant, and personalized service in a spectacular mountain setting.
Las Balsas is a Relais & Châteaux member hotel and certified B Corporation located on the southern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi in Villa La Angostura, Neuquén province, Argentine Patagonia. The property is situated at the end of a private drive on Bahía Las Balsas, a sheltered cove approximately three kilometres from the centre of Villa La Angostura village. Bariloche, the regional hub with an international airport, is 80 kilometres to the east along Ruta Nacional 231, a journey of around one hour. The Arrayanes National Park — protecting a unique stand of arrayan cinnamon myrtle trees — is accessible by boat from the Las Balsas private jetty.
The hotel contains just 14 rooms and suites, all oriented toward the lake with floor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximise views of the Patagonian Andes reflected across the water. Rooms are furnished in a Patagonian mountain-lodge style that balances rustic warmth with refined contemporary detail. The property's isolation at the end of the bay creates an atmosphere of genuine seclusion rare in the Lake District.
The restaurant at Las Balsas is regarded as one of the most accomplished in Argentine Patagonia, drawing on local ingredients — Nahuel Huapi trout, native forest berries, smoked Patagonian lamb, and herbs from the property garden — to produce menus that evolve through the seasons. A curated wine cellar prioritises Argentine Patagonian vintages and selected Mendoza and Cuyo producers. Guests are encouraged to dine at the restaurant each evening.
A private beach with kayaks, rowing boats, and stand-up paddleboards provides direct lake access. A spa with massage rooms and a steam room offers post-activity recovery. The library is stocked with literature on Patagonian natural history, and the fireplace drawing room is a natural gathering point in the evenings.
Activity programmes are tailored to the season: summer brings sailing, fishing, horseback riding on Andean trails, and hiking in Nahuel Huapi National Park; winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with Cerro Bayo ski resort approximately 20 minutes by car. Las Balsas is a member of the Mr & Mrs Smith and Tablet Hotels curated collections.
Amenities
- private beach
- gourmet restaurant
- spa
- kayaks and boats
- wine cellar
- library
- concierge
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +54 294 449-4308
Location
BahÃa Las Balsas 8, Q8407 Villa La Angostura, Neuquén
-40.7500, -71.6500 — View on map
Highlights
- Fourteen lakefront rooms and suites on Lago Nahuel Huapi with Andean panoramas and private beach access
- Relais & Châteaux restaurant regarded as one of the finest in Argentine Patagonia, featuring local trout and Patagonian lamb
- Private jetty for boat access to Arrayanes National Park with on-site kayaks and sailing available
- B Corporation certified property with sustainability practices embedded in sourcing, energy use, and community engagement
- Year-round programming: summer hiking, fishing, and horseback riding; winter skiing at Cerro Bayo resort
Tips
- Book the evening tasting menu at the restaurant in advance — it is one of Patagonia's most memorable dining experiences and fills quickly even for hotel guests.
- Request a kayak from the private beach to paddle to the Bosque de Arrayanes — a quieter alternative to the tourist ferry from Villa La Angostura.
- Villa La Angostura centre has local shops and the Arrayanes ferry dock roughly three kilometres from the property; the hotel can arrange vehicle transfers.
- Winter (June–August) is quieter and often less expensive; Cerro Bayo ski resort is a 20-minute drive for day skiing in good snow years.
- Rates are highest in January–February and during Argentine long weekends; book six or more months in advance for peak summer.
FAQ
How many rooms does Las Balsas have?
Las Balsas has 14 rooms and suites, all with lake-facing orientations overlooking Lago Nahuel Huapi.
What activities are available at Las Balsas?
Summer activities include kayaking, sailing, fishing, hiking in Nahuel Huapi National Park, and horseback riding. In winter, the nearby Cerro Bayo ski resort is accessible within 20 minutes by car.
Is Las Balsas a sustainable hotel?
Yes, the property is a certified B Corporation and Relais & Châteaux member, with sustainability practices embedded in local sourcing, energy use, and community engagement in Villa La Angostura.
How do guests get to Las Balsas?
The hotel is 80 kilometres west of Bariloche via Ruta 231. Bariloche has an international airport with regular flights from Buenos Aires. The hotel can arrange airport transfers from Bariloche.
Does Las Balsas have a spa?
Yes, the property includes a spa with massage and treatment rooms and a steam room, focused on post-activity relaxation and recovery.
Accessibility
Las Balsas is a small lakefront property with natural terrain transitions between the main building, private beach, and garden. Specific wheelchair access details are not confirmed publicly; guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly before booking.
When to visit
January and February offer peak summer conditions with long days on the lake. April and May provide quieter shoulder stays with autumnal Andean foliage. Winter (June–August) suits skiers visiting Cerro Bayo and guests seeking solitude.