Ruta 51, km 11, La Merced Chica,
Salta,
Argentina
House of Jasmines is a secluded inn originally opened by Robert Duvall and his Argentine wife. Demonstrating impeccable style and service, the edge–of–Salta ranch has been a favorite of Hollywood stars and those looking for an intimate lodging experience. Alas, Duvall sold it in April of 2008, so the star power has decreased.
A good half–hour drive from Salta's center, but close to the airport, this 40–acre estancia in the countryside is no ordinary inn: it started as a ranch owned by actor Robert Duvall and after becoming a hotel the pillows were slept on by the likes of Brad Pitt and Richard Gere.
The original designer––Florencia Pedraza––is Duvall's sister–in–law. She was originally the manager too, but those duties have now shifted to Raoul and Stephanie Fenestraz. House of Jasmines is a laid–back, comfortable retreat that makes everyone feel like an A–list VIP. Time will tell if this lasts though: Duvall sold the property to the the owners of El Colibri estancia in Corboba.
The rambling collection of adobe–style buildings making up the ranch is reached by a road passing the airport and then disappearing into farms at the base of the mountains. The location is not exactly convenient, but apart from occasional landing planes, it is much more quiet than at the central Salta hotels. Check–in takes place wherever and drinks are served by a fireplace surrounded by horse–related prints, photos, and paintings. Several comfortable rooms branching off encourage reading, watching movies, or just staring at the mountains, making a stay feel much like one at the country house of a well-off friend.
 The dining location for various meals is up to the whims of the guests: on a terrace, in the winter garden room, on a room balcony perhaps. The main dining room is a romantic space in the evenings, however, with candlelight casting a glow over the heavy wood furniture and cowhide rugs.
The outdoor pool with sundeck, set in a clearing away from the house next to rose gardens, offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside. Guests can hike, ride mountain bikes, or ride horses around the 300-acre property, passing by lime trees, olive trees, and of course plenty of jasmine plants. The spa is surprisingly well–equipped for a hotel this size, with a range of treatments on offer. The staff can set up visits to wineries, downtown Salta, or outlying villages and the new owners will likely expand this part of the business.
Accommodations in the seven available rooms are not flashy, but display a comfortable and homey style in keeping with the ranch theme. Painted and beadboard walls accompany jute rugs over stone tile, canopy beds, dressers, small writing desks, and simple chairs in muted colors. Red flannel blankets add a dash of color to the fabrics. Baths are either combo ones with a tub or shower–only ones with a walk–in closet instead. Robes and custom toiletries add a dash of luxury. If at all possible, reserve one of the two suites on the upper floor. They come with a balcony large enough for a small party. There are no TVs in the rooms themselves, but wireless Internet access is available throughout.
With so much land to work with, we expect the new owners to expand the property and add more rooms, taking advantage of the Salta region's growing popularity. For now the chance of mingling with Hollywood celebrities has disappeared, but the B&B works well as a refuge and an escape to wide–open spaces.
Web Address: www.houseofjasmines.com
Total Number of Rooms: 7
Published rates: $125 to $175, incl. breakfast
Return to Argentina Hotels Page
Return to Destinations Page
|
