Has any Flyertalkers stayed in any of the Estancias in Argentina. I found one website, but it seems it has only a partial list.

Of course, I was able to find one that looks really appealing and since I'm going to be in Argentina from December 25 till January 5, I'm choosing La Figura (http://www.estanciasargentinas.com/estancias/estancia-la-figura-de-canuelas/estancia-la-figura-de-canuelas.htm) sight unseen.

But I also found a few others like Estancia Santa Rita (http://www.santa-rita.com.ar/index.htm) which, given my name has a certain appeal.

I'm looking for luxury, great food, and very importantly, the chance to do a fair amount of horseback riding. I'm a fearless novice and my husband is a skilled rider.

The prices seem affordable enough for full board.

Comments? Suggestions? Recommendations? Personal Experiences?
Rita

Has any Flyertalkers stayed in any of the Estancias in Argentina. I found one website, but it seems it has only a partial list.

Of course, I was able to find one that looks really appealing and since I'm going to be in Argentina from December 25 till January 5, I'm choosing La Figura (http://www.estanciasargentinas.com/estancias/estancia-la-figura-de-canuelas/estancia-la-figura-de-canuelas.htm) sight unseen.

But I also found a few others like Estancia Santa Rita (http://www.santa-rita.com.ar/index.htm) which, given my name has a certain appeal.

I'm looking for luxury, great food, and very importantly, the chance to do a fair amount of horseback riding. I'm a fearless novice and my husband is a skilled rider.

The prices seem affordable enough for full board.

Comments? Suggestions? Recommendations? Personal Experiences?
Rita
I stayed at Santa Rita in March 2005. A beautiful setting. Peaceful getaway. It is by no means luxurious, but definitely not rustic. That's not to say it's not worth going to. If luxury means pampering, 600 thread count sheets, shiny chrome in the bathroom with an array of lotions, you're not going to find it there. But I don't know if there are estancias that have that. But the place is still a pleasure.

The owners, a BA family, are remodeling on their own. Much of their own artwork and sculpture is on display. It’s….interesting. That façade is fantastic. Be sure to get one of the rooms that face front. Those are all the windows you see. The grounds are beautiful. You’ll take plenty of peaceful walks and you’ll have an opportunity to curl up on a lawn lounge with a book while sipping some vino. The food is very good, but simple. It's made by great home cooks and not trained chefs. No menu. What's served is what you get. But everything is fresh and delicious. You most definitely will be able to engage in your passion for horses. Rides twice a day, I recall.

One night, while sitting in the lounge before dinner, it was kind of rainy/drizzly, and hundreds of toads came from seemingly nowhere to roam the premises. It was eerie, funny, and so Hollywood-like.