Michelin Key rewards four Uruguayan hotels that blend art, design, nature and residential-style luxury in top destinations.
Uruguay’s rise as a high-end destination
Increasingly popular among high-end travelers, Uruguay is enjoying a strong moment in luxury tourism. According to the Ministry of Tourism, more than 111,000 Brazilians visited the country in the first quarter of 2025, generating US$ 129 million in revenue.
This growth is driven by premium experiences in gastronomy, boutique hospitality and hotspots such as José Ignacio, Punta del Este and Montevideo, long-time favorites with international visitors. In this context, the arrival of the Michelin Keys adds a new layer of recognition.
Four properties have been awarded one Michelin Key, a distinction that highlights hotels with excellent service, a distinctive experience and a strong local identity. Blending art, nature, signature architecture and tailored service, they showcase the diversity of Uruguayan luxury.
Estancia Vik José Ignacio: contemporary art in the countryside
Set on 4,000 acres of countryside near José Ignacio, Estancia Vik reimagines the traditional rural stay. Its contemporary colonial-style main house is filled with works by South American artists, turning the spaces into a kind of living gallery.
Highlights range from the pool lit by fiber‑optic “stars” to the striking fresco of Brazil and Uruguay maps that dominates the main hall. Even with this artistic flair, the experience remains rooted in the land, with asado barbecues at sunset, horseback riding, birdwatching and cuisine supplied by an organic garden.
The property operates from September to May and offers transfers from Punta del Este Airport, roughly 45 km away. Guests enjoy easy access combined with a genuine sense of secluded countryside escape.
Casa Flor Hotel Boutique: minimalist retreat between sea and woods
Located between Montoya Beach and the quiet streets of La Barra, Casa Flor Hotel Boutique blends the charm of a beach house with the clean lines of a contemporary boutique hotel. There are just nine suites, all in light tones.
Works by local artist Nicolás Caubarrere enhance the laid‑back yet refined atmosphere. With its intimate feel and slow rhythm, the hotel offers an outdoor pool, easy beach access and proximity to La Barra’s restaurants and bars.
At the same time, Casa Flor preserves the sensation of a private hideaway, ideal for guests seeking peace, minimalist aesthetics and a discreet setting in greater Punta del Este.
Hotel Montevideo: signature design and city life in Pocitos
Imposing and modern, Hotel Montevideo raises the bar for hospitality in the capital by combining contemporary architecture, sophisticated interiors and a strong personality. It offers 80 rooms and suites, all with balconies.
The custom furniture is inspired by design classics and complemented by vintage pieces, giving each space a curated, one‑of‑a‑kind feel. Guests have access to a heated rooftop pool with skyline views, a fully equipped gym and two culinary hotspots: Polo Bamba and Polo Bamba Skybar.
Run by Uruguayan chefs Ale Morales and Florencia Courreges, these venues help turn the hotel into a hub for urban life and nightlife. Located in the elegant Pocitos neighborhood, it sits just steps from the beach and some of the city’s most vibrant areas.
Fasano Las Piedras: Brazilian elegance in a Uruguayan landscape
Designed by architect Issay Weinfeld, Fasano Las Piedras Punta del Este stands out for its cluster of stone villas discreetly integrated into the rolling hills of Maldonado. Rather than the classic Punta del Este skyline, the hotel focuses on privacy, nature and a refined, residential‑style luxury.
Signature features include a rock‑carved pool, a spa with indoor pools, hiking trails, an on‑site golf course and easy access to nearby beaches. Private transfers can be arranged from Montevideo, in a drive of about two hours.
With its minimalist architecture and seamless integration into the landscape, Fasano Las Piedras offers a contemporary take on luxury centered on space, quiet and bespoke service. It has become one of Uruguay’s flagship properties for discerning travelers.
Improved air connectivity brings Uruguay closer to Brazil
Luxury travel in Uruguay is becoming more accessible thanks to expanded air connectivity between Brazil and Uruguay. In recent years, the country has significantly increased the number of direct flights.
Travelers departing from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Salvador and Recife can now reach Montevideo and Punta del Este more easily. These gateways lead to exclusive areas such as José Ignacio, La Barra and Maldonado.
The growth in flight frequencies strengthens the premium tourism flow and brings Brazilian travelers even closer to Uruguay’s unique mix of design hotels, coastal villages and countryside escapes.
About Mintur – Uruguay’s Ministry of Tourism
Uruguay’s Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) is the government body responsible for defining, planning, promoting, implementing and evaluating national tourism policies. Its mission is to foster the sustainable development of the sector across the country.
With a strategic and integrated vision, Mintur works to establish Uruguay as a global benchmark destination, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural diversity and the hospitality of its people. Tourism is seen as a key lever for economic and social development.
