A Chic Coastal Getaway With Pristine Beaches And Stylish Energy Is Known As 'The Hamptons Of South America'

The Hamptons in Long Island are known for being a popular vacation spot for the rich and famous and some of the best beaches in the United States. Every continent has its Hamptons equivalent, and South America's is the stylish beach village of Jose Ignacio in Uruguay. Around 40 minutes from the seaside excitement of Uruguay's Punta del Este, you can reach Jose Ignacio by flying into Punta del Este International Airport and then making the rest of the journey by car, bus, or taxi from the airport.

Anthony Bourdain once said that Uruguay is the most underrated destination in the world, and we can see why. Uruguay is a progressive country that serves up delicious food, an abundance of culture, and outstanding natural beauty. Interestingly, the country's capital city, Montevideo, is home to one of the world's longest sidewalks, a waterfront playground of beaches and parks.

The Jose Ignacio resort is around 2 hours and 30 minutes from Montevideo, and it's worth the trip if you fancy an unforgettable, chic vacation by the coast surrounded by incredible beaches. As the area is restricted to low-level summer houses, unlike the high rises of Punta del Este, the beauty of the region stretches far and wide, with nothing obstructing your view. Furthermore, the number of hotels is limited at Jose Ignacio, which means your peaceful beachside visit won't be crowded and overwhelming — just pure bliss and relaxation.

If you're headed to a destination that is likened to the Hamptons, you'll probably have high expectations when it comes to the beaches, and you won't be disappointed with the variety in Jose Ignacio. This village's sandy stretches certainly rival those in the opulent Long Island area, with endless stunning coasts that cater to a variety of preferences. For families, Playa Mansa, also known as Gentle Beach, is known for its calm waters and abundance of beachside restaurants and cafes. Furthermore, this spot has well-maintained toilets, changing rooms, showers, lots of parking, and even umbrellas to rent, a must for those with young kids.

Another beach in Jose Ignacio that might pique the interest of the adventurous is Playa Brava. This is a must-visit for surfers, thanks to the huge, rolling waves beyond the shore. Don't fret if you're a beginner surfer, though, because this beach caters to newbies and experts alike, and lessons are available if needed. If you like to discover the hidden gems a destination has to offer, then Playa Juanita is the beach pick for you. Take a walk on the soft, golden sand or a plunge in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters for a serene and unforgettable experience.

Jose Ignacio has a stylish energy and chic fashion scene, from the people walking down the streets and dining to the vibrant shopping opportunities throughout the area. It's home to various upscale boutiques and concept stores, where you can find pieces from both local and international brands. You'll find the majority of the stores on Calle Los Cisnes, but there are also summer pop-up stores to keep an eye out for. One must-visit store is El Canuto. First opened in 1995, the shop is owned by two sisters and features designer clothing from Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil.

Jose Ignacio may surprise you with its offerings, including the Jose Ignacio International Film Festival, which has been running for more than 15 years. If there's a must-see when visiting from January to February, it's this. You'll enjoy the surroundings of Jose Ignacio as movie screenings take place in an open-air environment. This festival brings together locals and visitors as well as filmmakers and industry professionals to celebrate the joy of art through film.

The village's exploration and celebration of art hardly ends there. One of the most intriguing things to see in Jose Ignacio is in one of its lavish hotels: Posada Ayana, with 17 incredible, stylish rooms, also contains an awe-inspiring architectural light show by James Turrell. Named Ta Khut, it's South America's first free-standing "Skyspace" installation that combines natural and artificial light for an immaculate display. You'll have to stay here to see it, though, as it's available exclusively to hotel guests.