Atlantic Coast

The Uruguayan Atlantic coast at Christmas has been likened to the Hamptons. A beach haven for 'movers and shakers', New York bankers, slick entrepreneurs and Argentine high society.

The high rise beach strip of Punte del Este hosts the glitziest parties and the laid back village Jose Ignacio is a bare foot, sandy, understated, village coastal retreat where the world's top international chefs ply their trade at private villas and exclusive beach side restauants.

There are slick beachside independent boutique hotels owned as a hobby by billionnaires and a range of villas to rent.

Out of season is a far more laid back experience on the coast. Exploration is best with your own hire car to discover wonderful restaurants in the rural interior and venture to the Brazilian border passing wild beaches, abandoned colonial fortresses and temperate palm forests.