Blog.

Our journey began in Montevideo, where our teams were reunited. We spent the day exploring Uruguay’s laid-back capital, wandering through its historic streets, leafy plazas and soaking up the atmosphere of a city that blends old-world charm with a vibrant contemporary culture. The perfect introduction to Uruguay.

Lunch brought us to Mercado del Puerto in the heart of the Old City, an iconic culinary landmark, for a traditional Uruguayan asado, with sizzling cuts of meat arriving straight from the parrillas that have made the market famous. Over local wines, conversation flowed while plates passed back and forth across the table.

We also had the privilege of meeting the legendary Lobo Núñez, one of the most important figures in the history of Uruguayan candombe. As one of the driving forces behind candombe's recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, Lobo has played a key role in preserving and promoting this unique tradition. At his workshop, where candombe drums have been handcrafted since 1974, he welcomed us in and shared stories from his life and decades of involvement in Uruguay's candombe community.

En route to Carmelo, we stopped at La Vigna, a beautiful 35-hectare family-run farm and countryside guesthouse nestled among rolling fields and open landscapes.

Here, we were warmly welcomed by owners Lucila and Agustín with an incredible spread of artisanal cheese and homemade local delicacies. Everything was produced on-site through their unique mixed dairy farm.

It was easy to see what makes La Vigna so special. Beyond the incredible food, there was a sense of pride and passion in everything they do, from the way the farm operates to the way guests are welcomed, that makes you feel less like a visitor and more like a guest in someone's home.

Our home base for the retreat, Carmelo Resort & Spa is a sprawling country escape where eucalyptus forests meet the Río de la Plata.

Long considered one of Uruguay's hidden gems, Carmelo is known for its boutique wineries, riverside scenery, and laid-back pace. There's no rush here. Just beautiful landscapes, exceptional food and wine, and plenty of space to slow down and enjoy the moment.

And we made the most of it.

We rode horses through forests, moving between towering trees and quiet stretches of beach. We kayaked across calm waters surrounded by birdlife, open skies, and serene landscapes. We sailed along the Río de la Plata sharing wine, music, and stories as the sun set. The paddle tournament brought out everyone's competitive side, with a few surprisingly serious contenders emerging along the way.

Another highlight was cycling between Carmelo’s boutique wineries along quiet country roads. The route took us through vineyards and picture-perfect rural landscapes. Private tastings revealed the region’s warm hospitality and standout wines, including Tannat, Uruguay’s signature grape, brought over from southwest France in the 19th century. Known for its bold tannins, it’s been reimagined locally into a more expressive, approachable red that still holds its depth and structure.

No visit to this part of Uruguay would be complete without spending time in Colonia del Sacramento. Widely considered one of Latin America's best-preserved colonial towns, visiting Colonia feels like stepping back in time.

We spent the day wandering its cobblestone streets, admiring historic architecture, discovering hidden corners and cafes, and soaking up the atmosphere that has earned the city its UNESCO World Heritage status.

As our retreat drew to a close, we gathered for an experience that left a lasting impression on everyone. We had the privilege of meeting Gustavo Zerbino, survivor of the 1972 Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash in the Andes. His story is one many of us knew. Hearing it firsthand was something else entirely.

“This is a story of love and friendship” he opened with. Honest, moving, and deeply emotional, Gustavo reflected on the challenges he and fellow survivors faced. He spoke about resilience, leadership, trust, the importance of supporting one another through adversity and the lessons that emerged from one of history's most extraordinary stories of survival.

His reflections served as a powerful reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, we are capable of remarkable strength when we work together.

Our final evening began with an unforgettable candombe performance led by Mathías Silva and Comparsa Cuareim 1080, one of Uruguay's most iconic candombe groups.

The energy was contagious. Every drumbeat seemed to build on the last, while the dancers moved effortlessly, transforming the performance into something far more immersive than a show. Soon, the entire room was caught up in the rhythm. The music got louder, and the dance floor got fuller. What followed was an unforgettable night of celebration that stretched well into the early hours of the morning.