Estancia Colome

Unless you take a helicopter from Salta City, you'll have to endure a scenic but sometimes bumpy five-hour drive to reach Estancia Colomé, an authentic hideaway in northwest Argentina, but once there you'll agree it's worth it. Located in the high-altitude Calchaqui Valley at the foothills of the Andes, this colonial ranch and wine resort has just 9 spacious guest rooms all with high-ceilings, radiant floor heating and working fireplaces. Decor is minimal, with rich fabrics and alpaca throws in earthy tones of terracotta and forest green. Favorites are the two Master Suites, with huge verandas. Owned by Swiss-native Donald Hess of the Hess Group, which has vineyards in Napa and other parts of the world, Colomé's sustainable, eco-friendly philosophy is impressive. The vineyard is bio-dynamic and most of the delicious food served in the restaurant is made with organic produce and livestock from the ranch; the owners make a point to give back to their employees and the community. Staffers tend to be very friendly locals, although the service is sometimes not quite up to scratch. In addition to wine tasting, guests can go hiking, horseback riding, play tennis or simply lounge by the pool. The small spa offers massages and body treatments using oils infused with local mountain herbs. There's something for art fans too: a new museum, the Hess Collection, will open next to the winery in 2008, showcasing the light installations of American artist James Turrell. Rumor has it that there are plans to expand the inn, so get there before the intimate atmosphere changes.

Suite rates from $213.