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A short drive from the international jetset scene at José Ignacio, Estancia Santa Cruz is South America’s ultimate polo holiday escape. This idyllic retreat welcomes vacationers and polo enthusiasts alike. Your villa—one of just four—has exclusive access to one of Uruguay’s top polo clubs, a palm-fringed Olympic-size pool and a private beach off one of Uruguay’s most treasured lagunas. Secluded yet sophisticated, it’s a haven for those who appreciate understated luxury, family hospitality, and the thrill of polo—all set against Uruguay’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Notable for places of this category, at Estancia Santa Cruz, you are received by the owners—Michael and Verónica, German and Bolivian respectively, by way of New York. It was Michael’s passion for polo that started everything. Currently the only polo field with specialist turf, Santa Cruz is Uruguay’s most sought-after polo venue with hundreds of riders crossing from neighbouring Argentina for the season.
Why a polo holiday? Well, polo isn’t just a sport, it’s a piece of history. Persian royalty played this ‘game of kings’ over 2000 years ago. Fast forward to today, and South America has made the game its own, especially in Argentina. But there’s a best kept secret—Uruguay. Uruguay’s polo scene goes from November to April, with the period between Christmas and January 6 being the highlight of the season. And you can be part of it. And let’s not forget the real MVPs: the horses. Uruguay breeds some of the best in the world, making every game as much about skill as it is about speed and heart.
Michael and Verónica have designed the estancia accommodation in the style of Napa Valley. The four fully-serviced villas are named after their children. Ali is a two-bedroom villa for up to six guests, Pauli has two one-bedroom villas (on with a king size bed, the other with two queens) and Beatrice has three bedrooms that can accommodate up to ten guests. Most guests stay for one to two weeks, as there’s plenty to keep you busy—though the villas are so comfortable, you may well end up just wanting to relax and unwind by the pool.
Polo playing and classes Contact Michael to learn about the Santa Cruz Polo Club and their polo offers including a one-day polo clinic which ends with an asado (Uruguayan barbecue!). You can book horse-riding as well as polo lessons, including for beginners, with coach Sandra.
All resort facilities—except the polo club and restaurant—are exclusively for the use of guests You have private access to Laguna José Ignacio, where you can enjoy non-invasive water sports like stand up paddle, kitesurfing and more. Wild swim in one of the two lakes right by the villas. Villa guests are welcome to use the tennis court across from the villas next to the vineyard. Classes are available including for beginners. One of the best ways to explore the property is on an electric bike. I had the best time zipping from the lake, to see the stables, to circling the polo pitch.
The onsite restaurant, La Sierra, is farm to table and open for the holiday season serving breakfast, lunch and sunset drinks The menu features family favourites—German classics like wiener schnitzel and apfelstrudel and Bolivian cuñapés. And possibly the best caipirinhas in Uruguay thanks to the Brazilian bartender. Dishes are named after family members. Vegetables—and shortly estate wine—come from the Santa Cruz kitchen garden and vineyard and are 100% organic. Breakfast is included for villa guests.
The gym and spa The spa offers Chinese massage, cupping and hot stones. There’s an infrared sauna, perfect for relaxing after a long day of playing (or just watching!) a game. You can also get beauty treatments.
Santa Cruz is open six months a year Michael flies in from New York each year to receive guests and open the club for the season. Villas are available November 1 to April 30. The restaurant La Sierra opens from December 1 until March 31 for breakfast, lunch and sunset cocktails. Most guests tend to stay at least a week to really enjoy the peace and get to experience everything on site and close by.
Your interest in polo can be happily limited to admiring gallant riders from afar with a cocktail in hand? Estancia Santa Cruz is definitely for you too.
During the season, the José Ignacio social and dining scene is in hot demand And guests take advantage to sample it in the evening when La Sierra is closed. Verónica and Michael love to recommend guests their latest favourites and—if their recommendations are fully booked—can often arrange a table for you. If you fancy a quiet night in, each villa has cooking facilities.
Estancia Santa Cruz is entirely self-sufficient, with solar-powered electricity and a natural water source on site (so great for your hair). A summer storm can cause very brief power cuts but not for more than a few minutes.
Your destination wedding Santa Cruz is a unique location for celebrations and events.
An easy drive under two hours from Montevideo’s international airport and 50’ to Punta del Este airport.
Estancia Santa Cruz
estanciasantacruz.com
Camino Medellín, Maldonado, Uruguay
Phone and WhatsApp +598 98 264 735
Email info@santacruzpolo.com
Photos: Estancia Santa Cruz
