Posada Paradiso

Legendary José Ignacio hotel

José Ignacio, Maldonado

Beach Accommodations

By Karen A Higgs

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Just half a block from the ocean, your stay at this historic José Ignacio hotel and drinks around the pool may lead to lifelong friendships with locals back in Uruguay.

José Ignacio, a tiny beachtown on a rocky peninsula, is a magnet—a haute-hippie hideaway—to the international jetset in the southern hemisphere summer.

Posada Paradiso—a rambling mansion covered in flowering vines perched a block from the beach—was the loving creation of a Spanish artist built in 1985. It became a hotel with a somewhat legendary bar attracting a laid-back, art-loving clientele.

In 2020, the artist was ready to retire and anxious to conserve his legacy. He reached out to his friends, Flavia and Nicolás—owners of one of Argentina’s most exclusive ski resorts—who have holidayed in José Ignacio like so many other well-heeled Argentines since they were children. Flavia and Nicolás jumped at the chance to acquire such an iconic spot and, at the same time, complement their winter season in Bariloche with a summer season in Uruguay.

In 2021-22 they gave Paradiso a loving upgrade, conserving its relaxed, bohemian charm. There are twenty-two rooms, most independent with their own greenery-laiden terrace or wooden balcony. A family cabaña for 4-5 has its own garden terrace and deck. Two turret rooms have unobstructed views of the ocean and sunset over the beach are for one person or “two very much in love”, says Flavia. The hotel has a pool, an on-site bar and restaurant serving local seafood and tapas.

Key staff—including the chef and the concierge (Fernando)—have come from Argentina to serve summer guests in Paradiso between November and April every year.

What you should know

Paradiso is a great place to make friends and meet the locals, many of whom visit the bar on a regular basis. As José Ignacio is very international, most people speak English. Think of Paradiso as your own private club.

Scores of restaurants open for the summer. Paradiso are happy to make bookings for you (including at Bourdain’s favourite La Huella)

Plan to walk everywhere. You’re half a block to the beach (the hotel provides parasols, towels and beach chairs and can ferry you in their Citroen Mehari), minutes walk to all the best restaurants. Drivers are available for airport pick-up. The bus stand is a minute’s walk away.

Best rates by avoiding peak dates. South Americans are ready to pay silly money to stay in José Ignacio in peak high season (find out why). Stay before Christmas and between February and April for best rates. You may get preferential rates when you stay more than three days. Just ask!