Treehouse Ecolodge

La Barra eco-hotel

La Barra, Maldonado

Beach Accommodations, Beach Accommodations in Maldonado

By Karen A Higgs

This is a Guru’Guay Top Pick

Guru’Guay only recommends businesses and service providers in Uruguay that we absolutely love, who love what they do and demonstrate constant quality.

How and why we choose Guru’Guay Top Picks

We’d love to hear about your experience. Please share in the comments below.

This La Barra hotel isn’t really a hotel. It’s an ecolodge of tasteful “treehouses” perched ten feet in the air in the middle of a 14-acre pine forest. Though you’re just minutes from some of Uruguay’s most iconic beaches and the art, gastronomy and nightlife of hippie-chic La Barra. The peace and serenity of the forest will envelop you.

Your unique treehouse is 10-12 feet (3-4 metres) above the ground. It’s open-plan with a big deck and lots of space to relax. Your own rustic island in a very exclusive part of the Uruguayan coast.

You’ll be received by owners Alfonso and Sara. They began what many refered to as their ‘fantastical dream’ well before it was fashionable in Uruguay to build ecologically. They built their own home in the forest almost twenty years ago. Earthen walls, green roofs, solar energy. Just a few years ago Alfonso crafted three treehouses to receive guests.

What to do at Treehouse Ecolodge

Soak in the forest, or take a ‘forest bath’ as Alfonso and Sara say. Watch the trees move. Watch deer, butterflies, birdwatch from your private deck. Soak in the serenity.

Check out some of Uruguay’s coolest beaches close by La Desembocadura, La Posta del Cangrejo and Montoya.

Bike rental The lodges are in a great location for cycling to all the nearby beaches in just ten minutes along a shaded leafy route or exploring the countryside inland. Alfonso and Sara will orient you.

Surf-safari and surf lessons Go out for a roadtrip along the coast to the Laguna de Rocha. Beginners can book daily classes with Foncho.

Massages and yoga In the privacy of your own treehouse.

Celebrating? Book a special dinner at the Ecolodge.

What you should know

Absolute peace and quiet There’s no TV and no wifi. And no children allowed.

Everything is solar powered So there’s no AC. However the ceiling fan and the proximity to the water seem to do the trick. We’ve seen no complaints online.

Hotel service A full breakfast loving prepared by Sara and daily maid service included.

Eating out The treehouses are on a delivery route for lots of local restaurants and takeaways. Have them deliver to your lodge. Each treehouse also includes a nicely-equipped kitchenette for simple meals.

Prices are reasonable for La Barra Remember that in this part of Uruguay prices soar 300-400% in peak season between Christmas and January 6. Avoid peak season for best rates.

Click to enlarge gallery

What’s close by

La Barra (2 mins by car, 10 by bike) for beaches, great restaurants (like Salón No. 3), nightlife, shopping

Manantiales (9 mins by car, 1 hour on foot) for beaches, great restaurants and shopping

José Ignacio (25′ by car) beaches, high-end art galleries, shops, restaurants

MACA world-class Atchugarry Contemporary Art Museum and Sculpture garden (12′)

The art and gastronomy village of Pueblo Garzón in summer (25′)

Wine tasting at Altos de la Ballena (35’)

Easy day trips to Punta del Este and CasaPueblo, and Uruguay’s wild Rocha coastline including Cabo Polonio National Park and Punta del Diablo.

Convenient location Under two hours from Montevideo’s Carrasco airport and 40’ to Punta del Este Airport.

Contact

treehouse-ecolodge.com
Camino de la Aguada, La Barra, Maldonado Department, Uruguay

Phone and WhatsApp +598 96 390 232

Email treehouseecolodge@gmail.com

Rates

120 USD most of the year. From 200 USD in high season. Consult for discounts on longer stays.

Photos: Ana Grucki and Francisca Etchegaray