You’ll be staying at the Alvear Palace, in Recoleta, a smart residential quarter in Buenos Aires with much belle époque and Italianate architecture including the classic hotel itself. Service is impeccable (there are personal butlers) and the restaurant is superb. It is both formal and friendly. One of the best buffet breakfasts on the continent is served in L’Orangerie.

Alternatively, venture into the watery delta to the small town of Tigre, set on the banks of the Luján River. Have lunch at one of the restaurants on the shores of the Río Paraná, while watching fishermen at work and river-craft gliding by.

Evening guided visit to a tango show with dinner. The passage of time has given respectability to a dance once confined to the seedy underworld bars of the red-light La Boca district. Nowadays, a number of 'tango houses' offer a dinner and show as an evening out - prior to the performance you can even try out a few steps yourself as an informal group tango lesson is included. La Gala is an intimate venue with a French colonial style complete with crystal chandeliers and a refined ambience.

La Bamba de Areco also serves as the base for the international polo team that bears its name. The property includes two polo fields and guests can watch games during the season, with practice sessions and matches taking place almost daily. Although it is not intended to be a polo school, arrangements can be made on request for guests who are experienced polo players.

If you fancy exploring the pampas, you can visit the town of San Antonio de Areco, one of the oldest towns in Argentina, only 13km away. Wander through the 18th century narrow colonial streets, and visit the church, bars and museums. Here too you can admire the master silversmiths at work in their workshop and watch leather craftsmen at work.

There’s a small, sheltered cove with a dazzling arc of white sand facing the hotel’s private island, which for a supplement may be booked for exclusive, private dining (we advise you reserve well ahead). Accommodation is perched high above the ocean in just 25 discreet wooden cottages finished to a very high standard, and the service is impeccable. During winter (July-September) and into October you may spot southern right whales offshore.

There are lovely nature trails you can follow at the resort itself, along with a comprehensive spa offering a menu of massages and facials among other well-being services.  There are boat trips around the bays and to deserted beaches, or you might participate in water sports: white-water rafting, stand up paddling, scuba diving, sailing and kayaking. Other sporting activities on offer on the property or nearby include golf and horse riding.

Further afield, You might visit lively Florianópolis, or take a guided tour of the cradle of the German colonisation of the state of Santa Catarina, Blumenau, with its steep roofed Bavarian style houses. In contrast, you could stroll around the traditional town of Ribeirão da Ilha, the first community founded by Azorean settlers in the state of Santa Catarina, which has maintained its original economic activities of oyster farming and fishing.