El Rocio Estancia
El Rocio lies in a secluded 400-acre working farm allowing guests to experience the traditional gaucho way of life but with a sense of luxury in this beautifully-restored colonial Estancia. There are two polo fields in the grounds and guests will be able to enjoy polo clinics and/or games and rides out across the pampas. You will also be able to watch traditional Argentine exhibitions such as: Doma, Sortija or Jineteada. At El Rocío, you get a taste of the 'estanciero criollo' or gaucho’s way of life, such as the stable, the tack room and an exclusive Argentine room known as “la matera” where gauchos traditionally gather to share the typical argentine “mate” drink and share regional pastries around the fire. At the estancia´s stable boutique you can see local craftsmen’s regional and traditional products. Pre-prandial drinks served by the fire in the drawing room or under the vines on the terrrace on warm summer evenings. Delicous cuisine is served in the stylish dining room with a carefully-selected wine from the cellar. Beautiful swimming pool in an elegant garden setting.
Polo at El Rocío
Estancia El Rocío is an approved “Polo Club” by the AAP (Argentine Polo Association) and has become an “Affiliate Member” of the US Polo Association.
Estancia El Rocío is any polo lover's dream. Patrice personally chose the perfect setting for the polo field and stables, landscaping the surrounding grounds to embrace the true feel of the Argentine Pampas whether one rides on horseback or just walks around the estancia.
Polo Clinics
At Estancia El Rocío Polo Clinics are organized by professional polo players who focus on participants learning through a very practical teaching style for both beginners and more advanced players. Classes are planned according to players' levels and may include practice games between teams and according to guests’ timetables.
See below in the pricing section for details of the polo clinics available.
Other Polo Clubs
El Rocío offers its´ guests the possibility to have polo games organized for them at different clubs in the surroundings of the estancia and in the province of Buenos Aires.
Other activities at Estancia El Rocío and its surroundings
Whether it’s polo lovers or people who just like outdoor activities, Estancia El Rocío becomes the perfect setting to enjoy nature, practice sports o just lay back and relax.
Activities at Estancia El Rocío
• Horseback rides
• Sulky rides
• Bicycle rides
• Swimming pool
• Massages (advanced notice)
Activities near the farm
• San Miguel del Monte town: museum, lake and the adobe house of Juan Manuel de Rosas. Other visits: local craftsmen; dairy farm and cheese factory; 7,500 acres of neighboring farm land, adjacent to El Rocío with cultivated fields and cattle.
• Bird watching
• Golf
• Parachuting
Activities to organize upon group request
• Jineteada (rodeo)
• Sortija
• Horse training exhibitions
• Pato exhibitions
• Polo exhibitions
• Folklore (Guitar players & dance groups)
Hunting
The farm's surrounding area is a rich habitat for Argentina's local fauna and offers many possibilities for this sport. Activities are coordinated by expert guides with over fifteen years' experience and are therefore planned according to guests' requests.
The Estancia
Although the principal house is well heated through its central heating, the fireplaces brighten and give a warm, cozy atmosphere to the living room, dining room and library in the winter and cold autumn days. Guests can easily access Internet through Wi-fi, comfortably watch a DVD or a cable movie, or find a cozy corner where to relax and enjoy a great book from the library. Drinks are served in the sitting room before dinner. Dress code: smart casual.
Regional Food
Full board is offered which included breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Each meal at Estancia El Rocío is a perfect combination of flavors of the Pampa and Argentina. “Empanadas (small pies), locros, carbonadas (meet & vegetable stew), pollo al disco, mil hojas de dulce de leche, tortas fritas, pastelitos (regional pastries), traditional “asados” and “cordero a la cruz” (traditionally made roasted lamb) accompanied by the most Argentine exquisite wines are some of the proposals for our guests to enjoy.
Meals are served, according to the day’s temperature, at the gallery under the wisteria, on tables prepared under the gentle shadows of the eucalyptus, at the “Olive patio”, the dining room or at “la matera”.
The Rooms
Rooms
Total rooms available: 5 (2 suites, 2 twin, 1 loft) --- Maximum capacity: 12 guests
Main House - Central heating
East Wing:
- Suite Las Rosas: King size bed. This room has a fireplace and private bathroom. It has two doors with direct access to the patio and the park.
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Rooms Los Citricos and Los Damascos: Both rooms share a bathroom and have 2 beds. These rooms can be booked together under one same reservation; in this case the bathroom will be shared. On the other hand if guests wish for a private bathroom, one room is booked and the other room is closed for booking.West Wing:
- Suite Los Cactus: This room has twin joined beds, a fireplace and private bathroom. It has two doors that open to the patio and to the park.
- Colonial Loft - a separate cottage in the grounds beneath a row of eucalyptus trees. There are two joined beds and a bathroom with a shower (no bathtub) on the first floor. The ground floor has a comfortable living room facing a fireplace, two beds, a counter bar and a kitchenette. The fireplace and a salamander keep the Loft well heated in the winter and cold days.
A little background about your hosts, Patrice and Macarena Graviere
Patrice Graviere’s long romance with Argentina goes back to when he was two years old, only a young child arriving in Buenos Aires from his native France. During most of his childhood he watched Argentina’s top polo players like Dorignac, Alberdi, Harriot and Heguy at the Tortugas Country Club, the Hurlingham Club and Palermo. It is Patrice’s fascination with Polo and the Argentine Pampas that finally drove him to find a perfect setting to build his dream house.
The dusty roads of La Pampa and his friends in the area, led Patrice to the old cottage in San Miguel, which would years later become Estancia El Rocío. It was the wide variety of birds that flew into the area (San Miguel is perfect for bird watching) and the wonderful trees that surround the colonial cottage that drove Patrice to buy the place.
The original structure of the cottage was impossible to rebuild so Patrice decided to pull it down but used its bricks for the new house that would have all the facilities and comforts he was used to. Patrice’s wife, Macarena Llambí, who has a long history in fashion next to the world’s biggest brands like Hermés, was responsible for every detail of the decoration. Macarena personally chose each of the objects and trained the staff to offer an impeccable personalized service to their demanding international guests.
Each corner of the house is finely decorated with exclusive pieces Macarena has collected in each of their trips and the colours of the walls were inspired by all the colors of the Argentine Pampas. Yellows and oranges resembling unforgettable sunsets and the bright greens of the surrounding trees are all present in each room welcoming the guests.
Macarena is El Rocío’s Hotel Manager and as such, she is personally responsible for every detail including the food and the decoration of the place. She has carefully selected everything from the whitest linens to the Spanish China at the table and the unbelievable flavors of every dish and the best wines to go with them.
Every moment at Estancia El Rocío is a special one, made to be enjoyed in the relaxing atmosphere created by the surrounding pampas.
A personal view from one of our clients:
In Argentina horses and polo are embedded in the history and culture of the country and seem to be a natural part of everyones lives. Against the backdrop of wide open blue skies in the pampas these holidays offer close encounters with the real “world of the gaucho”, where polo is a way of life that spans all ages and social groups and underpins the rural economy. This is a refreshing contrast to the elitist image that it has in european countries.
A stay in an estancia offers a close up view of this life and the opportunity to either hone your skills if you are a polo player or try out a whole new riding experience if not. Many of these properties are family homes with a long history which owners are proud to relate over long sociable evening meals. Whilst staying in small privately owned estancias provides a very authentic experience of polo, the level of hospitality and standard of comfort provided makes it restful and relaxing at the same time. These places are intimate and friendly as they are family homes, but you are provided with the surroundings and hospitality to make you feel properly looked after and pampered.
All levels of riding ability are catered for and in many places there is the opportunity to take gentle rides out in the pampas gaucho style (horses always abreast rather than in line!) as well as to take polo instruction. However once you have stood in the stirrups, turned with arm out stretched and swung the stick through making contact with the ball you can be hooked on this game, and charging up and down the pitch with a few other friends and fellow enthusiasts is all you will want to do. It is great fun and the horses are amazingly talented and patient with learners so it really is possible to have a go even for a relatively inexperienced rider. A great way to have a relaxing holiday, explore an exciting and beautiful country, spend some time doing an exhilarating and fun activity and return home with a new skill.
Rates are full board per night per room based on two sharing. Minimum nights 3. Guests over 15 years of age.
Rosas and Cactus suites: $600 USD per night per room (for two people), $450 for single occupancy
Citricos and Damascos rooms: $500 USD per room (for two people), $350 for single occupancy, $720 for three occupants and $840 for four occupants.
Colonial Loft (cottage): $600 USD per room (for two people), $500 for single occupancy, $750 for three occupants and $940 for four occupants.
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Accommodation for 12 guests maximum in 5 room total (2 suites, 2 twins, 1 loft cottage)
West Wing: Los Cactus suite (twins which can be pushed together, en-suite, fireplace), Library
East Wing: Las Rosas suite (King-sized bed, en-suite, fireplace), Los Damascos room (twin beds) and Los Citricos room (twin beds). Los Damascos and Los Citricos share a bathroom. Separate lavatory
Principal House:
1-2 guests may book either Los Damascos and Los Citricos room with exclusive private use of the bathroom. The other room will be not be used/closed from booking. 2 to 4 guests, under the same reservation may book both rooms and share the bathroom
South Wing: Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room, Entrance Hall
Facing West, East and South Wings: Covered Galleria & Olive Patio
Eucalyptus Loft: Colonial-style cottage, 2 floors, 20 steps away from the principal house. Ground floor: 2 separate twin beds, small living rooms facing a fireplace, a small kitchen and a wood stove.1st Floor: 2 separate beds pushed close together. 1 small bathroom with a shower (no bath).
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EXCLUSIVE BOOKING - book the whole Estancia for your family or group of friends 3, 000 USD per night or 17, 850 USD per week (Maximum: 10-12 guests)
Exclusivity & privacy of the estancia facilities and service for groups or families
FULL BOARD RATES INCLUDE:Breakfast (9:00-10:30), Lunch (13:30/14:00), Tea (17:30-18:30), Dinner (21:00/21:15), an appetizer is served 1/2hr before lunch and dinner. Alcohol free drinks (sodas, juices, water, tea, coffee…) and beer and wine during lunch and dinner.
Horseback riding in groups, sulky or bicycle rides, use of swimming pool, indoor & outdoor games, an invitation to join our on-site chef in the making of a traditional Argentine dish (subject to daily menu) and Internet connection.
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:Transfers: We can arrange guest in / out transfers with private cars and helicopters.“Honesty bar” drinks in the drawing room, selected wines, beer and wine during non lunch or dinner hours. Non full board rate activities or service such as laundry, or onsite massages and guests transfers.
POLO CLINICS
BEGINNER´S POLO PROGRAM
“4 Day Polo Program” From 9:30 hrs arrival date – 11 hrs departure date
This program includes 8 private polo tailored made lessons taking place in the morning and afternoon, interchanging theory classes in which the student will learn from the basics including essential polo horse knowledge, it’s training, care, saddling and different bits used, to the most important tips for learning how to horseback ride and manage a polo horse, game’s rules and everything related to equipment’s use, swing steps, timing, and the practice lessons that include polo horseback riding & stick and ball on selected horses which prevail for their docility and tameness in helping to learn to play polo.
Rate per person: US$ 1200 + US$ 3 NIGHT RATE FOR A 4 DAYS/NIGHTS STAY
“1 Week Polo Program with practice games”
This is an onsite program where the designated polo professional in charge will personally instruct the candidate during a week’s time, interchanging theory classes in the mornings and polo horse back riding practice lessons and stick and ball in the afternoons during the first 5 days. The polo instructor will analyze the candidate’s horse back riding and stick and ball level, as well as which horse is more suitable for the player & how and which horses he/she feels most comfortable with in this first part of the program.
The last 2 days of the program, the student will play a practice game on the first day and a match game on the last day, played in El Rocio´s field # 1, with 2 to 5 goal polo players. The student’s 1st polo game played will complete this program giving the student the opportunity to have played his/her first regulatory polo game in Argentina, in an approved Polo Club by the AAP (Argentine Polo Association) as is Estancia El Rocio.
Rate per person: US$ 3,100 + US$ 5 NIGHT RATE FOR A 7 NIGHTS STAY
1 Polo Lesson – Consists of theoretical and practical polo knowledge applied on the horse with polo horseback riding and stick and ball basics.
- Rate per person: US$ 175 (In the morning or in the afternoon)
1 Polo Clinic – Consists of a whole day lesson. In the morning theoretical knowledge of the polo horse, its equipment, training, handling and care. In the afternoon: practice lessons on a horse, applying learned theoretical knowledge of horse handling; tailored polo horseback riding instruction and stick & ball.
- Rate per person: US$ 300 (In the morning & afternoon)
ADVANCED POLO PROGRAM
“Polo Clinics and Practice Matches”
This is a program for players that are on a higher polo level, who have already participated in polo matches and games. It is based on a 5 day program including: riding skills, stick and ball sessions and three games.
Tailored made theory, riding, stick & ball lessons and practice games with specially selected horses for this advanced riding & playing level, organized with 2 to 5 goal Argentine polo players.
Suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Estancia El Rocío arrival at 13hs. Riding skills in the afternoon.
Day 2: Stick and ball in the morning. Practice game in the afternoon.
Day 3: Riding and theory review in the morning. Stick and ball in the afternoon.
Day 4: Stick and ball in the morning. Practice game in the afternoon.
Day 5: Stick and ball in the morning. Practice game in the afternoon.
RATES: - 1 person: US$ 3.400
- 2 people (10% discount) : US$ 6.800 US$ 6.120
- 3 people (15% discount) : US$ 10.200 US$ 8.670
- 4 people (20% discount) : US$ 13.600 US$ 10.880
+ FULL BOARD ROOM RATES: Stay 5 nights for a 4 night rate or 7 nights for 5 night rate.
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
Getting there:
El Rocío is located 64 km (45 minute ride) from Ezeiza International Airport (main International airport for Buenos Aires) and just over 100 km away from Buenos Aires Capital (1hr and ½ ride).
Fly to Buenos Aires (see www.expedia.com or www.travelocity.com for flight options) then we will arrange for you to be taken to the Estancia.
Although transportation is not provided, all transfers to and from the estancia can be organized, by private car, including airplane (runway/landing-strip at San Miguel del Monte’s aerodrome, 12km from El Rocío) or private helicopter transfers from Aeroparque to El Rocío.
Why not extend your trip with a few days in Buenos Aires or visiting another part of Argentina. We have teemed up with one of the top, exclusive agencies in Buenos Aires to organise a tailor-made itinerary for you. Contact us for options and prices.
* If you wish to participate in any tournament in Argentina do not hesitate to let us know in time and we’ll organize everything to ensure the best service.
* All polo programs provided by El Rocio´s designated polo instructor / advisor.
* All programs are subject to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. A programs day’s agenda may be changed for such reasons or in case it is cancelled, reimbursed.
* Please let us know in order to re-quote in case polo program is for more than 1 guest.
* If a guest participating in any of the above polo program buys a polo horse, his/her polo program fee will be deducted from the horse selling price.
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to Argentina at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
Consumer protection
As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), an Association approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, this company has provided a Bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. These regulations apply to packages sold in the UK and this Bond provides security for the money paid over by its UK customers and for their repatriation to the UK in the event of this company's insolvency.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
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Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
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