Awasi Mendoza is the most private and personal stay in Mendoza wine country and the right choice for couples who want a villa of their own with someone else handling every detail. The lodge, formerly Cavas Wine Lodge, sits in its own vineyard in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, at the foot of the Andes and about 25 minutes from Mendoza city. Awasi, the Chilean group behind celebrated lodges in the Atacama Desert and Patagonia, took it over and brought its signature style.
There are 17 private villas, with outdoor plunge pools, fireplaces and terraces facing the vines. The defining feature is the Awasi model: every room is assigned a private guide and a 4x4 vehicle, so you plan each day around your own interests rather than a group schedule. Rates cover a fully hosted experience with private excursions, local cuisine and accommodation.
It suits couples who want privacy, flexibility and serious wine experiences close to the city and the airport. Couples on a moderate budget, or who prefer to explore independently, will find better value elsewhere.
Highlights at a glance
- 17 private villas with plunge pools and fireplaces
- A private guide and 4x4 vehicle for every room
- Farm-to-table restaurant with estate wines
- Spa with wine-based treatments
- Under an hour from Mendoza airport
Why Couples Love Awasi Mendoza
The private guide changes everything. Instead of joining a tour, you sit down with your guide, talk about what you love and build the days around that: a wine-paired lunch at a top winery, a bike ride through the vines, a hike in the foothills or simply a lazy afternoon at the villa.
The villas give you real privacy. You can swim in your own plunge pool, light the fire at dusk and watch the light fade over the Andes without seeing other guests.
The location is a big practical advantage. Luján de Cuyo holds many of Mendoza's oldest Malbec vineyards and best-known wineries, all within easy reach. Being near the city and the airport means less driving and more time to enjoy the place.
Villas to Book
Awasi Mendoza has 17 private villas. Categories include Vineyard Villas and Two Bedroom Villas, as well as rooms the lodge calls Luxury and Front Row.
For a honeymoon, a Vineyard Villa is the classic choice. It looks straight out over the vines, with a living room, a fireplace and a private outdoor plunge pool. Terraces face the vineyard and the mountains, ideal for an evening glass of Malbec.
Two Bedroom Villas suit couples traveling with friends or family. Ask which villas have the clearest views of the Andes, since the angle toward the mountains varies across the property.
With so few villas, Awasi Mendoza books up early for harvest in March and April and for the spring months.
Food, Drink and the Spa
The lodge's restaurant serves farm-to-table food made with produce from its own vegetable garden, paired with wines produced on the estate. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Awasi's rates include a fully hosted experience with local cuisine and the Mendoza wine program includes premium tastings and wine-paired lunches at some of the region's best wineries. Confirm exactly which drinks and winery fees your rate covers when booking.
The lodge has a spa, including treatments that use wine. A massage after a long tasting lunch, followed by a swim in your plunge pool, is hard to beat. The restaurant also has views of the Andes and a large wine cellar, according to specialist travel companies.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Your guide and 4x4 open up the region. In Luján de Cuyo, visit wineries with old Malbec vines and long pairing lunches. Head south to the Uco Valley for a day among its dramatic modern wineries and high-altitude vineyards.
For something beyond wine, drive the mountain road toward Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, through dramatic Andean scenery. Stop at the Cacheuta hot springs for a soak on the way back. Horseback riding in the foothills and hikes in the precordillera are also popular.
Closer to home, explore the countryside around Agrelo by bike or wander the vineyard at sunset. Mendoza city, with its leafy plazas and wine bars, is a short drive away for an evening out.
Getting There
Mendoza El Plumerillo Airport (MDZ) has frequent flights from Buenos Aires, around an hour and 45 minutes from Aeroparque (AEP), plus connections via Santiago in Chile. Awasi Mendoza is less than an hour's drive from the airport and about 25 minutes from Mendoza city.
The lodge can arrange transfers and because each room has a private guide and vehicle, you will not need a rental car. That is a real benefit in wine country, where every day involves tastings.
Mendoza combines well with Buenos Aires and Patagonia. A typical honeymoon might pair a few nights in the city with Mendoza and then fly south to Bariloche or El Calafate for lakes and glaciers.
Is It Worth It?
Awasi Mendoza is one of the most expensive stays in the region. Rates are not published on its website, but Awasi's fully hosted stays generally cost four figures per person per night, so a couple should budget roughly $2,000 a night or more. Treat this as an estimate and check current rates.
The value comes from what is included: private guiding, a dedicated vehicle, excursions and meals. Couples who would otherwise hire a private driver and guide every day may find the difference smaller than it first looks.
Pick elsewhere if you prefer to explore on your own, want a resort with more facilities or have a moderate budget. The Vines Resort & Spa and Casa de Uco in the Uco Valley offer different kinds of romance at lower prices.
Good to Know
Spring, from October to December and autumn, from March to May, are the best seasons. Harvest in March and April brings the vineyards to life. Summer is hot by day and cool at night. Winter is cold and clear with snow on the Andes. Awasi has offered a free night after four booked nights from April to October, so ask about current offers.
Mendoza sits in a high desert, so the sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses and drink plenty of water between tastings.
Awasi stays are tailor-made, so share your interests, dietary needs and pace with the team before you arrive. Smart casual dress works throughout, with a warm layer for cool evenings.
Insider tips
- Tell your guide in advance which wineries or styles you love so they can book the best lunches.
- Ask for a villa with the clearest view of the Andes.
- Combine Luján de Cuyo wineries with at least one day in the Uco Valley.
- Look for longer-stay offers from April to October.
