Estancia La Sofia Buenos Aires

Located in the middle of the Argentine countryside, but only 100 km (60 miles) from Buenos Aires, La Sofía is an oasis of calm. It was created by its owners, who, together with their staff, take excellent care of the facilities and their guests.

La Sofía is a colonial-style ranch with six spacious, comfortable and welcoming en-suite rooms that invite our guests to relax. The trademark of our boutique hotel is our passionate attention to detail and outstanding customer service.

THE HISTORY
We share a common passion for polo. Silke from Germany and her Argentine husband Marcos Antin Güiraldes met at a polo tournament that took place at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona (Spain), where Marcos was participating as a professional player and Silke as an amateur.

At the time, Marcos, whose great-uncle was the famous author Ricardo Güiraldes, who wrote the well-known Argentine novel “Don Segundo Sombra”, was managing the Buenos Aires polo club Los Pinguinos, one of the most prestigious polo clubs in Argentina.

A few years on, in 2002, while looking for the ideal place to live in Argentina, they came to San Antonio de Areco, the place where Marcos had grown up.

Their dream was to found a polo club and a small hotel to host Marcos´ polo friends and all the other people who were passionate about the sport and outdoor activities in general. With a great deal of luck, they discovered La Sofía, a perfect place.

While still living in Barcelona they started the project and the construction work. In the meantime, they had two children and finally moved in at La Sofía.

After 5 years their dream had come true: Their home in the middle of the peaceful countryside, a marvelous boutique hotel, two polo fields, customized quality customer service, and meticulous attention to detail to make sure their guests have an unforgettable stay.

La Sofía is now an active member of the Argentine Polo Association and its polo fields have been officially approved. Marcos manages the club, teaches polo, oversees the training and breeding of the horses and every once in a while he plays official tournaments in Argentina and abroad.

Marcos and Silke always play together at La Sofía. Silke also plays women´s polo and AAP (Argentine Polo Association) tournaments with her La Sofía team. La Sofía even won the first women´s polo tournament organized by the AAP in 2010, (Primer Torneo Femenino por la Copa Apertura Handicap 2010).

Each November the Copa de la Tradicion is staged at La Sofía during the La Tradicion festival in San Antonio de Areco. Marcos, Silke and their children were able to combine the passion for polo with their family life and are glad to share this magnificent place with their guests.

GRAND SUITES
For those guests who are looking for our best room, we proudly recommend booking GRAND PATRONS SUITE or THE GRAND SUITE PAMPA. The decoration is colonial style and the two rooms have wooden floors and comfortable modern beds (king size), fine Egyptian cotton sheets, desk and safe.

The spacious bathrooms with shower & bathtub are decorated with hand crafted tiles of traditional design. The Grand Patron Suite is located in a second house 4 meters from the main house. This room also has its a private fireplace

For couples looking for a quiet and exclusive stay, or for those who wish to take in the most stunning views, we suggest the The GRAND SUITE PAMPA. It is located about 150 m from the main house right next to the polo field, on the second floor of a tower.

This is the ideal place to enjoy some unique sunrises The suite consists of two rooms, a large one with a king-size bed and a smaller one with a double bed, plus a large bathroom with shower and bath.

SUPERIOR SUITES
The Superior Suites are spacious rooms with king size beds, exclusive Egyptian cotton bedlinen, safe and private access to one of the terraces. One also has its fireplace. The decoration is colonial style, one with wooden floor (pinotea).

The spacious bathrooms with walk-in shower and stylish antique bathtub are decorated with hand crafted tiles of traditional design. The OLD ROOM is located in the main house.

This is one of the original rooms of the house built at the beginning of the last century. It has direct access to the terrace and views of the polo fields.

STANDARD SUITES
In the main house we offer two Standard Suites and a Superior Suite (The Old Room). One of the Standard rooms – The BIRDS SUITE – is located on the second floor and has a private balcony.

The decoration is colonial style with comfortable modern beds, exclusive Egyptian cotton bedlinen and safe. The FLOWER SUITE on the ground floor has a wooden floor. The bathrooms with modern shower are decorated with hand crafted tiles of traditional design.

STEAK & WINE
At La Sofia we love good food and we appreciate a good glass of wine. That is why we create our dishes with great dedication and go out of our way to provide the best home-made regional cuisine to our guests.

Marcos is a passionate and authentic amateur “chef” who takes pleasure in personally supervising the meat cutting and everything that happens in the kitchen. His irresistible beefsteaks have inspired many guests to describe them as: “The best I´ve ever had!”

To ensure our guests have a perfect culinary experience we offer homemade bread and jam in the morning, and Argentine beef, empanadas combined with a selection of regional wines from our private wine cellar and vegetables, very often right out of our organic garden.

At tea time Silke sometimes surprises her guests with delicious German family recipes. In order to eat well, you need to set the table properly. At La Sofia we focus on all the details in order to get them just right, and turn every meal into a special moment.

EVENTS
In La Sofia, exclusive events are organized for up to 100 people. In the middle of the countryside, with the song of the birds, the neigh of some horse and the perfume of nature, Estancia La Sofia, is differentiated by an exclusive and professional service, with a passion for detail.

We have 4×4 vehicles for the transfer service for the access of dirt road in case of rain (3 km). Special packages are also offered for corporate meetings with accommodation and a meeting room for up to 10 executives.

POLO DAYS are organized for individuals and small groups. An experience like learning to play Polo, a team sport, very tactical and strategic, is an ideal forum for your next Teambuilding event.

POOL & VIEWS
The outdoor pool is located next to the polo fields, with open views of the Pampa. A bar service is offered throughout the day.

The view and the silence of the countryside, the whisper of the leaves, the sound of the cicadas, the neighing and galloping of the horses, the singing of the birds…a perfect place to relax and enjoy, get a massage, take a ride on a bike or read a book under a tree.

POLO
La Sofia Polo Club is associated to and approved by the AAP (Argentine Polo Association). The club has two Polo fields, both with irrigation. Marcos Antin Güiraldes – owner and Polo teacher at La Sofia – is one of the first AAP certified Polo Instructors.

POLO TEAM
During the season, La Sofía teams participate in official tournaments of the Argentine Polo Association and private. For the experienced player we offer stays with participation in these cups.

Promoted by Silke, La Sofía Polo Club participates in matches and women's tournaments. It has been the female team of La Sofía the Handicap Champion of the first official cup of the Argentine Polo Association in 2010. Mixed practices are often organized.

La Sofia is an ideal place for women who want to get started in sports and take riding and polo lessons with Marcos. Customized programs are organized that, apart from the classes, include playing practices according to the level of each one.

Several years ago, too, driven by the children of the owners, La Sofia Polo Team is also present and successful in junior tournaments in Argentina.

TOURNAMENTS
In Sofia two important drinks are organized per year, THE CUP OF TRADITION every year in November and the Pepe González Guerrico Cup in March. The Tradition Cup is organized at the beginning of November, parallel to the festival of the DAY OF TRADING in San Antonio de Areco.

It is endorsed by the municipality of San Antonio de Areco and has the support of the AAP (Asociación Argentina de Polo) axial as private sponsors. The cup is 8 goals. Individual players or complete teams can be registered.

In March the PEPE GONZALEZ GUERICO COPA is played from 4 to 6 goals. This cup is also open to registration of individual players or complete teams.

During the season, La Sofía teams participate in official tournaments of the Argentine Polo Association and private. For the experienced player we offer stays with participation in these cups.

BREEDING & DRESSAGE
The horses of La Sofía are of own breeding. Marcos Antín Güiraldes together with his partner, Eduardo Blousson, started with the breeding of horses in 1992. To date there are 19 mothers and stallions recognized by the ACCP (Association of Horse Breeders of Polo).

Embryos are also made with combinations of the best blood of the Argentine Polo … Dolfina Maradona x Sirius de Novillo, Machito Banelco x Basque Basque of Heguy, Open Illuminated x Sirius, Welcome x King, Solcito x Lazaro, Costilla x Bless, Sportiva x Champagne, Lazara x Illusion.

The dressage begins at two and a half years, and at three years Marcos begins to make polo through a training that lasts two seasons at least. Once this period is over, the horses are ready for the game and the sale.

A DAY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
La Sofia is a place where dreams come true. Spend a day outdoors in the middle of the countryside, enjoy an authentic Argentine barbecue and make it perfect with wine from our private cellar. We offer a traditional environment without compromising on comfort.

If you want to enjoy peace and calm at La Sofia, there is nothing like relaxing in the shade of the trees or on one of the sun loungers at the swimming pool (towel service and pool bar). And if you would rather go horse riding, there are horses available for all levels.

Late afternoon, do not miss out on the delicious tea served on the terrace.

LA SOFIA POLO DAY
A Day in the countryside with Polo Clinic for beginners: At La Sofia Polo Club we want to make sure that our guests enjoy an unparalleled, passionate, customized and friendly polo experience guided by Marcos Antín Güiraldes (cv), an experienced professional polo player who has dedicated all his life to playing and teaching polo as well as to breeding polo ponies.

The polo clinic day focuses on polo practice. Anybody who is interested in a first experience of this fascinating sport can sign up, even if you do not know how to ride a horse. It is well suited for individual lessons, families, a group of friends and even business groups.

A polo day at La Sofia, a unique experience: Silke and Marcos give a warm welcome to their guests at the beginning of the polo day, an unforgettable experience. Marcos starts out with an introduction to the sport, followed by a polo driving range on the wooden horse to practice the basic strokes and positions.

A typical Argentine barbecue will be prepared for lunch, so the guests can savor our food and taste the wines of our private cellar. After lunch and some relaxing at the pool or at some shady corner on the estancia, the participants take a lesson of stick and ball (on horseback).

Depending on the skills and abilities of the participants we can also organize a practice chukker. At the end of the day, tea and house specialties will be served on the terrace with views of the polo field.

Please note: If you wish to participate in a more intense polo practice, we also offer programs of any duration between two days and several weeks. These programs include accommodation and full board at La Sofia, if required. Or you can also stay in beautiful close-by Areco.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Horses are an essential part of Argentine culture and at La Sofia horses are at the center of our activities. We offer rides on horseback and in coaches, riding and polo classes, horse tours to discover the Argentine Pampa or gaucho traditions such as the typical barbecue out in the countryside.

Guests who do not feel all that comfortable on a horse and prefer to observe them from a distance should take the opportunity to enjoy the views, some delicious food, absolute peace and watching a polo game or a Gaucho working with the horses.

POLO LESSONS
La Sofía has special offers for guests who want to practice polo, learn how to play or just find out more about a sport that is part of the Argentine culture.

We offer lessons for guests who want to learn how to ride, stick & ball practice at hitting the ball and practice games according to each guest´s abilities. Marcos Antin is a AAP Certified Polo Instructor.

He teaches children from the age of six years old. Guests who do not feel all that comfortable on a horse and prefer to observe them from a distance should take the opportunity to enjoy the views, some delicious food, absolute peace and watching a polo game or a Gaucho working with the horses.

COOKING LESSONS
At La Sofía we love good food and we appreciate the Argentine kitchen with its Asados (=barbecue), empanadas and steaks. We also love sharing our passion and expertise with our guests.

Learn to properly fold an empanada and prepare its filling. Learn how to prepare a barbecue, what kind of wood to use and learn of the different meat cuts and how to roast them. We teach you how to prepare the Mate tea or we are also happy to organize a wine tasting for you.

In order to eat well, you need to set the table properly. At La Sofia we focus on all the details in order to get them just right, and turn every meal into a special moment.

IN FAMILY
A nice family experience is something that is never forgotten in life. At La Sofía we know that sharing moments of joy, relaxation and adventure with the most loved ones is invaluable, that is why why we warmly welcome our guests, offering all our hospitality and effort to achieve an original, fun and enjoyable holiday. The activities are very varied and can be adapted to the tastes of each one.

EXCLUSIVE & INTIMATE
The great hospitality of the owners, their passion for detail and quality service are hallmarks of La Sofía, an ideal place for honeymooners or for those who just want to spend some time far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Waking up to the birds singing, savoring a delicious breakfast on a terrace with spectacular views of the countryside, joining tailor-made organized activities such as the romantic tours on horseback, participating in fun activities such as our polo classes, taking part in a Gaucho-style barbecue, and enjoying a relaxing nap in the shadow of the trees, indulging in a romantic candle-light dinner and going to sleep accompanied by the silence of the vast Argentine countryside…are but a few of the beautiful moments that make a stay at La Sofía a very special experience.

And if you are looking for some action, you will surely find it in a high-speed polo game.

BIRD WATCHING
It’s actually been our guests – bird lovers – who have taught us the variety and quantity of birds to be observed at Estancia La Sofia. The preservation of pure nature attracts numerous species.

Early mornings seem a concert. We have a Suite on the second floor, surrounded by the birds singing in the morning, which actually therefore is called The Birds’ Suite.

The owl couple lives next to the Polo field and during the summers the Colibri or Hummingbird is around the flowers. The impressive and massive houses of the hornero bird can be observed in trees and fence posts.

SAN ANTONIO DE ARECO
The estancia is located 15 km (9 miles) from San Antonio de Areco, one of the most traditional towns in Argentina, home of the best silversmiths, painters and a variety of handicrafts. The Ricardo Guiraldes museum is the center of Gaucho tradition and can be visited in the outskirts of town.

At the end of the day the “Gaucho Bar” serves drinks and more in an atmosphere that takes the visitor back in time…and if you get lucky, you may even have the pleasure to listen to a traditional guitar session…

BUENOS AIRES
If you want to go shopping or feel like buying polo gear, tailor-made riding and polo boots, Pilar or Buenos Aires, about 50 / 100 km (30 / 60 miles) from La Sofia, are the places to go.

VISIT TO THE STUDFARM
The horses of La Sofía are of its own private breeding. Guided tours to the Studfarm to see the young horses – natural breeding and embryos – can be organized. There are full day excursion with and without transport service to the studfarm which is one hour away from La Sofia.

Marcos Antín Güiraldes together with his partner, Eduardo Blousson, began with the breeding of horses in 1992. To date there are 19 mothers and stallions recognized by the ACCP (Association of Horse Breeders of Polo).

Embryos are also made with combinations of the best blood of the Argentine Polo … Dolfina Maradona x Sirius de Novillo, Machito Banelco x Basque Basque of Heguy, Open Illuminated x Sirius, Welcome x King, Solcito x Lazaro, Costilla x Bless, Sportiva x Champagne, Lazara x Illusion …

The breaking in begins at two and a half years, and at three years Marcos begins to train the horses for polo. Once this period is over, the horses ar ready for the game and sale.