Our Favourite Hotel Bars
in the Americas

Steve Wilson

As a B&R Trip Designer, I’ve spent months at a time in the remotest corners of the world while on my researching and planning missions. Over the years, I’ve found that all work and no play makes me a dull Steve indeed: so in the spirit of slowing down to see the world, I’ve included some of my top must-visit hotel bars in the Americas. Ideal spots to kick up your feet after a long day of exploration and adventure, here are some of the most unique watering holes I’ve come across. From beachside bars to treetop canopies and remote Patagonian lodges, find your favourite below.

Argentina

Cavas Wine Lodge

Resting at the base of the Andes mountains, this sophisticated wine bar exudes pure class. A lunch menu that rotates every four months sees meals made from organic, seasonal and locally grown ingredients paired with the lodge’s fine Mendoza wines.

Bahia Bustamante, Patagonia 

With hardly any other tourists around, enjoy a private show from the Bahia Bustamante Lodge where, during the right season, the wild southern Atlantic of Patagonia and its islands are teeming with penguins, sea lions, guanacos and extraordinary bird life vistas.

Belize

Cayo Espanto

For an ultra-exclusive experience, simply stay at your very own private island off the shores of Belize, complete with its own beach bar. With no one else but you and your friends or family, simply let the award-winning chef and team know what you’re into, and all the little details will be taken care of! 

Brazil

Piano Bar at the Copacabana Palace

The elegant piano bar in the Belmond Copacabana Palace serves as a welcome respite in intoxicating Rio. Stylish decor and the sound of jazz piano lingering in the background set the tone to sip on an exotic cocktail inspired by the flavours of Brazil, like their hibiscus and strawberry Donna Fiori Punch.

Bar Taroba at Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu Falls

The only bar within this Brazilian national park, nothing can rival the sight of the Iguazu Falls from this prime location: the balcony of Bar Taroba. Encircled by lush rainforest, settle into the terrace with a classic caipirinha made with vodka of your choosing, and be mesmerized by the stunning views. 

Chile

Clos Apalta Residence, Colchagua

Exclusive and private, the Clos Apalta Residence looks out over the Colchagua wine region while serving up top wines combined with exquisite Chilean dishes using herbs and vegetables from its organic garden.

Puerto Bories Hotel, The Singular, Patagonia

A warm and inviting bar that makes you never want to leave, the Puerto Bories’ exposed brick and classic cocktails inspired by literary greats add a contemporary touch to the wild nature of Patagonia. I always make sure to reserve myself a spot if I find myself in this corner of the world!

Costa Rica

“The Nest” Rainforest Canopy at Pacuare Lodge

Super-dramatic and oh so fun, combine relaxation with Costa Rican adventure at this bar, which is nestled in the branches of an ancient Ceiba tree. From your prime perch 20 metres (60 feet) above the rainforest canopy, drink in hand, take in the jungle activity from high-above before ziplining your way back to the lodge!

Gecko Lounge at Lagarta Lodge

Privileged with views of the Pacific Ocean and a private nature reserve, this sunset bar lives in an eco-lodge on the shores of Nosara beach. The lodge’s philosophy is to live in harmony with nature, leaving no boundaries between you and the surrounding rainforest from its open-air lounge.

Ecuador

Mashpi – The Explorer’s Bar

Gaze out at the cloud forest surrounding the Mashpi reserve with one of the bar’s signature cocktails in hand or wine from their collection of Argentine and Chilean labels. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to continue to take in the happenings of the jungle after your day of exploration.

Guatemala

The Lounge Bar at Casa Palopo

The open terrace of Casa Palopo watches over Lake Atitlan, hearing the gentle murmurs of its activity from the passing boats to the chatter of fauna. Using locally sourced ingredients, Executive Chef Yonatan Gómez fuses Guatemalan cuisine with international flavours in a rustic and refined setting.

Mexico

Moon Lounge Bar at Rosas & Xocolate, Merida

This rooftop bar housed in an Instagram-worthy hot pink(!) Spanish Colonial–style mansion highlights its stylish, funky architecture and features jazz nights as well as a chocolate boutique on the hotel’s ground floor.

Panama 

Tantalo, Panama City 

The rooftop of Tantalo in Panama City gives way the most spectacular panoramas over the Old Town and the modern new city looming in the distance. Opt for a weekday visit or pre-dinner drinks to avoid the crowds it tends to attract.

Uruguay

The beach bars of the Bahia Vik and Playa Vik

A remote and luxurious setting where beachside bungalows and infinity pools overlook the white dunes and blues of south Atlantic ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for A-list celebrities at these hotspot resorts in emerging Uruguay.