Mar de Plata, Argentina
Situated on the Atlantic coast roughly 250 miles from Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata offers Royal Holiday travelers some of the most pleasant oceanside vacationing in the Americas. During the peak months of summer, between December and March, millions flock to the city to take in the comfortable weather and beautiful ocean vistas. Royal Holiday members will find Argentina’s beach-party capital to be an excellent and affordable option in nearly every season, however, as Mar del Plata’s events, festivals, and culture provide endless opportunities for entertainment.
Royal Holiday’s affiliate in the city, the Super Resort Mar del Plata, offers condominium-style lodgings in a renovated hacienda that offers roomy living spaces that can accommodate two couples or a small family. While the resort’s many amenities include a bar and restaurant, the rooms also come with a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for the Royal Holiday member looking to enjoy an extended stay. The resort boasts a swimming pool, soccer field, and tennis courts for those content to relax on-site. Meanwhile, the hotel’s staff can assist guests who want to explore by arranging a variety of outings from ecotourism expeditions to horseback rides through Mar del Plata’s beautiful surroundings. Golfers will quickly notice the beautiful Mar del Plata Golf Club’s fairways, which sit right outside the resort.
First discovered by Europeans in the late 1500s, the area around present-day Mar del Plata first gained prominence as an industrial center in the 1800s; it was only after the turn of the century that hotels first began springing up in the newly revitalized resort town. Today, Mar del Plata is the seventh-biggest city in Argentina, and most of its popularity stems from its beautiful waterfront. In the summer, Royal Holiday members will do well to sample the various beaches, from the peaceful waters off Cabo Corrientes and Varese to the incredible surfing available at the Playa Grande. Many beaches feature everything from major events and concerts to incredible beachside restaurants, all of which can be reached through the city’s convenient transportation options. Royal Holiday’s surfing enthusiasts will certainly want to take the trip to Waikiki beach, where the Kikiwai Surf Club provides excellent lessons and the waves attract many skilled surfers.
Of course, Mar del Plata offers much more than fabulous beaches. After the sun goes down, many in the city retreat to the nightclubs on streets like Constitución Avenue or attend the all-night beach parties. Royal Holiday members who enjoy the nightlife will have plenty of fun, but visitors would do well to save some energy for exploring Mar del Plata’s fascinating cityscape. A town of beautiful parks and charming European-style architecture, Mar del Plata also features a number of excellent museums, such as the Museo del Mar, and performance spaces, like the Teatro Colon. Shoppers will find numerous options, including the malls off the Diagonal Pueyrredón, while Royal Holiday members looking for more adult entertainment will enjoy playing the games at Casino Central.