Rich Report describes it as a sustainable family-run retreat for artists that has a James Turrell installation.

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Posada Ayana is a barefoot luxury resort located in Uruguay's hippest village, just steps away from La Mansa beach. In November 2021, Austrian art collectors Robert and Edda Kofler premiered South America's first freestanding Skyspace installation, a collaboration that included Uruguayan architect Alvaro Pérez Azar, who sourced and restored local vintage furniture along with drawing up the blueprints, and legendary American light and space artist James Turrell.

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With its relaxed hospitality and creative approach, Ayana captivates intellectuals and art collectors, and is already drawing international jet-setters and well-heeled South Americans. Aside from the stunning sunrise and sunset light shows at Ta Khut, James Turrell's latest skyspace - a two-year-old white marble pyramid - the star attraction at the posada is its spectacular sunrise and sunset light shows. Additionally, this temple has significantly raised the cultural bar in the area through its sunrise light show.

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What happened in the past

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In mid-construction, Robert and Edda Kofler, discerning world travellers and art collectors, changed the idea into a 17-room hotel, originally intended as a summertime family retreat. Growing up in Bregenz, Austria, Robert spent his school holidays at his father's bijou mountain hotel, and his dream was to become a hospitality professional. In José Ignacio, his daughters Felice, Ayana's general manager, and Koko, an equestrian, also fulfilled that dream. The couple created an abode for artists-in-residence, a hub for fellow connoisseurs, and a way to share their collection throughout the lodge through collaboration with the Arizona-born artist Turrell.

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Rooms of the guests

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Each luxuriously low-key suite features art from Edda Kofler's private collection (she has only collected female artists for the past five years) – and it works. Enjoy your private garden or soak up the ocean vistas while swinging to the Atlantic breezes on many terraces, drenched in natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows. A sensual outdoor shower and three bedrooms make this villa a favorite of couples.

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A food and drink menu

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A la carte breakfast by the infinity pool includes freshly squeezed orange juice and specialty coffee along with eggs prepared however you wish. You might also meet a Viennese art dealer or a Brazilian plastic surgeon at the restaurant's communal table, a warm and welcoming living room extension. In the kitchen, only locally sourced ingredients are used, and whenever possible, organic ingredients are used. Both lunch and dinner are served with gazpacho made from sustainable local fish served in ceviche or tempura. Uruguayan wines are the only ones on the wine list.

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The area

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From December to March, Punta del Este and its satellite towns La Barra, Manantiales and José Ignacio become busy hives of activity with temperatures rising and skimpy bikinis abounding. Other months are often a slow time for restaurants and stores. Lo de Tere has a great menu specializing in sustainably caught seafood that is open year-round. An entire day can be spent eating your way through José Ignacio's restaurants. Take a taste of Fernando Trocca's patisserie at Mostrador Santa Teresita, a romantic flame-grilled supper under the stars under the stars at Marismo from fire master Federico Desseno at the destination diner La Huella, sunset G&Ts at the smart Playa Vik, and a romantic sunset at Playa Vik with a romantic flame-grilled supper. Is the Ayana look something you'd like to replicate? You can find many of the items used by architect Pérez at José Ignacio's design store Mutate.

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The Services They Provide

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All guests are given Felice Kofler's phone number to WhatsApp requests, such as hard-to-book tables at Francis Mallmann's rural Restaurante Garzón or tickets for José Igancio's international film festival, because she is very well connected within the local community. Friendly Uruguayan waitstaff serve pink vermouth and soda, along with bar snacks, to quench thirst.

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A commitment to the environment

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Aside from using local wood and stone, the inn's design and decor were largely inspired by vintage pieces from Montevideo and Punta del Este dating from the 1950s and 1960s. The Koflers had originally considered building low-rise apartments on that lot, but instead created a landscaping competition for Uruguayan artists, whose winners planted 15,000 native plants. In addition to the Uruguayan insignia on the bathroom amenities, the kitchen uses only local ingredients.

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Anything left to mention?

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First-floor suites offer views of both the Atlantic and Skyspace, however the front door bell can be rather persistent during siesta time. After you finish soaking in the saltwater infinity pool, order the house rosé - Let The Sunshine In - so it's ready when the sky changes colors.