I remember visiting Hotel Garzón back in 1999 when it was just a general store in an abandoned town. I’m still in awe of Francis’s vision to create such a beautiful universe while preserving the essence of the place. Just an hour from Punta del Este, it’s a fantastic getaway to disconnect from the hustle and bustle—surrounded by nature, beauty, and absolute comfort; it’s a place where I feel at home. —Ignacio Mattos

Ignacio Mattos is the Uruguayan chef and restaurateur behind New York’s Estela, Lodi, and Altro Paradiso