Estancia El Colibri
CORDOBA, ARGENTINA
In 2023 Raoul and Stéphanie Fenestraz decided to swap their life in the French Alps for the Argentine countryside. Seduced by the wild beauty of the Sierras de Chicas they were inspired to build their own house here and shortly afterwards they realised they wished to share their dream, and created the first rural palace of Argentina - Estancia El Colibri.
Opened in 2005, Estancia El Colibri was and still is a passion project for the Fenestraz family. An hour’s drive from Cordoba, Argentina’s second largest city, El Colibri is nestled within 170 hectares of rolling countryside in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas - a haven to ride, walk or bike through.
Built in a colonial style by local craftsmen the estancia comprises 9 bright and spacious rooms. All except 2 of them have their own terraces with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Up until recently the Fenestraz family lived around the corner in their own house (La Maison) where their children all grew up. Now with Raoul and Stéphanie residing in Italy, La Maison has undergone a full renovation including the addition of a private swimming pool and private chef. With 5 bedrooms, it’s an ideal option for families or larger groups.
El Colibri is an absolute must for those seeking a rural Argentine experience, as it offers an idyllic setting a world away from city life. Horse lovers can enjoy two guided rides per day and for those that are really keen there are full day rides and more. Raoul is passionate about Polo, the estancia has its own team which plays in regional and national tournaments and guests can learn to play too. Daily visits to the organic farm are on offer as well as hiking, golf and birdwatching to name but a few.
Quick Facts
Number of Rooms: 9 in the estancia and 5 in La Maison
Room Categories: Deluxe Room (2) Junior Suite (4) Suite (2) Suite Colibri (1)
La Maison ( 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms accommodating up to 12 people)
Interconnecting Rooms: Each Deluxe Room can connect with a Suite and Suite Colibri can connect with 2 Junior Suites - ideal for offering flexible arrangements for families.
Room Descriptions
Deluxe Rooms: 48m² , Double or Twin beds with space for a rollaway bed or cot, 2 comfortable arm chairs in front of a fireplace
Junior Suites: 44-48m² , Double or Twin beds with space for a rollaway bed or cot, 2 comfortable arm chairs in front of a fireplace, outdoor terrace
Suites: 78m², Kingsize bed or Twin Beds, Separate living room with space for an extra bed, outdoor terrace
All of the above rooms have air conditioning and heating and the bathrooms have baths and separate showers. Complimentary wifi and satellite tv throughout
Suite Colibri: 105m², Large entrance hall, separate living room (with space for a 3rd bed) double dressing room, magnificent vaulted bathroom with bath tub, jacuzzi and separate shower, outdoor terrace.
La Maison: 600m², 5 bedrooms (sleeping up 12), 3 bathrooms, living room with fireplace, kitchen with professional equipment, quincho with grill, private swimming pool, views of the Santa Catalina river for more info see here
Booking Options: Full board excluding beverages
Minimum Stay: 2 nights at La Maison, no minimum stay for the rooms in the estancia.
Stays of 3 nights include an asado plus wine tasting in El Colibri’s cellar and return airport transfers
Dates of Operation: Year Round, closed for 10 days during the low season
Membership: Relais & Chateaux
Amenities: Unheated outdoor pool, Spa, Fitness room, Sauna, Hammam, Hot Tub & Beauty Centre
Rates & Key Info
“The best thing a man can do for another is to share his dream”
— Raoul & Stéphanie Fenestraz
Cuisine
Helmed by Chef Léo Bramajo, who has spent 17 years at the estancia, La Table du Colibri offers a farm-to-table dining experience focussing on simple, seasonal ingredients which celebrate the culinary heritage of Argentina.
Fresh produce is sourced just a few steps away in El Colibri’s organic vegetable garden and from the neighbouring farm which is also owned by the Fenestraz family. Meals are served in various picturesque spots around the estancia, ensuring guests enjoy not just the flavours of the food but the natural beauty surrounding them.
Recognized by Legates magazine as offering the best asado in Argentina, La Table du Colibri combines the warmth of traditional Argentine cooking with an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Whether it’s a carefully curated a la carte dish or the smoky flavours of a traditional asado, every meal is a celebration of the land, the seasons and a passion for exceptional food.
Additional Information
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Todos!
Single Travellers, Couples, Honeymooners and families with children of all ages are welcome at Estancia El Colibri
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Included within the rate are:
Daily farm visits (the family owns the next door farm, Don Andre, which has a herd of 300 Aberdeen Angus cattle as well as sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, ducks and chickens!)
Two guided horse rides per day
Hiking and biking along the estancia’s trails
Use of the swimming pool,Hammam, Sauna, Jaccuzzi and Gym
Activities available with an additional cost are: Polo lessons, Golf, bird watching, cooking lessons, wine tastings, all day guided horse rides and spa treatments.
The estancia can also arrange visits to the Jesuit churches of Santa Catalina and other excursions beyond the estancia (eg Cordoba, Ongamira Caves and the Sierras of Cordoba).
“Horse Paradise” is a new programme developed by El Colibri, which is “a unique immersion in the heart of argentinean gaucho’s traditions”. For keen horse riders wanting longer in the saddle and more adventure, packages start from 2 nights - for more information please see here
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To learn more about the practices put in place by Estancia El Colibri please see here
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The weather in the Córdoba province is good all year round. The summer months stretch from late November until late March and this is the hottest season. Even though the region is classified as having a humid subtropical climate, the humidity is offset by the constant winds which blow in from the cold south west. The majority of rainfall tends to be during the summer leaving winters to be cooler and dry. The average temperature during the summer is about 30°C, yet even in winter, it tends to average 23 - 24°C during the day, dropping at night.
Property Location
Estancia El Colibri is situated in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas only one hour from the city of Córdoba (Argentina’s second largest city) and only 45 minutes drive from Cordoba airport (COR). Córdoba is very well connected both domestically and internationally, receiving direct flights Madrid (Air Europa) Panama City (Copa Airlines) Lima (LATAM) Santiago (LATAM) Rio de Janeiro (Aerolineas, Gol & Jetsmart) Iguazu (Aerolineas) and more.
