Bahi
Bohemian-chic, contemporary art-forward beach retreat. Loose and convivial rather than formal. Think barefoot luxury with serious contemporary art — painted ceilings, gold-leaf atria, stone-grotto bathrooms, and cork-clad walls sitting alongside Atlantic dune views.
Book at least two years in advance for December–January stays — the hotel fills fast with returning guests
Why It Matters
Named a Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice top South American hotel multiple times (including 2025) and listed in the Michelin Guide. Every one of the 49 rooms and suites is individually designed by a Uruguayan or international artist — no two are alike. The bathroom design alone is a talking point: one is carved from a boulder, another is floor-to-ceiling cork, another clad in Italian marble. The sister VIK Winery in Millahue, Chile, was named Best Vineyard in the World by The World's 50 Best Vineyards 2025.
Bahia Vik is the largest of the three Vik Retreats properties in José Ignacio, spread across ten acres of Mansa Beach dunes. The central building is Uruguayan grey slate and glass — sleek and open — housing ten artist-designed suites, a library, fitness center, spa, and the Zodiaco restaurant. Around it, fifteen freestanding bungalows fan out across the dunes toward the ocean, each one designed by a different artist with no two interiors remotely alike. Four long dark-stone reflecting pools run parallel to the Atlantic. Sister properties Playa Vik (a 10-minute walk) and Estancia Vik (a 10-minute drive) are fully accessible to guests, which effectively triples the available dining, activities, and amenities.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Garden View Suite
One-bedroom suite in the main building with a private terrace overlooking the garden and surrounding sand dunes. Every room is individually designed by a different Uruguayan or international artist — no two look remotely the same. Spacious ensuite with twin sinks, a freestanding bathtub, and a walk-in rainfall shower. King bed (twins on request), writing desk, lounge furniture, flatscreen TV, and minibar.
King (twins available on request) · 40 sqm
Large Multi-Suite Bungalows (3–5 Bedroom)
The property also has four larger bungalows housing 3, 4, or 5 individual bedroom suites for groups and families. Two bungalows have five-bedroom suites, one has three suites, and one has four. Each suite has its own bathroom. Interiors are art-filled and each suite is independently designed. Ideal for families or groups wanting a private compound feel within the dunes.
King per suite (twins on request)Ocean View 2-Bedroom Bungalow
Freestanding beachfront bungalow with two suites — both with uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean views — sharing a central living room. Each suite has its own entrance, private terrace, king bed, flatscreen TV, minibar, and a full ensuite bathroom with twin sinks, freestanding tub, and walk-in rainfall shower. Fifth guest on extra bed for $150/night.
King per suite (twins available on request) · 220 sqmOcean View Master Suite
The flagship room category in the main building — 85 sqm with a spacious living room and private terrace commanding uninterrupted Atlantic views. Each is individually conceived by a different artist. King bed, large ensuite with twin sinks, freestanding tub, and walk-in rainfall shower. Extra adult can be added for $150/night.
King (twins available on request) · 85 sqmOcean View Suite
Beachfront suite in the main building with a private deck and direct Atlantic Ocean views. Individually designed by Uruguayan or international artists. King bed, large windows, writing desk, lounge furniture, flatscreen TV, minibar, and a full ensuite bathroom with twin sinks, freestanding bathtub, and walk-in rainfall shower.
King (twins available on request) · 58 sqmPartial Ocean View 2-Bedroom Bungalow
Freestanding beachfront bungalow tucked into the dunes with two individual suites (each with its own entrance) connected by a central shared living room. Both suites have partial sea views and private terraces. Each has a king bed, flatscreen TV, minibar, and a spacious ensuite with twin sinks, freestanding tub, and walk-in rainfall shower. Perfect for two couples or families. Fifth guest on extra bed available for $150/night.
King per suite (twins available on request) · 220 sqmPartial Ocean View Master Suite
Larger suite in the main building with a spacious living room and private terrace with partial ocean views. Individually designed with unique furniture and artwork by national and international artists. King bed (twins on request), full ensuite with twin sinks, freestanding bathtub, walk-in rainfall shower, flatscreen TV, and minibar.
King (twins available on request) · 85 sqmPartial Ocean View Suite
Beachfront suite in the main building with a private deck and partial Atlantic Ocean view. Individually designed with unique furnishings and artwork by national and international artists. King bed, large windows, writing desk, lounge furniture, flatscreen TV, minibar, and a full ensuite with twin sinks, freestanding tub, and walk-in rainfall shower.
King (twins available on request) · 58 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Casual open-fire Uruguayan BBQ gatherings on the beach — a signature social ritual at Bahia Vik. Informal, communal, and one of the highlights guests consistently mention.
Complimentary bike loans available for guests. A popular route goes to the José Ignacio lighthouse at sunset — roughly a 20-minute pedal.
A signature Bahia Vik service — an on-property concierge with deep local knowledge who can arrange access to artists' studios, private wildlife tours with local naturalists, curated day trips into the Uruguayan countryside, Punta del Este, and beyond. Pre-arrival itinerary planning available.
Access to excellent 18-hole golf courses nearby, arrangeable through the Experience Concierge.
Polo instruction at Estancia Vik's full-sized private polo field overlooking Laguna José Ignacio. Available to all Bahia Vik guests through the sister property.
Tennis courts accessible at sister property Estancia Vik, with grass courts on the estancia grounds.
Ride with gauchos across open pampas at sister property Estancia Vik, about 10 minutes by car. The Estancia has a herd of Criollo and Quarter horses. Guided rides typically last one hour or more along the riverbank and through native forest toward the lagoon.
Kayaking on the Laguna de José Ignacio — handmade canoes are available. A tranquil way to explore the lagoon and the surrounding native forest.
Kite-boarding available through the Experience Concierge on the beaches around José Ignacio.
Mansa Beach is right in front of the hotel. Surfing lessons and board rental can be arranged through the Experience Concierge.
Guided wildlife tours with a local naturalist, including birdwatching (pink flamingoes visible nearby) and nature walks through native forest around the lagoon.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A relaxed bar and lounge area in the main building — pool table, comfortable sofas, and curated playlist. Note: drinks are European resort-priced.
Direct access to Mansa Beach — step from your bungalow terrace straight onto the sand.
On-site tour desk for booking excursions, transfers, and local experiences.
Complimentary wireless internet throughout the property.
Buffet breakfast included with all stays. Fresh fruits, juices, pastries, croissants, sandwiches, eggs cooked to order, good coffee and tea selection.
Babysitting and childcare services available on request.
On-site playground for younger guests.
Full gym open daily 8am–8pm. Well-maintained and spacious for a boutique hotel, per guest reviews. Includes strength equipment.
A beachside fire pit area, excellent for evening gatherings — guests frequently mention sitting by the fire in Uruguayan ponchos watching the stars.
Four long, dark-stone reflecting pools set parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, nestled among the beach dunes. Modern and minimalist in design, with raised wooden decking ideal for lunch or sundowners.
A dedicated games room adjacent to the hotel boutique. Pool table is the centerpiece of the bar area.
All rooms and suites feature air conditioning.
Nightly turndown with daily housekeeping throughout.
Small on-property boutique offering Vik-curated items including Uruguayan art and local crafts.
Property designed to minimize energy use through natural ventilation, solar technologies, water collection and recycling, and intelligent energy efficiency systems. Pet-friendly in select categories (dogs and cats under 40 lbs).
Free on-site parking available for guests.
BUILD YOUR BAHIA VIK JOSE IGNACIO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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