There’s a rhythm to Buenos Aires that rarely lets up. Even joy, at full volume, sometimes calls for pause.
For those moments of quiet retreat, another side of Argentina reveals itself. In the Córdoba region, the alpine charm of Villa General Belgrano and the soft-spoken calm of Río Cuarto offer a gentler pace where the days stretch longer and the landscapes invite stillness.
And to complete the experience, each town is home to a spa retreat from Sonesta’s AKEN Collection, where wellness isn’t an add-on but the essence of the stay.
This guide offers an inside look at spa getaways in Villa General Belgrano and Río Cuarto with thoughtful recommendations from the teams at Böden Hotel & Spa and La Urumpta Hotel & Spa.
🛎️ Discover Córdoba with Sonesta Hotels
Table of Contents
Why Córdoba Region Is Ideal for a Spa Getaway
Let us tell you a bit about the Córdoba region and why it tends to stay with people long after they’ve left.
Situated around 700 kilometers from Buenos Aires and less than 400 from Rosario, Córdoba feels far enough to be a real departure, yet not so far that it’s out of reach. Most travelers arrive through the city of Córdoba, the provincial capital, before heading into the surrounding valleys and towns.
It’s long been a favorite among Argentine travelers, and more recently, a destination returning guests from abroad seek out for its gentle landscapes, clear rivers, and the quiet magnetism of its small towns.
What tends to leave the strongest impression, though, is the way the place moves. Slowly. Softly. The sierras stretch along the horizon. Forested paths weave past sunlit valleys and still water. Towns unfold without hurry, shaped by the land and the light more than by any schedule.
And that tends to echo what we hear from guests. More than a few have told us how just getting out and looking around made them feel like they were finally on the kind of trip they actually needed.
Quiet river mornings in the Córdoba sierras
Villa General Belgrano: A Mountain Town with a European Soul
About two hours southwest of the city of Córdoba, Villa General Belgrano is a mountain town that feels more Central Europe than central Argentina. Nestled in the Calamuchita Valley, it’s known for its Alpine-style architecture, German-Argentine traditions, and a main street lined with chalets, breweries, and chocolate shops.
Oktoberfest might be the headline, but Villa General Belgrano doesn’t rely on one season to stay interesting.
Mornings often start with a walk up Cerro de la Virgen, a short climb with wide views over the valley. Others follow the Los Reartes River, especially in late afternoon, when the light softens and the water stays cool.
Guests often comment on the small, memorable things: the carved wooden signs, the scent of pastries drifting through town, the unexpected blend of Spanish and German in everyday conversations.
It’s easy to lose track of time: you might browse a shop of handmade ceramics, then stop for strudel, or linger longer than planned at an open-air market.
Some pick up trail maps at the tourism office, others rent bikes to explore the valley floor. Almost everyone leaves with a few extra photos and a little more quiet than they arrived with.
Villa General Belgrano’s beautiful mix of European style and valley landscape.
Hotel Spotlight: Böden Hotel & Spa, AKEN SOUL
Just minutes from the center of Villa General Belgrano, Böden Hotel & Spa, AKEN SOUL offers a stay built around calm and restoration. The property is surrounded by quiet hills, with views that open toward the mountains and plenty of space to disconnect.
From the terrace: quiet mountain views and clear skies.
The spa and wellness area is one of the hotel’s main draws. Guests can rotate between the sauna, steam room, and outdoor hot tub, or take time in the indoor heated pool, reserved for adults and topped with a softly lit, star-like ceiling.
A larger seasonal outdoor pool faces the sierras. Treatments are personalized by the hotel’s Wellness Creators, who tailor each session to the guest’s goals rather than offering fixed menus.
The spa’s indoor pool, a favorite spot to begin—or end—the day.
Rooms are designed for rest: muted tones, natural textures, private balconies, and large windows that pull in light and views without distraction. Many guests notice how quiet it stays even when every room is booked.
At Böden Hotel & Spa, AKEN SOUL, rooms open to the sierras.
And for guests enrolled in Sonesta Travel Pass, every stay at Böden Hotel & Spa, AKEN SOUL earns points toward the next one, rest included.
Río Cuarto: Córdoba’s Quiet Urban Center
Just over 200 kilometers south of Córdoba’s capital, Río Cuarto, one of the province’s largest cities, brings guests a more lived-in, local kind of experience.
Most visitors arrive by road or through Río Cuarto’s Las Higueras Airport and while it’s not a big tourist destination, that’s part of what makes it appealing.
Our local staff often suggest starting the day at Parque Sarmiento, the city’s main green space, where palms and sculpture gardens line quiet walking paths. The Río Cuarto River, which borders the southern edge of the city, is another favorite for afternoon walks: open, breezy, and easy to reach from the center.
If you’re curious about the city’s culture, the Historical Regional Museum gives a quick but thoughtful overview, and artisan markets are often set up in neighborhood plazas.
Another guest favorite is a day just beyond the city limits, where traditional estancias, some still fully working ranches, offer a window into rural Córdoba.
Hotel Spotlight: La Urumpta Hotel & Spa, AKEN MIND
And to round off your Río Cuarto adventure, or start it, La Urumpta Hotel & Spa, AKEN MIND is where things begin to slow down. Located just 7 kilometers from the airport, it keeps arrivals and departures simple, while everything inside encourages you to unplug.
Some guests treat it as a full digital detox. Others use it as a low-key base for exploring the quieter corners of southern Córdoba. Whatever brings you here, you’re likely to find more stillness than expected.
Balcony view of the garden and outdoor pool at La Urumpta Hotel & Spa, AKEN MIND
The wellness area is tucked away from the rest of the hotel and intentionally quiet. You’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool, and a sauna, along with cozy relaxation spaces and on-request massage therapy.
Indoor pool with hydromassage jets
Rooms follow the same principle: uncluttered, neutral, quiet. There’s room to read, rest, or simply not check your phone for a while. And if you are staying longer, the on-site restaurant offers a light, health-forward menu, with vegetarian and gluten-free options typically available.
/> Exterior dining at La Urumpta Hotel & Spa, AKEN MIND
Booking directly through Sonesta activates Travel Pass benefits like points and member-only offers—added perks for stays that are already centered on slowing down.
How to Plan Your Córdoba Spa Escape
If you’ve decided to set out on a spa trip to the Córdoba region, we’ve gathered a few planning notes our team and returning guests tend to recommend. Just the essentials, nothing overwhelming.
Getting There
From Buenos Aires, it’s about a seven-hour drive to either destination so it’s best suited for longer stays. If you have a few days to spare and prefer the flexibility of the road, it can be a scenic way to experience more of the region. For quicker access, there are direct flights to both Córdoba city and Río Cuarto, followed by convenient to Villa General Belgrano and La Urumpta Hotel & Spa, AKEN MIND.
When to Go
We’d recommend planning your trip for spring (September to November) or fall (March to May). The weather tends to be mild, the scenery sharpens with seasonal color, and it’s easier to enjoy the trails, towns, and spa facilities without crowds.
What to Bring
Pack a swimsuit for the spa and pools, breathable layers for warm afternoons, a light sweater for evenings, and comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore trails or riverside paths. Oh and yes, a book never goes unused here. Between quiet mornings, shaded patios, and unhurried afternoons, there’s always time to read.
Booking Tip
Book directly through Sonesta to unlock Travel Pass perks like points toward future stays, exclusive wellness offers, and benefits that apply across Sonesta properties worldwide.
Disclaimer: The suggested itinerary and points of interest are provided for informational and planning purposes only. Guests are encouraged to independently verify opening hours, availability, travel times, and any potential changes prior to visiting. The inclusion of any businesses, attractions, or destinations does not imply affiliation with or endorsement by Sonesta or its affiliates. Sonesta makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience or loss arising from the use of this information.
