Good hotels are places to which you plan on returning. Great hotels are places in which you dream of living; places which force you to rethink your vision of home.
Casa Calma sits in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires and aims to be “a home from home” for its guests. It is Argentina’s first eco-hotel and is devoted to a philosophy of wellness and organic living; an oasis in the womb of a heaving metropolis.
On 15th October, Casa Calma celebrates its first anniversary as Buenos Aires’ prime environmentally friendly, urban refuge. After a year of business, the ground-breaking design of the hotel continues to provide guests with luxury accommodation whilst adhering to an organic mantra.
Argentine architect and co-founder, Carlos Levit, believed in the importance of investing within his own country. Through travel and exploration of global ecological design ideas and phenomena, he was able to “create something entirely new here in Buenos Aires”. Levit designed everything in the building, and where the green issue is a relatively recent preoccupation in Argentina, his work is truly innovative, as he strives to highlight the importance of organic living.
The hotel features an abundance of initiatives dedicated to promoting this movement of environmental concern. The building is surrounded by a beautiful vertical garden: green ivy which grows up each of the outside walls, providing a verdant backdrop and acting as an energy saving thermal balance, keeping heat either in or out as required. The horticultural wonder also improves the breathing quality of the surrounding atmosphere and grows behind double glazed glass, ensuring that no heat is lost unnecessarily.
The hotel’s impeccable decor is all manufactured from eco-friendly materials. The wood used is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, assuring sustainable forest resources; and the wallpaper is made from entirely recycled materials. Furthermore, each room’s amenities (the lavish, complementary spa products) are bottled using recycled plastic, and are refilled as opposed to replaced, cutting down on the hotel’s waste.
However, according to the staff of Casa Calma, the hotel’s primary attraction is its character. It is distinct from any other establishment in the country, and the tranquil haven seems completely hidden from the bustling city outside. Indeed, upon entering the building the double glazing drowns out all traffic noise, and the crisp white, plush interior of the lobby creates an immediately fresh and cosy atmosphere. The shelves are lined with books on green living, and a computer is available for free use by guests.
This serene ambience is the defining feature of the hotel’s bedrooms. The twelve ‘Wellness’ and six ‘Wellness Premium’ suites are designed as individual spa retreats, each equipped with a Jacuzzi and therapeutic ‘Scottish shower’. Premium rooms also have a sauna and all bathrooms feature a luxury array of natural soaps, oils and lotions. The rooms are light and spacious and if desired, candles, chocolate and champagne can all be ordered from reception. Guests can enjoy breakfast in bed at no extra cost, whilst watching a DVD from the hotel’s library on the wide-screen television. The overall effect is that of a sumptuous, yet homely, environment which is further enhanced by a well-stocked mini bar and máquinas de la casa, such as an espresso machine and i-pod port.
The staff and managers maintain that this “filosofía de casa” is what makes Casa Calma such a wholly relaxing and satisfying experience. Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in the hotel’s ‘Honesty Bar’. At any time, residents may help themselves to fruit, pastries, teas, juices and wines. They are trusted to record their pickings and pay the tab when they check out. Casa Calma’s cuisine is based on fresh, regional, organic produce, and the range of delicious meat, fish and pasta dishes are all prepared from scratch on the premises. Chef, Ignacio Sosa, describes the menu as: “Homemade meets sophisticated, and always hecho con amor.” He and his team promise to cook each dish to your preferred taste, “as you’d like it in your own home.”
Thus, he perfectly captures the essence of Casa Calma. As the hotel endeavours to provide the finest in calm comfort and eco-friendly luxury, guests are most importantly welcomed with open arms into a homely environment. A year on, the hotel’s philosophy is still refreshing. Whether you are holidaying in the capital, or looking for a weekend break from working in the city, Casa Calma promotes a “culture of wellbeing”, catering for the mind, body and above all, soul.
Casa Calma is situated on Suipacha 1015, near to Plaza San Martín. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.casacalma.com.ar or contact reservas@casacalma.com.ar or 11 5199-2800. A ‘Wellness Suite’ costs US$195 per night, and a ‘Wellness Premium Suite’ is priced at US$210 per night. All rates include breakfast ad all rooms have Wifi. Inquire about corporate packages. The ‘Honesty Bar’ is open to non-residents.