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Arelauquen Golf & Country Club in Bariloche is widely regarded as one of Patagonia’s most desirable gated communities, offering a rare combination of dramatic mountain scenery, five‑star facilities, and robust 24‑hour security. For international buyers and second‑home owners, it delivers the lifestyle of a private alpine resort with the convenience of being just minutes from downtown Bariloche and its airport.
A Unique Setting Between Lake and Mountains
Arelauquen lies on the southern slopes of Cerro Otto, along the shores of Lake Gutiérrez, in northern Patagonia. This privileged position gives residents sweeping views toward Lake Gutiérrez, Cerro Catedral, and the surrounding Andes, while remaining only about 10 minutes from Bariloche’s town centre and a short drive from the international airport.
The estate extends over roughly 780 hectares, of which around 500 hectares are preserved as a private nature reserve and common green space. The balance is carefully planned residential sectors with generous lots—typically from 1,000 to 10,000 square metres—set among native coihue and ñire forests. This low‑density, master‑planned layout protects both the landscape and long‑term property values.
Everyday Life in Iconic Patagonia Scenery
One of the strongest reasons buyers choose Arelauquen over other neighbourhoods in Bariloche is its scenery. Here, daily life unfolds against a backdrop of snow‑topped peaks, a crystal‑clear lake, and a mature native forest.
Residents and guests enjoy:
- Direct mountain and lake views from many homes, apartments, and hotel suites.
- Easy access to a network of trails inside the private reserve for hiking, trail running, birdwatching, and quiet forest walks.
- A tranquil ambience that is noticeably more peaceful than central Bariloche during peak tourist seasons.
Visitor reviews frequently describe Arelauquen as a “paradise in Patagonia,” highlighting the contrast between the calm inside the estate and the busier areas around town. For long‑stay guests and owners, this sense of retreat—without isolation—is a key part of the appeal.
Five‑Star Facilities: Golf, Polo, Spa, and More
Unlike simple residential subdivisions, Arelauquen was designed from the outset as a comprehensive country club with infrastructure to support year‑round living.
Championship Golf Course
Arelauquen’s 18‑hole golf course is regarded as one of Patagonia’s best, with fairways that weave between lakeside meadows and forest, under the guidance of Argentine professional Vicente “Chino” Fernández. The course is certified by the Asociación Argentina de Golf, features modern irrigation on fairways, greens, and tees, and remains open year-round for property owners and visiting players.
Practice facilities include a driving range, putting greens, and on-site equipment, cart, and trolley rental, supported by a golf academy that offers lessons for adults and juniors. A cosy Andean‑style golf clubhouse provides a bar and dining room where players can relax after a round.
Polo and Equestrian Lifestyle
Arelauquen is also a genuine equestrian hub, with two to three polo fields (sources differ slightly), stables, corrals, and accommodation for grooms, making it one of the very few developments in Patagonia with full polo infrastructure. The dedicated polo clubhouse offers some of the best views on the estate and hosts matches and social events during the season.
For families and those passionate about horses, this adds a distinctive layer to the lifestyle that is hard to replicate elsewhere in the region.
Club House, Wellness and Sports
The main Club House brings together many of the leisure and wellness services that international buyers now expect. Facilities include:
- A restaurant and bar
- Modern fitness centre and gym
- Semi‑Olympic heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, open all year
- Deck and solarium area
- Sauna, spa services, and changing rooms
- Lounges, Wi‑Fi, and spaces for games and children’s activities in season
Beyond golf and polo, owners can play tennis, squash, and football, or enjoy a nautical club and pier on Lake Gutiérrez for water‑based activities. In winter, the proximity to Cerro Catedral—Argentina’s most important ski resort—turns Arelauquen into a convenient base for skiing and snowboarding while returning each evening to the privacy of a gated community.
On‑Site Hotel and Hospitality
Within the secure perimeter sits Arelauquen Lodge, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, a boutique mountain hotel beside the golf course. The lodge offers hotel rooms and apartments, ski lockers, a sauna, hydro‑massage, a bar, and a restaurant, providing owners and visitors with high‑standard services without leaving the estate.
For property investors, this branded-hotel presence reinforces Arelauquen’s positioning as a premium international destination and supports rental demand.
Security and Peace of Mind: A Core Selling Point
For many overseas buyers, security is a decisive factor—and Arelauquen has invested heavily in this area. The development operates as a fully gated community with 24‑hour security, controlled access, and a sophisticated surveillance system.
The security infrastructure includes:
- Multiple guarded entrances (Polo, Lago, Peñón del Lago, among others), with permanent staff and strict visitor registration and service provision.
- A fully fenced perimeter, with double and in some stretches triple security fencing.
- Around 91 CCTV cameras, including high‑definition infrared domes, thermal cameras, and fixed cameras, are all monitored 24/7.
- A dedicated security bunker that coordinates on‑site patrols and responds to incidents across the estate.
Travel and rental platforms consistently note that “the entire area is private so very secure,” with guests required to show proof of stay to re‑enter at the gates. For owners who may leave their homes unoccupied for part of the year, this level of control provides essential peace of mind.
Accessibility, Lifestyle and Investment Appeal
Arelauquen’s location offers the best of both worlds: a secluded, natural environment and fast access to services and transport.
- About 10–15 minutes from central Bariloche for shopping, dining, schools, and medical services.
- Conveniently close to Bariloche’s international airport, with regular flights to Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities.
- Short transfers to Cerro Catedral during the ski season, with some organised transportation available from the club.
From an investment perspective, Arelauquen’s combination of prestige, facilities, and security underpins both capital values and rental performance. Listings on leading portals and with luxury agencies showcase a broad spectrum of high‑end homes, duplexes, and large-view lots aimed at a discerning national and international market. Meanwhile, tourism operators advertising stays inside the club highlight its “international‑level services and infrastructure,” “comfort and luxury,” and secure environment as key selling points.
For investors looking at Bariloche and northern Patagonia, Arelauquen Golf & Country Club offers something rare: a mature, fully serviced, and highly secure country club community in one of South America’s most iconic landscapes.
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