Cipriani Expands Presence in Uruguay’s Premier Resort Destination
Cipriani Hospitality Group has demonstrated its commitment to Uruguay’s luxury hospitality sector with the reopening of Locanda resort in La Barra, Punta del Este, and the continued development of the Cipriani Resort & Casino tower project. The Italian hospitality group reopened Locanda on November 1, 2026, marking the return of the five-star property to the historic Parada 48 site where the first Hotel Cipriani operated decades ago before becoming the Mantra Resort.
The group is preparing to open Locanda Casino by Cipriani during the second half of December 2026 in La Barra. The first group of croupiers completed training two days ago and will join the casino staff ahead of the opening, according to local reports.
Locanda Resort Features and Amenities
The renovated property offers 100 rooms with Italian-inspired interiors. The resort’s main restaurant, Harry’s Table, replicates the original 1931 establishment and serves Italian classics including Carpaccio, Bellini cocktails, Rigatoni alla bolognese, and tiramisu using local ingredients. The restaurant maintains Cipriani’s signature service approach: glasses instead of wine goblets, compact tables designed for sharing dishes, hand-pressed linen tablecloths, white-jacketed waiters, and no background music.
Harry’s Dolci opened its first Latin American location at Locanda for lunch and afternoon service by the pool. The Casablanca beach club operates directly on the beach. Fitness facilities include yoga and pilates studios, tennis and paddle courts, and a modern gym. The spa provides hydrotherapy, sauna, treatments in partnership with Swiss luxury brand Valmont, biohacking therapies with red light and hot-cold contrast, soundproof rooms for sound baths, and specialized Thai and Balinese massage therapists.
Tower Project Under Construction
The Cipriani Resort & Casino tower at Parada 11 on Playa Brava is under construction. Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, the project is planned to exceed 300 meters in height, which would surpass the Gran Torre in Santiago, Chile. The development includes reconstruction of the historic Hotel San Rafael building. This will be Cipriani’s first resort property worldwide. Construction delays have affected the timeline, but the casino component will operate at the Locanda location this season.
Market Position for Buyers and Investors
Punta del Este Luxury Segment
Punta del Este’s luxury hospitality market is adding international brand presence with renovated properties and new developments. The Cipriani projects represent direct investment in Uruguay’s coastal real estate sector, targeting high-end international visitors and property buyers. The area around La Barra (Parada 48) and Playa Brava (Parada 11) concentrates premium hotel and residential development.
For real estate investors, proximity to established luxury hotel brands can affect residential property values in surrounding areas. The Locanda resort’s reopening and the tower project under construction may influence buyer interest in nearby residential developments, though specific price impacts depend on individual property characteristics, location, and market conditions at the time of sale.
Practical Considerations for Property Buyers
Buyers considering properties near these developments should verify zoning regulations, building height restrictions, and future construction plans that may affect views or access. Uruguay’s real estate transaction process requires legal representation, and foreign buyers should confirm tax obligations including property transfer taxes and annual property taxes. Rental income from properties in Punta del Este is typically concentrated in the December-March summer season, with lower occupancy rates during the rest of the year.
| Location | Project | Status | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parada 48, La Barra | Locanda Resort | Open (Nov 2026) | 100 rooms, spa, casino (Dec 2026) |
| Parada 11, Playa Brava | Cipriani Tower | Under construction | 300+ meters, resort & casino |
| Parada 48, La Barra | Harry’s Dolci | Open (2026) | First Latin America location |
Long-Term Outlook for Uruguay Coastal Real Estate
The addition of established international hospitality brands in Punta del Este signals continued investor confidence in Uruguay’s luxury tourism sector. The country’s stable legal framework, tax residency programs, and property ownership rights for foreigners support long-term real estate investment. However, property values in resort areas are sensitive to seasonal tourism patterns, regional economic conditions, and currency fluctuations.
The extended tourism calendar beyond the traditional summer season, supported by wellness facilities and year-round amenities at properties like Locanda, may gradually reduce the seasonal volatility that has historically characterized Punta del Este’s rental market. Buyers should conduct thorough due diligence on individual properties, including title verification, structural inspections, and analysis of comparable sales in the specific neighborhood before committing to purchases in the area.
Quellen
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