Philosophy
Las Musas came to José Ignacio to pave new paths where one can embrace everything that enlightens the spirit. It was the desire to share experiences in a place that feels hidden away from the world, where the sophistication of the architecture facilitates the services of a luxury lodge far away from the noise of everyday life but only a few steps from the sea.
Calm, silence and wellbeing; creative and artistic exploration. Music and wonderful cuisine. Human bonds that encourage and facilitate original thought. An opportunity to immerse oneself in their inner being.
ARCHITECTURe
The internationally renowned Chilean architect Mathias Klotz was one of the principals behind the architecture at Las Musas along with the architect Carolina Pedroni. Together they were able to bring the poetry of the concept to life.
“Las Musas is a place conceived and built with love by a team of dedicated professionals and workers. Together we have created an atmosphere of peace and harmony that nourishes the inner growth of all those who experience it. It was a privilege for me to be a part of the process.” / Mathias Klotz, architect.
The aesthetics of the project are based around achieving simplicity, delicacy and Japanese sophistication. The construction materials: concrete, stone and wood, form abstract volumes clad with a system of lapacho wood slats.
INTERIOR DESIGn
Natural fibres and local crafts establish a harmonic dialogue with designs by the great Isamu Noguchi and European creatives. The interior architecture of the Lake Villa is the result of a collaboration between the architect and interior designer Mauro Bernardini, architect Cecilia Timossi and the textile designer and architect Graciela Churba.
“Our inspiration was the spirit of eastern Uruguay, somewhere between a beach and summer house.”/ Mauro Bernardini, architect.
LANDSCAPINg
Preserving the native forest, respecting the heritage of the rural landscape and fomenting the recovery of native species were all key goals of the careful landscaping carried out by the prestigious landscape designer Roberto Mulieri. A highlight of his work, drawing attention to the beauty of the surroundings, were the walkways that allow one to immerse themselves in the indigenous flora.
Healing and Kitchen Gardens
Our kitchen garden abounds with herbs and vegetables. It teaches us patience and care, revealing new flavours to cherish and celebrate every season.
The gardens and vegetable patch are looked after by Luis Pintos, a Uruguayan agricultural engineer who built the kitchen garden himself using 100% organic techniques and local compost.
“Sitting in the vegetable garden very early in the morning, looking out over the vines, is a unique experience that brings peace and tranquillity. You can hear the dawn chorus of the cardinals, sabias and calandria.” / Luis Pintos, head gardener.
Today, we harvest basil, mint, lemongrass, oregano, thyme, chives, curry, rosemary and lavender. The orchard contains lemon, satsuma, plum, damson and peach trees that delight us with their fruit. From gentle, relaxing lavender balm to the antioxidant properties of the citrus fruit, our garden is both healing and full of delicious flavours.
Native fauna
Si uno es silencioso y atento se encontrará con nutrias y carpinchos en el tajamar. También están las garzas blancas que se van y vuelven. Ellas tienen memoria: migran en el invierno y regresan en primavera junto a los patos que se quedan a pasar el verano. Los que sí están siempre son los horneros, las palomas, los gorriones, muchos de ellos hacen sus nidos y duermen en los árboles de la isla que ya estaba allí cuando se adquirió la propiedad y fue conservada con su refugio y el de otras especies.
“Preserving the existing flora of Las Musas allowed us to protect the fauna that lives there.” / Roberto Mulieri, landscaper.
Sustainability
Beginning with the photovoltaic panels that produce renewable energy, the design and architecture of the villas are designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown in a 100% organic garden where the entire Las Musas team works to promote sustainable practices and protect the environment.